On The Right Track

Lately, some good news has been coming out of the Wyoming Governor’s office dealing with a state energy policy – something we have always heard other governors talk about, and it looks like Governor Mead is dead serious on this issue. We commend him for his leadership and his staff and others for developing the draft.  
    I suspect Governor Mead had the idea in the back of his head as he walked into his office on his first day. After reading through the draft, you soon realize this took some time to develop, as there were many discussions with energy executives and other leaders from various organizations involved in natural resources.  This plan, or strategy, is to be a dynamic effort based on participation by many.  
    Energy and Wyoming go hand in hand. If you live in Wyoming and don’t like energy or agriculture, get over it – that is who we are. Just think how dull life would be without them. Except for trying to solve money issues, the legislative sessions would be really dead, and we would just have water to fight over.
    Seriously, Wyoming and the nation need our state’s energy. The problem is the current administration in the White House doesn’t fully realize it, which is one of the reasons the “Energy Plan: A Strategy Plan” is so important, not to only us but the nation. Don’t forget we are involved in the global economy, too.  
    As the bullet points in the introduction read, “Wyoming is a leading energy producer and a leader in energy development and environmental stewardship. How energy is developed affects a state’s revenue, competitiveness and quality of life. Reliable and affordable power and fuel are necessary for business and industrial stability. In the absence of a federal energy policy, states must lead the way. Energy development is directly related to economic and work force development. Wyoming has unique values that will shape a strategy – a strong outdoor ethic, respect for the land and an independent spirit.  Wyoming needs an energy plan that balances development with the environment and global demand for energy will continue to grow and all forms of energy will be required.”  
    In a few words, that is why we need this plan.
    America is on the verge of becoming an energy exporter. Here in Wyoming, we have always exported energy and most everything else we produce, so we need to get the most out of our products to get the most dollars with the least impact to the resources.  That is not an easy task, but developing a plan for all to use is the best way to go.  
    The plan has a vision. “Wyoming will achieve excellence in energy development, production and stewardship of its natural resources for the highest benefit of its citizens.”  A vision is not supposed to be measurable, but the people writing it are and so are we. They deserve our comments and opinions.  I think they are on the right track.
    Go to the Wyoming Governor’s Office website at governor.wy.gov, read through Wyoming’s Energy Strategy and send in your comments. It is not often one gets an opportunity like this to shape our state’s future.       
    Dennis