2021 ANNUAL REPORT

INSIDE

Chair’s Report: Oregon Governor Kate Brown Launch of the Western Prosperity Roundtable Celebrate the West: See winners in the regional art competition

WGA 2021 ANNUAL REPORT • 1 WGA 2021 ANNUAL REPORT • 2 Dear Friends and Colleagues,

The West has seen its fair share of boom and bust, but When it came to developing the central policy initiative of the COVID-19 pandemic stands alone in modern times for my year as Chair, I had one overriding focus: It needed to put the challenges it presented every citizen of our region and the people of the West above all else. The Electric Vehicles country. Roadmap Initiative didn’t represent the policy of one side or another. Instead, it promoted collaboration across the And yet, as I write this, it is becoming increasingly clear that aisle and across the West to elevate and energize an issue the extraordinary efforts of our front line workers, heroic that states are already working on, both individually and nurses and doctors, and medical researchers are helping us collaboratively. turn the corner. As Governors, we salute their efforts as we also work to enable the continuing recovery in our states. Collaborating on electric vehicles (EV) infrastructure isn’t a new idea. The first charging stations for the West Coast Pandemic response in the past year has consumed much of Electric Highway were installed in 2011 and the Regional Western Governors’ time. As Chair of the Western Governors’ Electric Vehicle Plan for the West was established in Association (WGA), however, I have been heartened to have 2017. But like any big idea, EV infrastructure planning the opportunity to lead other policy efforts that benefit the and deployment requires continued coordination and citizens of the West. shared investment across multiple parties to keep growing efficiently. It was our goal to determine how best to do that. WGA’s launch of the Western Prosperity Roundtable, for That work started with a series of Initiative work sessions example, has created a new platform to work on policies that assembled the brightest minds from the public and that advance Western Governors’ vision for expanded private sectors, including utilities, and focused on the hard prosperity throughout the West. I was privileged to open its questions of infrastructure, finances, and logistics that virtual rollout in May with remarks and honored to be joined impact EV planning. in that effort by WGA Vice Chair and Idaho Gov. Brad Little, and immediate past Chair, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum. An overview of that work is included in this Annual Report; find the complete report of theElectric Vehicles Roadmap One path to greater prosperity in the West is through Initiative on the WGA website. We all recognize that a robust expanded broadband availability, so that everyone – and efficient transportation sector is key to meeting future everywhere – can participate in the digital economy. Thanks economic goals and connecting businesses to regional and to WGA’s advocacy in the past year, we’ve seen an expansion international markets. This initiative creates a roadmap to in broadband funding flexibility by the U.S. Department of that future. Agriculture, a revision of rules related to TV white spaces devices by the Federal Communications Commission, and Speaking of the future, there’s always more that can be done significant appropriations funding to improve broadband in the West. Let’s get to work! mapping. With warmest regards, The Governors also continued their long-standing policy work to protect the natural resources that make the West a place like no other. For example, WGA earned a significant victory in support of states’ authority and autonomy to manage and protect water when the US Army Corps of Engineers withdrew its “surplus water rule.” And as part of their Working Lands Roundtable, WGA hosted “Local Groups in Land Management,” an event that featured Gov. Little and extensive discussion on a cross-boundary approach to Kate Brown, resource management. Governor, State of Oregon

WGA 2021 ANNUAL REPORT • 3 Like many western governors, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown, shown surveying the destruction of the Beachie Creek Fire in September 2020, had to respond to the twin challenges of wildfires and the pandemic. Dear Friend of the West,

Although we all have all been profoundly affected by the solutions over rhetoric, results over politics. pandemic, Governors have spent more than their fair share I am pleased to offer special acknowledgement to WGA’s of time in the COVID-19 barrel, working tirelessly to keep their 2020-21 Chair, the Honorable Governor Kate Brown of Oregon. residents safe and their economies afloat. They have exercised Her outstanding leadership and collegial spirit helped keep heroic leadership and have made incredibly difficult decisions. Governors together and moving forward. Her Chair Initiative At the same time, their other weighty responsibilities did not to create an Electric Vehicles Roadmap for the West resulted magically disappear. They still have had catastrophic natural in an umbrella agreement on charging infrastructure among disasters to manage, strained state budgets to balance, and many western states and will have positive effects on the students to educate under wildly challenging circumstances. region for years to come. Largely because of their efforts, light is appearing at the I am also indebted to WGA’s incomparable sponsor end of the COVID tunnel. Showing inhuman stamina, Western community for its unwavering support during a challenging Governors are approaching that light with optimism, with time. As we emerge from the pandemic, I look forward to energy, and with enthusiasm. Based on my experience with reuniting in person with friends, supporters, and partners of these Governors and their recent involvement with the WGA. In the meantime, with gratitude for all you do on behalf Association’s activities and policy-making efforts, I have no of the West, I am doubt that they, and WGA, will emerge from this experience Respectfully, stronger and more united than ever. And thank goodness for that, because Western Governors are the best hope for level-headed bipartisan leadership in this deeply divided country. Western Governors reflect WGA’s bipartisan ethos and take a practical approach to the challenges facing our region and James D. Ogsbury, country. They are pragmatic and evince a preference for WGA Executive Director

