2001-2009 gubernatorial press release: on Environment

Jim Douglas: EPA misunderstands how Vermont implements water quality

Governor Douglas was responding to communication from an EPA regional staffer, which suggested Vermont lacks the policies and practices to protect and improve the state's natural resources. "Vermont's Clean and Clear Action Plan, which I created in September 2003, is considered a national model for implementing water-quality efforts," Douglas responded. "In fact, Vermont Agency of Natural Resources' scientists are routinely invited to present Vermont's ground-breaking water-quality programs to other state environmental agencies, the National Academies of Science and your own EPA regional offices."

Jim Douglas: $43M state funds for watershed partners, while EPA cut $2M

"The dedicated scientists and biologists who have led the charge on the most forward-thinking environmental protections do so from the knowledge that we are a rural state, where our economic livelihood, traditions and quality of life are rooted in environmental stewardship," Douglas wrote. "That is the Vermont Way."

Christine Gregoire: One step closer to creating Wild Sky Wilderness Area

The tireless efforts may lead to the first wilderness preservation action in Washington state in decades, and it's my sincere hope that future generations will be able to experience this region as it exists today.

Kathleen Sebelius: $1.5 million grants for recycling & composting

"Recycling and composting provide business opportunities using items that would otherwise go into a landfill. That way we can conserve resources, while also helping Kansas communities cut down on landfill use," Gov. Sebelius said.

The grants, ranging from $3,900 to $372,000, include projects for enhancing local recycling efforts, for composting efforts, and for processing waste tires and wood products. All the funded projects will help remove material from the waste stream to conserve landfill space and reduce the need for new solid waste facilities. More than $15 million has been distributed in grants since the program began in 1996.

Brad Henry: Created the State Park Foundation for capital improvements

I recently had the pleasure of signing into law House Bill 2318, a measure creating the State Park Foundation. The mission of this private entity is to bolster our state parks system through educational programming, capital improvements and private sponsorships.

The travel and tourism industry represents a major component of our state's economy. In fact, a recent study by the Travel Industry Association of America found that direct domestic travel spending in Oklahoma reached nearly $3.9 billion in 2002 and produced more than 69,000 jobs within Oklahoma. This summer, I encourage you to explore and enjoy all the beauty that our magnificent state has to offer.