More Q & A
What are your thoughts about renewable and low carbon energy development in Wyoming – in particular wind, solar, and nuclear – and the role they should play in Wyoming’s energy and economic future?
Yes, we need more renewable & low-carbon energy. Wind and solar are good for Wyoming. Nuclear power is the second-largest source of low-carbon electricity, with 452 operating reactors providing 10% of the global electricity supply. The atomic reactors built now are much safer than those made in the 60s & 70s. Many of the world’s reactors are the same, so it is easier to fix potential problems. Used rods are stored in cooling tanks for many years & reused. After reusing the rods, there is almost no radioactive material left. So nuclear power has come a long way from the past. We need to stop being so afraid of change.
What do you envision as the future of the big game migration corridor executive order, and what steps would you take regarding the designation and management of migration corridors?
I would encourage all the agencies, both state and federal, to work together with the ranchers so these majestic animals will be able to migrate. Corridor management is good for hunters, the land, and tourism in Wyoming.
What steps, if any, would you take as governor to address climate change impacts to Wyoming, especially water and wildfire?
Climate change is real. We all need to work on this together. Water is life. We need to conserve it. Maybe fewer lawns in the towns so we can have more water for animals and crops. Perhaps a group of young people working on our water issue will come up with new solutions. Fire is another worry. The fires we have now are bigger & hotter. I have worked with firepeople. All the fire agencies in this state work well together in Wyoming. We need to educate all our residents & visitors to be fire conscious. People start too many fires. Pulling your car over to the side of the road could start a cheatgrass fire. Cheatgrass is highly flammable.
How should Wyoming’s executive branch communicate with tribal governments about natural resources, energy, and other policy matters?
We should go to them in person. We should learn more about what they need & want for their land. These people are amazing. We should honor them by attending their activities. Education of non-tribal people could go a long way in building bridges with tribal governments. I recently visited their schools. It was a great experience. Their educators are amazing people. It’s time to work on some new ways.
Wyoming’s state lands raise revenue for our schools while also providing opportunities to the public to hunt, fish, and recreate, as well as supporting critical wildlife habitats in some areas. How do you think the state should balance these needs?
We must go back and reassess these lands and ensure we are using them in the best way possible. Multiple uses work. We should talk to the people and find out how they want these lands used. It seems like we have forgotten how to have a good debate.