4 • WGA 2021 ANNUAL REPORT CHAIR INITIATIVE Oregon Governor Kate Brown launched the Electric Vehicles Roadmap Initiative in July 2020 to examine opportunities to improve the planning and siting of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in western states.

This Chair Initiative assembled states engaged in the West Coast Electric Highway (which includes California, Oregon and Washington) and the Regional Electric Vehicle Plan for the West (REV West, which includes Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming). Together, they assessed opportunities for enhanced coordination on Initiative Work Session Series voluntary technical standards related WGA designed and facilitated a biweekly, virtual work session series during the fall to EV infrastructure hardware, payment of 2020. Work sessions examined key EV topics raised by state officials. Work session methods, signage, and best practices for participants included representatives from Governors’ staff and state agencies, siting and location. utilities and electric cooperatives, EV manufacturers, charging station network operators, and nonprofit organizations with EV expertise. WGA hosted sessions on: The work of the Initiative has resulted in an umbrella agreement among the states 1. Exploring the Battery EV and Hydrogen Fuel Cell EV Sectors participating in these sub-regional efforts. 2. Supporting the Medium and Heavy-Duty EV Sectors States have developed a shared set of principles regarding EV infrastructure 3. Examining Utility Investment and Rate Structures planning and identified a suite of 4. Streamlining Permitting and Siting voluntary standards to optimize the 5. Exploring Charging Station Inconsistencies Across States effectiveness and accessibility of public and private EV infrastructure investments. 6. Coordinating State Investments Along Tourism Corridors 7. Expanding EV Fleets in Urban and Rural Areas In addition to facilitating western states’ discussions, WGA brought together key 8. Identifying Opportunities for Coordination between States and Clean Cities Coalitions stakeholders at work sessions to explore important issues affecting EV adoption and infrastructure deployment in the West. investments in EV infrastructure across Throughout the Initiative, WGA the West. The recommendations examined EV topics of critical interest WGA also hosted webinars and a encourage Congress and the to western states, such as differences podcast series that provided a public Administration to: in EV use cases in urban and rural forum to explore grid infrastructure, as communities and the availability well as financing and workforce issues • Leverage multi-state partnerships of tailored utility program offerings influencing EV infrastructure planning to effectively deploy federal EV for EV drivers. WGA and Initiative and investment. infrastructure funds; participants also looked at access to EV dealerships and maintenance The Special Report of the Initiative • Promote flexibility within the Federal technicians, and states’ capacity to presents findings from these work Highway Administration’s Alternative support EV investments. These issues sessions, webinars and podcasts, Fuel Corridors Program; speak to disparities in EV adoption and examines state programs and and infrastructure deployment across coordination opportunities; grid • Enhance EV infrastructure the West. The report’s findings and infrastructure planning and the role of deployment opportunities at federal recommendations provide useful utilities; medium-duty (MD) and heavy- rest areas; insights for Governors, states, utilities duty (HD) EVs; EV fleets; permitting and local entities evaluating possible • Support the U.S. Department and siting practices; and economic and EV policies, programs and investments. workforce development opportunities of Energy Clean Cities Coalition associated with EVs. program; and Read the Special Report at: In addition, the report contains targeted • Create efficient permitting and Westgov.org/ recommendations on federal policy siting practices for EV infrastructure reports issues that affect public and private installations on federal lands.

WGA 2021 ANNUAL REPORT • 5 WESTERN PROSPERITY ROUNDTABLE

The Western Prosperity Roundtable is a new platform for WGA’s work on policies that expand prosperity throughout the West. The Roundtable was launched in May 2021 with a two-day virtual event featuring keynotes by Western Governors and roundtable discussions on broadband connectivity, telehealth, data sharing, workforce training and disaster resilience and recovery.

