What we're reading: Western news from May

Governors of the West faced decisions on a variety of issues in may, including health, energy, water and much more. Here's a sampling of what happened in all the states and flag territories of the Western Governors' Association.

WATER

Living on Borrowed Water: This story from High Country News illustrates how a flexible piece of 2003 Colorado water law helps ranchers and water districts temporarily lease water to the state to help keep rivers flowing.

Planning ahead: California Gov. Jerry Brown issued an executive order to streamline approvals for voluntary water transfers to assist state agriculture.

ENERGY

Energy Vision: Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead rolled out "Leading the Charge: Wyoming's Action Plan for Energy, Environment and Economy.

Cleanup issues: New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez is putting pressure on the federal government over radioactive waste cleanup at Los Alamos National Laboratory.

New renewable requirements: Colorado is adopting tough new rural renewable energy requirements.

Energy Festival Date Set: Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin announced the third annual Governor's Energy Conference will be held Oct. 9 at Tulsa Convention Center.

QUALITY OF LIFE

On a roll: Washington, Colorado and Oregon topped the list of "Most Bicycle Friendly States," according to a ranking from the League of American Bicyclists. Find out why and where other Western states ranked.

Making a list: North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple is leading a commission listing "culturally important" places to be protected from energy development and other disturbances.

Public housing boost: Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie announced that $48.3 million will be spent to improve public housing throughout the state.

SEQUESTRATION

Saying no to sequestration Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell told the Forest Service that his state will not be repaying $700,000 in Secure Rural Schools funding to satisfy sequester cuts. Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead also sent a letter declining to return nearly $200,000 in SRS funding.

POLITICS

The New Yorker goes west: Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, in a profile by The New Yorker, says "I'm not gonna run for president."

Overtime in SD: South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard has called a special session of the Legislature in June to deal with a cost overrun at a new state veterans home.

Second time around: California Gov. Jerry Brown tells The Atlantic "I am very enthusiastic. Everything’s interesting, and it’s complicated. There is a zest!”

One more time: Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell announced on May 3 thathe will stand for re-election.

Tax relief first: Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman explains why tax relief should come before legislation that could lead to a $300 million wind farm in the state.

HEALTHCARE

Here's the plan: Utah Gov. Gary Herbert's health care plan is a split-exchange model that puts the state in charge of small businesses and federal government over individuals.

Talking Medicaid: Read this Q&A conducted by The Arizona Republic with Gov. Jan Brewer about why she wants to expand Medicaid in Arizona.

FORESTS

Hearing on Forest Management: The Western Congressional Caucus held an informational hearing in Colorado on May 2 to learn how to more efficiently manage federal forests with the help of private industry.

New firefighting air tankers join fleet: The U.S. Forest Service has added seven new air tankers that can fly faster and drop a bigger payload of fire retardant than in the past.

California's Wildfire Awareness Week: In the wake of the season's first wildfire, Gov. Jerry Brown proclaims May 6-12 “Wildfire Awareness Week"to raise awareness, educate.

ECONOMY

Aerospace strategy: Washington Gov. Jay Inslee rolls out comprehensive strategy to increase state's status as a center of excellence in aerospace innovation, design and manufacturing.

Not So Fast: A Stateline story reports that tax revenue estimates from legal marijuana in Colorado and Washington may not materialize.

Legal or not? A bill that would tax gaming machines to benefit Guam Memorial Hospital has prompted lengthy legislative discussion about whether the machines are even legal.

EDUCATION

Cost Cutting: The American Samoa Department of Education has drastically cut travel and is relying on technology such as video conferencing to do its work.

Teacher Training: Pros, cons aired on Oregon Gov. Kitzhaber's plan for teacher training. 

ET CETERA

Border insecurity: Texas Gov. Rick Perry, Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer, and New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez say that the U.S.-Mexico border remains vulnerable to both illegal immigration and smuggling.

Deal delivers results: Idaho officials have sold more than $500,000 of lower-priced state parks passports, giving officials hope the program will take off big and help fund the park system.

Flying high: Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback applauds U.S. Air Force decision to use McConnell Air Force Base as its first operational Active Duty Air Force base for the KC-46 tanker.

Steering a life course: Montana Gov. Steve Bullock took 528 new Montana Tech and Highlands College graduates for a "scenic ride" at their commencement address.

Business trip: Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Gov. Eloy Inos paid a visit to Rear Adm. Tilghman Payne, Commander of the Joint Region Marianas.