This weekend, the Western Governors’ Association (WGA) held its annual winter meeting in Scottsdale, Ariz. NACD Western Issues Specialist Mark Truax participated in the meeting, which was focused on forests, wildfire and energy development.
Saturday afternoon focused on the need for quick action to wildfire and forest health. In addition to remarks from governors, presenters included Idaho residents who have experienced first-hand the effects of wildfire on western lands, including the destruction of wildlife habitat, water quality issues and soil erosion.
Sunday morning’s discussion revolved around energy development in the western United States. Wyoming Governor Meade moderated a panel discussion that focused not only on energy development and resources available in the western U.S.—which are unmatched anywhere else in the country—but also on the impact that international pressures and actions have on energy development and policies.
For more information on the Western Governors’ Association, visit their website at westgov.org.