INAUGURAL FORUM

Keynotes by WGA Chair and Oregon Gov. Kate Brown, Vice Chair and Idaho Gov. Brad Little, and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum kicked off this two-day event in May 2021.

Highlights from the Governors’ remarks:

• Gov. Brown urged participants, “to be creative and ambitious (and) pursue a more sustainable and equitable vision of western prosperity ... The Roundtable will encourage the cross pollination of ideas … and amplify successful strategies.”

• Gov. Little noted that, “market driven changes in critical western sectors (are) causing the dislocation of workers through no fault of their own. We must ensure our workforce North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum was one of three Western Governors delivering keynotes at development systems are prepared the Western Prosperity Roundtable Inaugural Forum. to deal with these changes.” Forum roundtables examined: how demand; how states can leverage data • Gov. Burgum highlighted that the, broadband infrastructure investments to support economic development “pandemic amplified the opportunity can enable everyone to work, learn, and goals; how western communities can for the rural West and accelerated receive medical care from their homes; augment their capacity to prepare and attention on the need for 21st how states can best provide upskilling respond to crises; and how telehealth century infrastructure, including and lifelong learning opportunities to can advance physical and behavioral high-speed broadband for education, ensure that workers aren’t left behind health care access among underserved telehealth and remote work.” by technology or shifting workforce populations.

6 • WGA 2021 ANNUAL REPORT WESTERN PROSPERITY ROUNDTABLE

CONNECTIVITY

COVID-19 highlighted the importance of broadband and exposed the growing digital divide for policymakers, resulting in substantial broadband investments at the state and federal levels. Western Governors continued their successful advocacy for increased access to high-speed broadband across the region (particularly in rural areas) to better enable education, telehealth and remote work. Successes in the past year included expansion of federal broadband funding flexibility and significant Congressional appropriations to improve broadband mapping.

BROADBAND MAPPING

Issue: Improved broadband mapping is essential to closing the digital divide. Current maps overstate availability, which prevents many underserved communities in rural areas from getting the funding needed to expand broadband.

Action: The Governors persistently advocated for improved mapping before the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation embraced this gubernatorial priority and supported full funding for the Broadband Western Governors’ advocacy aims to increase access to high-speed broadband across the DATA Act to enable better mapping. region, particularly in rural areas.

Result: Ultimately, $98 million was Telecommunications and Information rural areas, by assisting schools and appropriated to the FCC to improve its Administration addressed the libraries in purchasing equipment broadband maps and implement the Governors’ recommendations by (as well as telecommunications Broadband DATA Act. establishing a $1 billion grant program and information services) for use TRIBAL BROADBAND for tribes, funded by COVID-19 relief by students, school staff, and provisions. The grants will be directed library patrons at offsite locations. Issue: Tribal Nations, the majority to Tribal governments for broadband WGA urged the FCC to continue of which are in western states, face deployment, telehealth, distance to promote this flexibility within many barriers to the deployment of learning, broadband affordability, and its E-Rate Program beyond the communications services, including digital inclusion. pandemic. challenges in securing funds through • At the urging of Western Governors, federal broadband deployment programs. OTHER POLICY VICTORIES the FCC revised its rules related The Governors achieved several other Action: Consistent with Policy Resolution to TV White Spaces devices to significant successes in the past year, 2020-08, Broadband Connectivity, promote expanded wireless including: Western Governors have consistently broadband connectivity in rural and advocated for federal programs to • The FCC, in line with underserved areas. TV White Spaces allocate a designated portion of available recommendations from the are unused portions of of wireless funding to support connectivity projects Governors, launched the Emergency spectrum between television on Tribal lands. Connectivity Fund in April 2021. The program addresses inequities in Result: In June 2021, the National connectivity access, especially in Continued on next page

