Mark Gordon in 2020 Governor's State of the State speeches
On Energy & Oil:
Others vilify fossil fuels--not on my watch!
By now Wyoming citizens know too well how a myopic national political attitude to vilify fossil fuels has affected our energy industry. Twenty-eight states have enacted either renewable energy standards or low-carbon policies.
These are targeted at the industries that have helped raise our standard of living, built our schools, funded public infrastructure, and made us the premier economy in the world. We produce energy better, more safely, and with more
attention to the environment than anywhere else on the planet, and yet our industries are still discriminated against, maligned, and decried as dead. Well, not on my watch! Know this --
Wyoming will always advocate for our industries, whether it be to protect against unconstitutional restraint of trade, or in their endeavors to deliver cleaner, more dependable, more affordable, and safer energy to our nation.
Source: 2020 State of the State Address to 65th Wyoming legislature
Feb 10, 2020
On Energy & Oil:
Lower severance taxes on natural gas industry
The problem we face is not burning coal. The problem is that we have not recognized or seized the opportunities to burn it cleaner, to use its byproducts more beneficially, or to remember its role as our country's most reliable source of electricity for
over a hundred years. We in Wyoming are leading the way.It is our duty to verify that the proposed early closures of coal-burning units are truly warranted and economical, and not just philosophical or political. Wyoming genuinely welcomes
renewable resources like wind and solar. However, we will not recklessly abandon our most abundant and reliable energy source just because it is unpopular with some people.
I note with particular urgency the state of our natural gas industry.
Today, only two rigs are drilling for natural gas in Wyoming. That is the lowest number in the last 20 years. I seek the Legislature's support in crafting a temporary, price-based reduction in severance taxes for those most in need.
Source: 2020 State of the State Address to 65th Wyoming legislature
Feb 10, 2020
On Environment:
Allow a few corridors for big game migration
Regulations are important but can impede development. My Big Game Migration Corridor Advisory Group crafted a recommendation that provides a practical way to identify, designate, and protect a few migration routes without offending private
property rights. It is absolutely not a land grab. The order simply establishes a way to designate a handful--single digits--of corridors to protect our state's great treasures: our wildlife, our hunting, and our opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.
Source: 2020 State of the State Address to 65th Wyoming legislature
Feb 10, 2020
On Government Reform:
One-time bonus to retain state employees
Let me sum up this problem: We continually need to train new employees, who then become better candidates for positions in other states with better pay scales. This is unacceptably expensive, and it is costly. We should be thinking about keeping the
people who know what to do and how to do it. I have proposed a one-time bonus aimed at recognizing and retaining talent. If we truly want to reduce government, we can only do it with motivated people who know how to do their jobs.
Source: 2020 State of the State Address to 65th Wyoming legislature
Feb 10, 2020
On Health Care:
Improve mental health care; launch in-state suicide hotline
We need to improve mental health care through innovative approaches and coordinating agency policies for a more seamless delivery of services. One area of focus is on the prevention of suicide. This issue struck close to home when
I heard from classmates of my own kids who have struggled with these dark thoughts. Too many of our residents are suffering -- and sadly, far too many are acting on it. I have supported funding to launch an in-state suicide hotline.
Source: 2020 State of the State Address to 65th Wyoming legislature
Feb 10, 2020
Page last updated: Dec 01, 2021