Utah Gov. Herbert Elected WGA Chair

Contact: Alan Matheson -  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Cle Elum, Washington - Gov. Gary Herbert (Utah) was elected Chairman of the Western Governors' Association today, and Gov. John Hickenlooper (Colo.) was elected Vice Chairman.

In his remarks, Herbert said his primary focus and the overarching theme for his chairmanship is "Responsible Energy Development," with a goal of providing reliable, affordable and cleaner energy for the long term.

"This initiative recognizes the critical role the West will play in achieving energy independence. We can develop our wealth of energy sources--from traditional to renewable--in responsible ways that will stimulate the economy and promote security, while protecting our natural treasures and cherished quality of life," Herbert said.

"We need an all-the-above approach, making appropriate use of all energy sources," Herbert said.  "Coal reserves in the West are enormous, with Western states providing more than half of the nation's coal. The potential for wind and solar in the West is practically unlimited.  Additionally, both geothermal and biomass resources contribute to the region's energy portfolio and continue to grow in importance."

Gov. Herbert will work with his colleagues, the private sector, tribal governments, universities, national labs, non-profit groups, federal and state agencies and other partners to identify and implement specific strategies for energy development in the West.

This may include developing an updated set of regional energy goals as part of a 10-year energy plan for the West for approval by the governors in June 2013.

This planning effort will continue WGA's work on regional transmission expansion for electricity, and may include recommendations on the expansion of markets for natural gas, including necessary pipeline infrastructure, and the development of refueling infrastructure to support increased use of natural gas as a transportation fuel.

WGA will also support efforts to increase electrification within the transportation sector, including development of enabling markets and infrastructure.  Combined, these specific measures will support progress toward energy independence, economic development and advances in technology.

As part of this initiative, Gov. Herbert will also examine the need to develop and implement regional strategies to address issues related to endangered species and inventory recreation areas in the West to ensure energy development does not impact the critical economic value of these areas.

"We are looking forward to working with Governor Herbert and our fellow Western Governors," Hickenlooper said. "It's an honor to have this opportunity."

For more information about the WGA Annual Meeting, including reports and press releases, visit www.westgov.org.

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