WGA 2021 ANNUAL REPORT • 7 WESTERN PROSPERITY ROUNDTABLE

Continued from previous page and economic development correspond with needed speeds for channels that can carry wireless program participants to devote a business, education and health care internet over vast distances to portion of their allocated funding applications. western rural communities. The to broadband facilities and • Pushing for “robust” broadband Report and Order approved by equipment. connectivity for advanced agriculture the Commission in October 2020 adopted WGA’s recommendations ONGOING ADVOCACY technologies, as advocated in April 2021 comments to the National Agricultural related to permissible power and The Governors continue to advance Statistics Service (NASS) about the antenna height. their broadband priorities by: design of the 2022 Census of Agriculture • The Governors in October 2020 and regarding agricultural producers’ lauded the U.S. Department of • Supporting the USDA’s Rural “high speed” internet access. “It is Agriculture Rural Development’s Utilities Service (RUS) adaptation of unlikely certain technologies would (USDA RD) final rule for its support an “eligible rural areas” definition of broadband infrastructure in and funding eligibility for areas support effective integration of many line with their policy resolution, slated to receive satellite service precision agriculture technologies,” Broadband Connectivity. In through the Connect America Fund the Governors noted, encouraging particular, the Governors Phase II. The Governors also have NASS to solicit information on whether appreciated that the rule allows pressed the RUS regarding the producers’ current internet connectivity USDA RD electric, water and current definition of “broadband” could support the use of advanced, wastewater, housing, energy, (25/3 Mbps), arguing it does not data-intensive technologies.

DATA

Western Governors recognize the crucial role that state data must serve to inform the decision- making processes of federal agencies. In December 2020, Governors adopted Policy Resolution 2021-02, Utilizing State Data in Federal Decision Making, urging the federal government to consult with states and state agencies as partners, not as ordinary stakeholders, in the development and implementation of policies, programs, and strategies to effectively incorporate state data into federal decision making.

MSA THRESHOLD VICTORY communities, as federal agencies OTHER OUTREACH: allocate funding based on MSA Issue: The Metropolitan Statistical designation or make funding for • WGA will continue to seek opportunities Area (MSA) designation was created rural entities available to all non- to promote more effective and efficient to standardize the units of geography MSA communities. Additionally, data sharing among state and federal for which different federal agencies some federal datasets, including agencies. produce and analyze data. An MSA employment and labor statistics, is often used to delineate urban and are only produced at the MSA • WGA will further engage with rural America. In March 2021, the Office level. Congressional leaders regarding of Management and Budget (OMB) legislative efforts to ensure that state proposed to increase the population Result: Western Governors earned and local partners have access to threshold for MSAs from cities with a a policy win when OMB announced timely and reliable federal datasets for population of 50,000 or more to cities in July 2021 that they had decided purposes of informing state and local with a population of 100,000 or more. to leave the current Metropolitan decision making. Statistical Areas core population Action: The Governors immediately threshold in place. That decision • Through the Western Prosperity raised concerns with OMB about ensures that western communities Roundtable, WGA will identify challenges the increase, asserting the change will continue to have access to the related to privacy regulations and data could have unintended consequences data and resources on which they interoperability and facilitate discussions for dozens of western MSAs that rely to support their economic on standardization to increase the would lose their status and for rural development. utilization of state data.

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WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Western Governors are building a more vibrant regional economy through the expansion of training and education opportunities for high demand, good paying careers. The Governors have focused on ensuring these efforts are inclusive of all, including those with disabilities, and closing the skills gap for workers in critical sectors with fast-growing demand.

DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT PODCASTS

An inclusive workforce is essential to economic resilience and vitality. The COVID-19 health emergency disproportionately impacted workers with disabilities and altered workplaces in ways that presented challenges and opportunities for disability employment.

To promote inclusive workforce policies and practices during the pandemic and beyond, WGA spoke to experts on disability employment for three episodes of the WGA podcast, Out West. These episodes:

• Highlight Work Matters, a repository of best practices for inclusive workforce development policies;

• Share insights on employment trends during the pandemic and considerations for policymakers and employers as people return to work; and

• Explain how technology and design can help employees succeed in all types of careers.

WORKFORCE WEBINARS

WGA hosted two webinars on workforce challenges in sectors of increasing importance to western states: cybersecurity and electric vehicles.

• Solving the Cyber Workforce and Skills Shortage focuses on ways to strengthen the cybersecurity talent pipeline and build a sufficient and sustainable workforce as cybersecurity threats become more complex and widespread. Participants share their expertise in webinars on developing the cyber • Electric Vehicle Workforce Needs and workforce, left, and how to build skills for electric vehicles workers. Opportunities explores the many jobs and skills that are necessary to build out the West’s electric vehicle infrastructure and support increased use of electric vehicles.

