2011 gubernatorial press release: on Environment
John Hickenlooper:
Supports Obama's "Great Outdoors" conservation ethic
The Rocky Mountain Arsenal visitor center and three conservation initiatives will further showcase the natural beauty we are fortunate to live in. We are creating partnerships and leveraging the state and nation's intellect and creativity to
build and protect our natural heritage. President Obama's America's Great Outdoors initiative seeks to work with local communities to create a new conservation and recreation ethic for the 21st Century.
Source: 2011 gubernatorial press release #1251593257851
Nov 9, 2011
John Kitzhaber:
Seeks to balance environmental and economic interests
We must view our forests in the context of the larger forest landscape. We must aggressively pursue the latitude to engage in environmentally sound, active management to restore the health of our federal forest lands. And we must develop policies
and strategies that will result in logs harvested off private lands being as valuable here in Oregon as they are in Asia. My vision centers on creating a path that can unify the often competing interests that have divided us in the past.
Source: 2011 gubernatorial press release #110311
Nov 3, 2011
Steve Beshear:
Secures Clean Water Act funding to clean up pollution
Protection of our water resources is fundamental to our environment, our economy and good public health. These grants will fund efforts to help control pollution from sediment, pesticides and other substances that run off our land when it rains.
The projects will be funded under Section 319(h) of the federal Clean Water Act and administered by the Kentucky Division of Water.
Source: 2011 Kentucky gubernatorial press release
Oct 24, 2011
Sean Parnell:
Natural resources are to be used; not locked up by feds
We are under an unprecedented assault by federal agencies and environmental groups to lock up Alaska's resources.
I appreciate the Legislature strongly protecting Alaska's interests and promoting a future of economic growth.
Source: Alaska 2011 gubernatorial press release #5733
Oct 22, 2011
Sean Parnell:
Support timber industry by increasing land for logging
Adding land to the Southeast State Forest will allow the Division of Forestry to manage the land to increase long-term timber supply for local processors and wood energy needs.
This will provide much-need jobs in the thinning, harvest and milling stages of logging.
Source: Alaska 2011 gubernatorial press release #5885
Oct 22, 2011
Sean Parnell:
Explore & extract rare earth elements in Alaska
We want to stress that with the right investment and regulatory climate, Alaska has the potential to become a fresh and stable source of rare earth elements. Earlier this year, I called for collaboration in funding a strategic assessment of rare earth
elements so we can learn how Alaska can help meet America's needs. Advancing rare earth element exploration and production lessens our dependence on foreign supplies and helps diversify Alaska's economy.
Source: Alaska 2011 gubernatorial press release #5915
Oct 22, 2011
Sean Parnell:
Oil and gas production means jobs for Americans
Many thoughtful Americans are deeply troubled at what is now almost a $15 trillion federal debt. We are concerned about the future of our republic. And yet, the solution is right in front of us. We can regain our economic footing through producing more
American energy. To boil it down to one simple truth: More American oil and gas production means jobs. And jobs translate into stable communities, vibrant states, and a strong nation.
Source: Alaska 2011 gubernatorial press release #5926
Oct 22, 2011
Sean Parnell:
Don't leave Alaska's oil buried in the ground
We have been pumping from the same fields for 30-plus years. With so much oil in the ground that you own, and that we count on for essential public services, I refuse to stand by and leave
Alaskans' treasure buried in the ground.
Source: Alaska 2011 gubernatorial press release #5930
Oct 22, 2011
Tom Corbett:
PA rivers are precious for generating many jobs
If our country is a living body, these rivers are its veins. They connect our cities through industry. That's why we need to maintain them, to develop them, to recognize them as the lifeline they are. These rivers aren't just flowing bodies of water.
They are a ceaseless creator of jobs. In the 12-county area around Pittsburgh, the estimate of jobs dependent on inland shipping is 45,000. Indirectly, the estimate runs to 217,000 jobs.
Source: Pennsylvania 2011 gubernatorial press release #2985
Oct 21, 2011
Jack Dalrymple:
Follow Clean Air Act at EPA, but leave air control to ND
EPA should drop its plan to take over the state's authority to regulate air quality. The EPA should abide by the CAA which allows the state to regulate its own industries. The state has a long and proven history of operating its Clean Air Permit
program, but the EPA now proposes requiring the state's coal plants & other industries to install equipment that is not proven to work and is extremely expensive. The mandate would ultimately drive up consumers' energy costs and harm the state's economy.
