Governor Gordon unveils initiative to strengthen and increase Wyoming’s financial pillars

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (PRESS RELEASE) – Governor Gordon is taking steps to expand Wyoming’s economic recovery with a series of proposals and initiatives to advance the state’s economic plan by adding value and strengthening the state’s energy, tourism, and agriculture sectors.

energy

The governor is stepping up efforts to strengthen Wyoming’s economy and an “all of the above” energy industry. Energy and mining are the largest sources of Wyoming’s revenue and have a huge impact on the state’s overall employment picture. The governor’s efforts became even more important after the Biden government announced last week that it would ban new oil and gas leases. The governor supports bills that provide severance tax relief to the energy industry and enhance the ability of the newly created Wyoming Energy Authority to promote the development of technologies for carbon capture, trona, rare earth elements and critical minerals.

“The energy and mining sectors are the main pillars of our economy and they have provided what it takes to give this nation the luxury of searching for new forms of energy,” said Governor Gordon. “Let me be clear. Our traditional industries will adapt and continue to deliver the reliable, affordable, and shippable energy they always have, only better. Our economic recovery will depend on the health of these industries and their ability to adapt to changing market demands Wyoming can continue to grow as our energy mix evolves. “

“While some are suggesting the demise of coal soon – and there are many challenges ahead now – we believe coal, coupled with new technologies, is an integral part of the solution to reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) in our atmosphere,” continued the governor . “Carbon sequestration and carbon byproduct development will be part of Wyoming’s energy future. This also applies to research into the extraction of rare earth elements and critical minerals associated with coal, which are required for the batteries that drive the expected global expansion of wind and solar energy. “

tourism

Tourism remains a major engine of the state economy and employs most of the Wyoming people. 2020 brought record numbers of visitors, supported businesses in Wyoming, and secured jobs for residents. HB0058, sponsored by the Joint Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources Committee, would provide an overall $ 1.1 million funding reduction for state parks with little or no impact on customer service or safety by self-generated funding (Fees) can use. to a greater extent for outdoor operations and recreation than for capital construction. This supports our economy and the local communities.

“Our state parks offer world-class experiences and opportunities for tourists and residents alike, and have seen visitor numbers grow by approximately 36% nationwide over the past year. This trend is expected to continue through 2021,” said Governor Gordon. “It is important to ensure that we continue to properly fund these parks and historic sites that are vital to our state’s economy.”

Agriculture

Several meat processing-related bills are currently under review and the governor is working with lawmakers to expand processing capacity in the state.

“This is just part of an ambitious initiative aimed at adding value to products across the farm spectrum,” said Governor Gordon. “These efforts are essential to growing this important part of our economy.”

Of particular interest to the governor and first lady is the HB0052 Wyoming School Protein Enhancement Project, sponsored by the Joint Agriculture Committee. Not only would this bill help school districts improve Wyoming meat products in school feeding programs, but it would also provide another opportunity to feed the children who do not get enough to eat every day, a focus of the First Lady’s Hunger Initiative.

The governor today welcomed the passage of invasive plant species HB-0053. The legislation would implement several of the recommendations made in the Governor’s final report of the Invasive Species Initiative and give local districts more leeway to implement specific management programs for invasive species.

Senator Tara Nethercott, Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and House Speaker Eric Barlow are developing a draft law to improve the Attorney General’s antitrust law enforcement agency, which includes a much-needed update of state law to ensure fair competition within the state of Wyoming Marketplace. In 2020, Wyoming ranchers were impacted by consolidations and acquisitions in the broader agribusiness. However, the state was prohibited from investigating these measures as current state antitrust laws do not allow the attorney general to investigate possible violations.

Spokesman Barlow and Senator Nethercott’s bill ensures that Wyoming does not have to rely on other states or the federal government to advance the interests of our residents in a competitive market that benefits businesses and consumers alike. The bill will not only benefit our agriculture but also ensure fair competition in all Wyoming markets, the governor said.

“With Wyoming’s challenging economic outlook, protecting our ranch and farming community is more important than ever,” said Senator Nethercott. “The market manipulation we saw last year when we highlighted our country’s meat prices is detrimental to both producers and consumers in Wyoming. I am proud to sponsor this bill to empower our attorney general to first protect all industries and consumers in Wyoming from these illegal practices. “

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