WGA 2021 ANNUAL REPORT • 9 WESTERN PROSPERITY ROUNDTABLE

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Western Governors focus on ensuring their states take advantage of opportunities to develop their economies in both rural and metropolitan settings to ensure a high quality of life for their citizens.

RURAL COMMUNITIES address their economic development PILT & SRS FUNDING needs, a priority of Western Governors. The Governors’ Policy Resolution 2020- Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILT) and 07, Rural Development, raises concerns In October 2020, the Governors Secure Rural Schools (SRS) programs about the difficulty of targeting federal backed proposed modifications are vital to the provision of state and resources for rural communities and the to the definition of rural areas by county public goods and services, challenges rural areas face in accessing the Health Resources and Services such as roads, emergency response, these resources. Administration, which expanded the and wildlife and natural resources number of counties eligible for the protection. Accordingly, the federal In August 2020, Western Governors voiced Federal Office of Rural Health Policy government must honor its historic support for USDA engagement with states rural health grant programs. The PILT agreement with states and and stakeholders in the development of changes responded to the Governors’ counties in the West, as well as provide the Rural Innovation Stronger Economy concerns by expanding eligibility to predictable and full funding for SRS (RISE) program to ensure that it meets communities that are rural in character programs. Thanks to the Governors’ the needs of rural communities, including and lack health care services, but are continued advocacy, the Department the creation of high-wage jobs and excluded under the existing definition. of the Interior fully funded PILT in accelerated business creation. The final The new definition, going into effect FY21, including an additional $14. 2 RISE program rules, implemented in June in FY22, will increase access to health million over FY20 levels. There are also 2021, will help build local capacity so care for underserved populations and multiple bipartisan efforts in Congress that rural communities are better able to build capacity in rural areas. to reauthorize SRS through FY22.

COVID-19 AND DISASTER RESPONSE

The COVID-19 pandemic continued to be a significant concern for Governors over the past year. In western states, COVID considerations needed to be integrated into efforts to solve a host of challenges, from coordination of wildfire response personnel to rebuilding economies affected by the pandemic.

Applying lessons learned over the past the economic effects of the Western Governors also explored year, including those stemming from the pandemic. how to best use American Rescue COVID public health emergency and the Plan funding to increase community extremely destructive western wildfire This engagement led to Western resilience. Many western states season, the Governors approved the Governors having constructive have used funding to expand and updated WGA Policy Resolution 2021-06: conversations with the White accelerate broadband deployment, Disaster Preparedness and Response House on implementation of the increasing community access to (Learn more about the resolution on legislation, including an April 2021 telehealth services and educational page 20.) Governors-only conversation with opportunities and increasing Gene Sperling, Special Assistant economic development opportunity The Governors helped shape the to the President. The discussion in rural areas. federal response to COVID, especially about implementation of the by encouraging the White House and American Rescue Act included WGA also published, on multiple Department of the Treasury to give Governors Kate Brown, Doug platforms, “COVID-19 in the West,” a states maximum flexibility to use Burgum, Laura Kelly, Spencer Cox weekly state-by-state breakdown of American Rescue Plan funds to mitigate and David Ige. the Governors’ policy work.

10 • WGA 2021 ANNUAL REPORT WORKING LANDS ROUNDTABLE

The Working Lands Roundtable is WGA’s platform for natural resource policy work. It focuses on cross-boundary and multi-disciplinary resource management issues in the West and strategies to enhance the resiliency of western working landscapes and the communities they support.

FALL FORUM

In October 2020, under the auspices of the Working Lands Roundtable, WGA hosted the virtual forum, Local Groups in Land Management.

The event opened with a keynote by Idaho Gov. Brad Little on a cross-boundary approach to resource management in the West. Among other things, he discussed examples of effective local partnerships in Idaho, including Rangeland Fire Protection Associations.

The Governor’s remarks were followed by a discussion with representatives of the Western Landowners Alliance, The Nature Conservancy, and Colorado Counties. They shared examples of effective cross boundary management and discussed the role that the Working Lands Roundtable plays in their work on western policy issues. Idaho Gov. Brad Little spoke at the virtual forum, “Local Groups in Land Management.”

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WILDFIRE

The Governors have a long record of effective policy work on wildfire in the West. Those efforts continued during the past year, with significant focus on encouraging the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and Department of the Interior (DOI) to ensure that wildfire restoration activity receives the same priority as mitigation and suppression work.

