Western Governors Approve Four Bipartisan Resolutions
During the recent Western Governors’ Association (WGA) Winter Meeting in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Western governors approved four bipartisan policy resolutions outlining their collective stance on:
Policy Resolution 2024-01
Strengthening the State-Federal Relationship
- Emphasizes the importance of improved communication and coordination between states and the federal government.
- Advocates for clear processes allowing states early, meaningful input in federal regulatory policies.
- Calls for maximum administrative discretion for states when delegated federal authority.
Policy Resolution 2024-02
National Forest and Rangeland Management
- Addresses challenges in managing over 75% of the national forest and grassland system in Western states.
- Stresses the need for collaboration between federal, state, local, and tribal agencies for effective forest and rangeland management.
- Covers topics like wildfire mitigation, workforce development, infrastructure, grazing administration, and forest products.
Policy Resolution 2024-03
Species Conservation and the Endangered Species Act
- Updates policy positions on species conservation with a focus on voluntary and proactive management.
- Supports the use of best available science while recognizing state variability in wildlife and habitat conservation.
- Addresses Western Governors' policy on wildlife migration corridors and habitat.
Policy Resolution 2024-04
Combating the Opioid Crisis
- Recognizes the opioid epidemic as a severe public health and safety crisis.
- Highlights challenges posed by potent and available drugs, emphasizing the social and economic damage to communities.
- Outlines policies to combat rising rates of opioid use disorders, overdoses, and deaths, supporting prevention, treatment, and recovery approaches.
CSG West recognizes and applauds the efforts by the WGA to further the interests of Western states and looks forward to continued collaboration in 2024.
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