Source: N.D. 2011 gubernatorial press release, "Tell EPA"
Oct 13, 2011
Jerry Brown:
Banned shark fin harvesting to protect sharks and ocean
Governor Brown signed legislation to protect the oceans and environment. AB 376 bans the possession and sale of shark fins in California. The practice of cutting the fins off of living sharks and dumping them in the ocean is not only cruel, but it harms
the health of our oceans. Researchers estimate that some shark populations have declined by more than 90%, portending grave threats to our environment and commercial fishing. In the interest of future generations, I have signed this bill.
Source: California 2011 gubernatorial press release #17264
Oct 7, 2011
Earl Ray Tomblin:
Calls for balance on mineral resources
I called on the US House of Representatives Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources to take necessary and appropriate action to force the Office of Surface Mining and the Environmental Protection Agency to act within the limits of the authority
given to them by Congress.More than 63,000 West Virginians work in jobs provided by the coal industry. That is 63,000 families. Approximately 250,000 people in a state with less than two million citizens are supported somehow by the mining of coal.
Source: 2011 gubernatorial press release, "Natural Resources"
Sep 26, 2011
Andrew Cuomo:
Water policy to protect environment and business interests
The preservation and protection of New York's water resources is vital to the state's residents, farmers and businesses. This law will enhance the state's ability to manage its water to promote economic growth and address droughts while protecting the
environment. My administration worked with a broad array of interests to ensure a balanced program that manages significant water withdrawals across the state and protects New York's farmers and businesses from undue regulatory burdens.
Source: N. Y. 2011 gubernatorial press release "Protect Waters"
Aug 15, 2011
Chris Christie:
Jersey shore for tourism instead of offshore drilling
Stressing the importance of shore protection to the vitality of the state's $35 billion tourism industry, its coastal communities and overall quality of life, Governor Chris Christie said, "New Jersey's beach resources and shore towns are what make the
Jersey shore the unique destination it is, and are the reason thousands of visitors return year after year. As stewards of the environment, it is incumbent that we take all necessary measures to protect these treasures and to sustain our coastal
communities and the diverse economies they support."Governor Christie has expressed his strong opposition to off-shore drilling in New Jersey, as well as drilling off the coast of other nearby states that could negatively impact the state's
130 miles of coastline and multi-billion dollar tourism industry. He has also opposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities off of the New Jersey coast and has also restored beach replenishment funding to its full level.
Source: 2011 gubernatorial press release, "Shore Protection"
Aug 11, 2011
Chris Christie:
$157 million for Green Acres open-space acquisition
Gov. Christie today signed a series of bills that protects Green Acres open-space acquisition and recreational development throughout the state. The legislation also makes available $157 million for projects in all of New Jersey's 21 counties including
preservation projects in the Highlands, the Barnegat Bay watershed, and urban waterfronts.Through the three bills, S-2857 provides $84.5 million for grants and loans to municipal and county governments for land acquisitions and park developments;
S-2858 makes available $14.8 million to assist nonprofit groups for acquisitions and park development; and S-2859 designates $57 million for state Green Acres acquisitions to expand and develop state parks, forests and wildlife management areas, as well
as purchase properties in flood-prone areas through Blue Acres acquisitions.
The DEP has earmarked money across the state to buy lands to add lands to the state's inventory of parks, forests, wildlife management areas, and other conservation areas.
Source: 2011 gubernatorial press release, "Protect Open Space"
Aug 3, 2011
Paul LePage:
Preserve shoreline, wetlands, & working forest
Preserving shoreline and wetlands is a win-win situation for both the adjoining working forest and recreation economy and the area's premier wildlife habitat.
This is the kind of highly targeted state acquisition that is enhancing Maine's expansion in the eco-economy sector.
Source: 2011 gubernatorial press release #282184
Aug 3, 2011
Peter Shumlin:
Advance the redevelopment of brownfields
Vermont will receive $2 million from the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help advance the redevelopment of brownfields in Vermont. Brownfield redevelopment for Vermont communities has led to the creation of jobs,
new housing and more green space.A brownfield is as property with the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminant, complicating the expansion or redevelopment of the site.
Source: 2011 gubernatorial press release, "EPA Funding"
Jul 22, 2011
Jack Dalrymple:
Water should be available for no cost; drop storage fee plan
I oppose the Corps' water fee plan. The US Army Corps of Engineers is considering plans to charge businesses, farmers and other water users a "storage fee" based on the amount of water they draw from Lake Sakakawea.We have a legal right to that water,
using its easements to block ND's access to its own rightful water supplies is an attempt to achieve monetary gain where none is justified. The Missouri River is valuable to the state and is a resource that should be available to access without cost.