The Governors’ efforts included wildfire affected areas in future support for the DOI goal to convert outreach to leadership of the Wildland budget requests and to provide a more firefighters to full-time status, Fire Leadership Council in November detailed plan for creating a Burned a move Western Governors have 2020. Governors asserted that while Area Rehabilitation program. encouraged federal agencies to “this is a long-term endeavor, it will consider. reduce the reliance on suppression • Requiring the USFS to begin budgeting infrastructure ... and result in for restoration in its annual budget ADDITIONAL OUTREACH sustainable resilient ecosystems and requests is a significant step toward In the past year, the Governors also: safer communities.” shifting the emphasis away from wildfire suppression and toward • Supported the prioritization of The letter, signed by WGA Chair, Oregon restoring burned landscapes and new projects for forest restoration Gov. Kate Brown, and Vice Chair, Idaho mitigating wildfire risk on other lands. and community wildfire resilience Gov. Brad Little, urges the agencies, Western Governors discuss wildfire reflected in S. 4421, the Emergency “to prioritize the funding of these management and post-fire restoration Wildfire and Public Safety Act of 2020. important efforts,” and emphasizes in WGA Policy Resolution 2021-03, In particular, the Governors cited the that Western Governors are committed National Forest and Rangeland legislation’s plan to facilitate biomass to shifting the focus from wildfire Management. (Learn more about the removal on U.S. Forest Service suppression to both short-and long- resolution on page 19.) lands at high wildfire risk and its term activities that will produce requirement to conduct collaborative safer, fire adapted communities and • Congress also agreed with the wildfire risk reduction projects in landscapes that are healthy and Governors’ recommendations western states. resilient. to address wildfire challenges. • Promoted their policy on wildfire, FY21 APPROPRIATIONS Congressional report language directs the USFS to examine actions forest, and rangeland management to • The FY21 omnibus appropriations to improve the process of approving inform the House Natural Resources measure seized upon the Governors’ qualified aerial firefighting companies Subcommittee on Conservation and restoration recommendation, so that those assets can be effectively Forestry’s examination of the “2020 directing the USFS to include used to fight wildfires across the Wildfire Year: Response and Recovery dedicated funding for restoring western region. It also expresses Efforts.”

The Governors’ want to ensure wildfire restoration activity receives the same priority as mitigation and suppression.

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WATER

In updated policy resolutions adopted in the past year, Western Governors continued to assert state primacy over water management and allocation, while also emphasizing states’ role as a co-regulator in implementation of the Clean Water Act.

The WGA Policy Resolutions Water Resource Management in the West and Water Quality in the West:

• Offer specific support for the Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART Program; • Communicate the importance of water resource information and forecasting to sound management; and • Articulate priorities related to groundwater resources, emerging contaminants, and stormwater pollution. over all “surplus water” contained in • Requests in FY 22 House and Senate Learn more about both resolutions Corps reservoirs, including “natural flows” Appropriations testimony for: on page 20. of the river (that is, volumes of water that – Adequate and dedicated funding for would exist regardless of the reservoir’s federal water supply data programs, construction) over which states have legal SURPLUS WATER including the Natural Resources authority. Conservation Service’s Snow Survey The Governors won a significant and Water Supply Forecasting and victory in their years-long fight to After extensive outreach from WGA and Watershed Restoration Programs; the preserve state authority to manage, Missouri Basin states, the rulemaking National Oceanic and Atmospheric allocate and protect their water was withdrawn by the Corps in March Administration’s National Integrated resources when the U.S. Army Corps 2020. The action removes a major threat Drought Information System; and the of Engineers (USACE) announced to state authority over water resource U.S. Geological Survey’s Groundwater the rescission of its policy guidance management. and Streamflow Information Program; requiring municipal and industrial ONGOING ADVOCACY water users to acquire a water storage – Robust federal investment in water contract with the Corps before being WGA continued to advocate for federal delivery and wastewater infrastructure; granted access to Corps reservoirs. legislation and programs that advance the water policies of Western Governors – Adequate and dedicated funding of The policy, which conflicted with state through: EPA’s Clean Water and Drinking Water water laws and allocation systems, State Revolving Funds and the Water effectively prohibited water users • Testimony to the U.S. House Infrastructure Financing Innovation Act; from using their state-issued water Committee on Transportation and and rights if that water was stored in Corps Infrastructure and submittal of Western reservoirs. The policy had significant Governors’ policy to the USACE on the – Express prohibition of the use of impacts along the Upper Missouri implementation of the Water Resources FY 22 appropriations funds for any River Basin, where Corps reservoirs Development Act of 2020. activity that would, or has the potential store a substantial proportion of to, usurp states’ plenary authority accessible surface waters. • Testimony to the U.S. Senate over groundwater resources, as well Committee on Energy and Natural as language ensuring that state The Corps tried to formalize this policy Resources regarding natural authority over groundwater resources through a proposed 2016 rulemaking infrastructure and western water is respected by federal administrative that sought to assert Corps authority management. agencies.

