American Energy Independence: A Perspective from Wyoming’s Governor
At the recent National Governors Association Winter Meeting in Washington, D.C., Fox News Digital engaged with Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon, a staunch advocate for American energy independence, to delve into the state of energy production and the impact of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
States’ Role in Energy Development
"I’ve been a strong advocate for letting states handle energy production," Governor Gordon asserted. "They can get things done faster. We’ve seen this in energy, education, and other areas. Let us run our own shops, a Federalist notion that our country was founded on."
Wyoming, a leading producer of coal, uranium, oil, and gas, has a significant stake in energy production. Governor Gordon highlighted his collaboration with other Western governors, including New Mexico’s Democratic Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, in pushing back against federal efforts to halt new energy projects.
Biden’s Energy Policies and Their Impact
Governor Gordon expressed frustration with the Biden administration’s energy policies, particularly the shutdown of permitting on federal lands. This move, he argued, only shifts energy consumption overseas without reducing overall demand.
"In Wyoming and New Mexico, we’ve shown leadership not only in energy but also in environmental issues," Gordon said. "We have low methane emissions, natural gas, and we’ve protected migration corridors for wildlife. We can develop our minerals responsibly."
Optimism for the Future
Under President Trump, Governor Gordon expressed optimism for a more favorable energy landscape. "We’re going to start to see growth and production again," he said. "This administration is dedicated to policies that recognize the states’ expertise and the importance of balancing energy development with environmental protection."
The Impact of DOGE
Governor Gordon commented on the newly formed DOGE, which aims to address waste and fraud in government. He emphasized Wyoming’s efforts to eliminate waste in the state budget, particularly during periods of economic downturn.
"We’ve worked hard at cutting waste," Gordon said. "Wyoming has a lean budget, so we don’t have a lot of fat to trim. But we’re always looking for ways to improve."
Governor Gordon welcomed federal efforts to streamline regulations and reduce bureaucracy, believing it will foster economic growth at the state level.
Additional Insights from Governor Gordon
NEPA and Permitting Delays
"We need to fix the National Environmental Policy Act and the permitting process," Gordon said. "Projects that should take four or five years are taking a dozen. This slows down our productivity and makes us less competitive."
Overreach in Federal Regulation
Gordon expressed concern about overreach in federal regulation. "When you come in to make a difference and start breaking things, there’s going to be a little bit of overdo," he said. "But we’re seeing some of that being reined back in."
The Importance of Collaboration
Throughout the interview, Governor Gordon emphasized the importance of collaboration between states and the federal government. "We should always ask ourselves, ‘Is this valuable?’" he said. "Let’s work together to find the best solutions for our country."
