GUEST OPINIONS

Wyoming Republicans are Focused on Pocketbook Issues

By Sens. Jim Anderson, Brian Boner, Ed Cooper and Dan Dockstader and Reps. Dan Burkhart and Bill Henderson

During the week of Feb. 1, the Wyoming Senate and House entered the third week of the 67th General Session. This is a rubber-meets-road juncture of sorts, where lawmakers will begin to prioritize bills that will take up the bodies’ most earnest debate and policymaking.

Electric vehicle resolution

It won’t surprise many a resolution to phase out electric vehicle sales by 2035 – Senate Joint Resolution Four, which we proudly sponsored and co-sponsored – won’t be heard by the Committee of the Whole. This was never the point. This legislation was meant to call out the hypoc- risy of progressive ideologues, who have sought to prop up the electric vehicle (EV) industry at the expense of taxpayers and Western energy producers.

In this regard, the resolution achieved its purpose. Major national news outlets, including the likes of USA Today, The Hill and Fox News, shined a light on what’s often ignored in the narrative around this far-left darling.

That is, there’s no magic switch to turn on EVs and turn off traditional energy, many states lack EV infrastructure to achieve unrealistic mandates, and policymakers in places like Wyoming are willing to fight to re-level the playing field.

It’s no secret the Biden administration and a collective of progressive governors have tried to stop U.S. oil and gas production.

Energy security

Many readers will remember President Biden’s drilling ban on federal land, which, according to a University of Wyoming study, could cost more than $19 billion in lost wages, $43 billion of lost economic activity, $10 billion of lost tax revenue and the loss of over 72,000 jobs per year.

Meanwhile, EV projects have received nearly $14 billion of subsidies in recent years.

Those losses fall heavi- est on states like Wyoming, which have and continue to help secure our country’s energy security. The Cowboy State generated over $1.6 billion from energy production on federal lands in 2021, the second highest in the nation.

Over 28,000 jobs –about one-sixth of Wyoming’s workforce – and a quarter of the state’s gross domestic product was supported by our oil and gas industry in 2019.

Few people doubt the potential value of cleaner vehicles, including us. However, should they be forced on families working hard to make ends meet, especially

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Operator week celebrated

Gov. Mark Gordon proclaimed the week of Feb. 6-13 as the Wyoming Professional Water and Wastewater Operator Appreciation Week. The Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ) is joining him in honoring these essential professionals.

Water treatment, water distribution, wastewater collection and wastewater treatment operators are professionals who are vital to Wyoming. They protect public health by ensuring drinking water is safe and pure.

They also protect Wyoming’s lakes and rivers by removing pollutants from wastewater. Certified operators are essential to correctly operate and maintain water and wastewater infrastructure which supports communities and readies them for future growth.

According to Kim Parker, WDEQ operator certification coordinator, this was decided because Feb. 5, 1975, was the day Wyoming’s first operator certification rule was created.

“It’s important we recognize these professionals and the vital role they play in safeguarding our health and protecting our environment,” Parker said. “They also protect the investment Wyoming’s taxpayers have made in water and wastewater infrastructure by operating facilities correctly.”

“Not many professions demand such widely varied skills. Professional operators contribute greatly to the high quality of life we enjoy here in Wyoming,” Parker added.

Wyoming has about 1,700 operators working in 434 facilities.

ALB launches campaign

The American Lamb Board (ALB) is celebrating February as Lamb Lovers Month with their Ewe Complete Me consumer promotion. The campaign has a strong digital presence through ALB’s consumer social media platforms, reminding followers there is no better way to show their love than preparing delicious American lamb.

American lamb lovers have been flocking to social media to share their favorite lamb recipes for a chance to win a date-night-in prize package including American lamb shanks and premium culinary items.

Ewe Complete Me is just one the Lamb Checkoff’s promotions to encourage consumers to choose American lamb. To extend the reach and message, ALB staff is sending key consumer food media representatives a Lamb Lovers Month kit including loin chops, Lamb Lovers Month tote bags, sheep’s milk cheese and wool socks with a heart pattern.

“ALB has celebrated February as Lamb Lovers Month for more than a decade,” said Peter Camino, ALB chairman. “We value this annual opportunity to amplify our impact and carry out marketing goals outlined in the 2023 strategic plan.”

For more information, visit lambresourcecenter.com