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SPECIES MANAGEMENT

States have extensive science and knowledge of species and habitats within their borders, helping Governors meet their goal to avoid listing of species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) through voluntary, collaborative conservation methods and early stakeholder engagement. Policy Resolution 2021-04, Species Conservation and the Endangered Species Act, adopted this year, reflects the Governors’ proactive approach to species management.

AMERICAN CONSERVATION ENHANCEMENT ACT

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a fatal nervous system disease found in cervids (deer, elk, moose, reindeer) for which there is no known cure. The economic burden of monitoring and managing CWD in wild populations historically has fallen largely on state agencies. Western Governors appreciate the efforts of Congressional leaders to raise awareness of, and provide funding for, research and management of CWD.

In January 2020, WGA submitted a letter in support of the American Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Chronic Wasting Disease presents an enormous danger to deer, elk, moose, reindeer. Act, commending the bill’s efforts to combat CWD through establishment of a US Fish and Wildlife Service maintains certain management Accordingly, they requested (FWS) task force. The letter supports responsibility for species listed under consultation from the FWS and the bill’s establishment of a study the ESA, the Act itself is premised on NOAA in development of the rule. to better understand funding flows a strong federal-state partnership in for fish and wildlife conservation managing and recovering listed species. • In October 2020 the FWS proposed and implementation of conservation the rule: Endangered and Western Governors submitted agreements. In October 2020 the Threatened Wildlife and Plants; comments on two proposed bipartisan legislation (Public Law 116- Regulations for Designating Critical rulemakings concerning wildlife habitat 188) was adopted. Habitat. The proposed rule would in the fall of 2020: establish a process for excluding ACTION ON FEDERAL areas of critical habitat under HABITAT DECISIONS • In September 2020 the FWS and National Oceanic and Atmospheric section 4(b)(2) of the Endangered In WGA Policy Resolution 2020- Administration (NOAA) proposed the Species Act. As with the “habitat” 01, Strengthening the State- rule: Endangered and Threatened definition, the Governors appealed Federal Relationship, Western Wildlife and Plants; Regulations for for ongoing consultation with Governors emphasize that states Listing Endangered and Threatened FWS in the development of this are co-sovereigns with the federal Species and Designating Critical proposed rule and all federal government. In the case of fish and Habitat. The rule sought to establish policies affecting state authority. wildlife management, states have a regulatory definition of “habitat,” primary management responsibility for which, the Governors noted, Learn more about the resolution, the majority of the species within their could have implications for state Species Conservation and the borders. While the federal government management of fish and wildlife. Endangered Species Act, on page 19.

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FOREST AND RANGELAND MANAGEMENT

Western Governors continued efforts to incorporate their western land management priorities into federal decision-making processes, using the WGA-U.S. Department of Agriculture Shared Stewardship Memorandum of Understanding as a foundation for federal collaboration. Western Governors emphasized the importance of cross-boundary coordination on forest and rangeland management, as called for in the new WGA Policy Resolution 2021-03, National Forest and Rangeland Management.

SHARED STEWARDSHIP western forests and rangelands the Toolkit for Invasive Annual presents significant challenges Grass Management in the West, Western Governors conducted several to western working landscapes. WGA formed a working group activities under the WGA-USDA MOU: Invasive grasses alter fire and to examine the operation of • Cheatgrass and Invasive Annual hydrological regimes and can lead cooperative weed management Grass Management: Large-scale to significant habitat alteration to improve efficiencies and infestation of cheatgrass and or destruction of fish and wildlife long-term implementation other invasive annual grasses on species. In addition to releasing outcomes.

