What we're reading: Western news from April
Here's a quick look at some of the news that happened during April in the Western states that comprise the Western Governors' Association.
Economic development and jobs
Gov. Matt Mead Ready for Cowboy Tough Adventure This Summer: The first ever Cowboy Tough Adventure Race (July 18-21) will wend its way over several hundred miles highlighting adventure opportunities in Wyoming.
Gov. Otter signs bill to reign in drone use by law enforcement: Idaho Gov. Butch Otter (in photo at right) has signed a law that creates stricter guidelines for when police and other public agencies can deploy drones, Reuters reported.
Governor Looks to Develop Tourism, Growth Along Kansas River: Gov. Sam Brownback announced an 18-member committee, the Kansas River Development Committee, to spur recreational use and get more people to visit the river.
Gov. Bullock announces Resource for Entrepreneurs, Innovative Businesses: Gov. Steve Bullock and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development have relaunched Innovate Montana, a public-private partnership that connects Montana entrepreneurs and businesses across the state with economic development and networking resources.
Government reorganization and budgets
Gov. Kitzhaber to sign bill to cut pension expenses: Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber intends to sign a bill that would lower the state's public pension costs by more than $800 million over the next two years. The bill forces savings largely by reducing cost of living increases for retired public-sector employees.
Gov. Moliga wants to get rid of red tape: American Samoa Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga has emphasized the need for leaders and the public to unite as one, while marking the anniversary of American Samoa becoming a United States territory. “The government is endeavoring to establish workable and meaningful partnerships with the private sector, by making sure that the business environment is favorable and free of red tape.”
Energy
Gov. Inslee Signs Into Law $124 Fine for Drivers Who Illegally Park in EV Only Spaces: State of Washington Gov. Jay Inslee signed into law a bill that will penalize illegally parked internal combustion engine (ICE vehicles) $124 if they block or park in spots dedicated for electric vehicles only. Electric vehicles could be ticketed, too, if parked in those same spots, but not plugged in.
Forests
Governor Joins New Mexico Veterans for Wildland Fire Crew Training: Gov. Susana Martinez met with men and women training to become members of New Mexico’s new Military Veteran Wildland Firefighter Pilot Program, a joint effort between New Mexico State Forestry, the Department of Veteran Services, and the New Mexico Workforce Connection.
Human trafficking
Kansas govenor signs bill strengthening the state’s human trafficking laws: Gov. Sam Brownback signed a bill into law that strengthens the state’s human trafficking statutes, with an emphasis on protecting children from commercial sexual exploitation.
Arizona governor establishes human trafficking task force: Gov. Jan Brewer (at right) has established via Executive Order the Governor’s Task Force on Human Trafficking. Among their charges, members will be tasked with identifying opportunities to strengthen Arizona’s current human trafficking statutes, with the ultimate goal of reducing human trafficking and assisting victims of this crime.
Natural Resources
Utah governor pitches plan to protect sage grouse: Gov. Gary Herbert's new greater sage grouse conservation plan protects and expand the bird’s sagebrush habitat, while placing voluntary prescriptions on private land. Herbert's plan designates 11 sage grouse conservation areas that cover about 7.5 million acres.
California, Chinese province sign accord designed to lower air pollution: Gov. Jerry Brown has signed the first agreement of its kind to strengthen and coordinate efforts to improve air quality with the Chinese province of Guangdong via an exchange of information on pollution control systems, collaboration on research and joint workshops and trainings.
The Western Governors' Association is an independent, non-partisan organization of Governors from 19 Western states, two Pacific-flag territories and one commonwealth. Follow us on Twitter and "like" us on Facebook.