Source: N.D. 2011 gubernatorial press release, "Water Rights"
May 13, 2011
Dave Heineman:
Vetoes 25% State Park Fee Increase
Raising fees during these economic times is not the appropriate way to better state parks; government should be analyzing how to reduce expenses. Compounding these uncertain economic conditions are increasing energy costs, health insurance premiums,
and fuel prices. With increasing fuel prices, Nebraskans are going to stay closer to home. Increasing park entry fees will discourage Nebraskans from enjoying the outdoors and visiting Nebraska's attractions.
Source: 2011 Nebraska Gubernatorial press release
May 12, 2011
Robert Bentley:
Primary value of forests is economic and job related
Alabama forests are an important part of the storm recovery process both in terms of the beauty and recreation they provide, but also for the economic value they have and the jobs that the forest products industry provides to
Alabama's overall economy. The members of this task force will work diligently to make sure this industry recovers as quickly as possible.
Source: Alabama 2011 gubernatorial press release #5072
May 12, 2011
Sean Parnell:
Continued desire to harvest timber
The new task force will focus on developing recommendations that will lead to new jobs in the timber industry.The task force will focus on reasonable approaches and recommendations to grow jobs and foster economic development--particularly in
traditional timber harvesting from federal, state, and private lands. While we will continue to pursue federal timber sales for traditional harvest, I look forward to receiving task force recommendations that will focus more on state efforts.
Source: 2011 gubernatorial press release #5772
May 5, 2011
Gary Herbert:
Balance land use between recreation and development
Governor Herbert announced that Utah has filed suit asking the court to invalidate Secretarial Order 3310 which created a "Wild Lands" designation for public lands. In Utah, our lands have supported a strong energy development industry and a vibrant
outdoor recreation industry. They can continue to do so if all stakeholders are allowed to collaborate. This Order will harm Utah's economy. Corporations will not invest resources to prepare new bids in an unsteady regulatory environment.
Source: 2011 Utah gubernatorial press release #4745
Apr 29, 2011
Mike Beebe:
Important to preserve forests to protect jobs
The Arkansas Forestry Commission marks its 80th anniversary this year. They have led the effort of preserving, protecting and restoring the approximately 18.5 million acres of forestland. They manage our private and public forest lands with a commitment
to sustainability, while maintaining Arkansas's largest manufacturing sector. The forest-products industry directly employs more than 30,000 Arkansans and contributes more than $1.5-billion in payroll to our economy every year.
Source: Arkansas 2011 gubernatorial press release #2801
Mar 25, 2011
Rick Snyder:
Voluntary pollution prevention program for farmers
Snyder established a voluntary pollution prevention program that helps Michigan farmers maintain their economic viability while being environmentally responsible.Our journey to the 'New Michigan' requires that government, industry and stakeholder
groups work together toward common goals. Putting this program into statute secures its place as a model for addressing environmental challenges in a way that also allows our agriculture-based businesses to expand.
Source: Michigan 2011 gubernatorial press release, #252449
Mar 8, 2011
John Lynch:
National forest is important for recreation and economy
Millions of New Hampshire citizens and visitors from across the country have come to the White Mountain National Forest to hike, camp and ski, making it one of the most visited outdoor recreational areas in the eastern United States.
In addition to being a tourist destination, it is also a working forest, providing jobs and wood products.
Source: 2011 gubernatorial press release #020111
Mar 1, 2011
Susana Martinez:
Oversee natural resources to balance economy & environment
Protecting the environment and jump-starting our economy are not mutually exclusive goals. It is critical to New Mexico's future that thoughtful decisions based on science and common sense rather than political whims that circumvent the will of the
people are made. I look forward to working with an Environmental Improvement Board that understands that we must balance economic growth with the need to preserve our state's natural beauty.
Source: 2011 N.M. gubernatorial press release #110126_2
Jan 26, 2011
Rick Snyder:
Protect natural resources; user fees contribute $3B/year
Michigan is blessed with an abundance of natural resources and we need to be a leader and innovator in protecting these resources. Recreational fishing, hunting and boating activities alone contribute more than $3 billion annually to our economy.
We are separating the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and Department of Natural Resources (DNR) so we can better address these key priorities.
Source: Michigan 2011 gubernatorial press release, #248895
Jan 4, 2011
Page last updated: Feb 13, 2019