15 • WGA 2021 ANNUAL REPORT • Vegetation Management: WGA LAND CONSERVATION ADDITIONAL OUTREACH facilitated a collaborative OUTREACH • Western Governors shared comments with dialogue between utilities, the U.S. Forest Service on its proposed arborists, and state and Western Governors engaged with revisions to directives on rangeland federal agencies to improve the the Administration on its “America management, grazing permits and efficiency and effectiveness the Beautiful” proposal to allotments. The comments recognize of vegetation management conserve 30 percent of U.S. lands the importance of grazing as a resource in or near transmission and and waters by 2030. In May 2021, management tool and an important distribution corridors to reduce WGA submitted correspondence element of supporting working landscapes wildfire in the West. It sought to to National Climate Advisor Gina in rural western communities. address regulatory barriers to McCarthy proposing the use of vegetation management activities the Western Governors’ Task Force • The Governors also provided input to and improve coordination and on Collaborative Conservation Congress on markets for forest products efficiency of such activities to facilitate state-state and and woody biomass. The lack of such across jurisdictions. state-federal collaboration on markets, especially for low value biomass, conservation goals related to the is a significant impediment to mitigation • Interagency Wildfire Disaster Administration’s proposal. activities that can reduce the severity of Response: To improve the wildfire and improve ecosystem resilience. efficiency and effectiveness As noted in the WGA Policy of restoration work in wildfire Resolution, Strengthening the • Western Governors also approved WGA affected communities, WGA and State-Federal Relationship, Policy Resolution 2021-05, Wild Horse federal agency partners have executive departments and and Burro Management. The resolution been developing a roadmap of federal agencies should provide outlines Governors’ policy on this assistance available to local states with early, meaningful difficult public lands’ issue. Mismanaging governments and communities and substantive input in the wild horse and burro populations has after a wildfire disaster. development of federal regulatory significant implications for ecosystem The roadmap will provide policies. Where authority has function and wildlife habitat in many a comprehensive overview been delegated by the federal western states. of available assistance and government to the states, states help federal, state and local should be granted the maximum Learn more about the new policy resolutions governments in deploying administrative discretion possible National Forest and Rangeland Management assistance for disaster response and should be treated as partners and Wild Horse and Burro Management on and restoration activities. and co-regulators. page 19.

The Governors seek to collaborate with the Administration on its “America the Beautiful” proposal.

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ENERGY AND MINING

During the past year, Western Governors requested consultation with the Administration in the wake of the President’s Executive Order pausing new oil and natural gas leases on public lands. They also signaled support for legislation supporting states’ cleanup activities on abandoned and orphaned oil and gas wells and approved a policy resolution to protect “good samaritans” who voluntarily clean up abandoned hardrock mines.

EXECUTIVE ORDER CONSULTATION

President Biden issued Executive Order 14008, Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad, which in part requires the Secretary of the Interior to pause new oil and natural gas leases on public lands or offshore waters pending completion of a comprehensive review and reconsideration of federal oil and gas permitting and leasing practices.

Western Governors subsequently requested consultation with respect to the Secretary’s review. They also indicated an eagerness to work with the Administration on policies that involve energy development and use ORPHAN WELLS ‘GOOD SAMARITAN’ ADVOCACY in the West, while also protecting the environment, wildlife and natural Western Governors have advocated for Western Governors have consistently resources. legislation supporting states’ cleanup called on Congress to shield “good activities on abandoned and orphaned oil samaritans” (those who voluntarily The outreach resulted in a meeting and gas wells and associated sites. Those clean up abandoned historic hardrock between western states and officials efforts continued this past year: mines across the West) from potential from the Departments of the Interior liability under the: Clean Water • In April 2021, the Governors, noting and Agriculture to discuss the effect Act; Comprehensive Environmental that many western states engage in oil of the oil and gas leasing pause in Response, Compensation, and Liability and gas well plugging and remediation, western states and the need to Act; and the Resource Conservation and reminded leadership of the U.S. Senate consult with states on this and other Recovery Act. matters affecting state authority and Committee on Energy and Natural Resources that, “this work could be budgets. WGA Policy Resolution 2021-09, significantly accelerated with federal Cleaning Up Abandoned Hardrock The Governors also communicated their assistance.” Mines in the West, enunciates the energy policies in testimony submitted Governors’ continuing support for pilot to the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy • In June 2021, the Governors also shared projects if comprehensive legislation and Natural Resources. The Governors their policy with the Senate Energy is not possible. It also provides reiterated their intent to work with the and Natural Resources Subcommittee recommendations for Good Samaritan Administration on policies that involve on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining energy development and use in the to inform its review of the REGROW remediation plans, permitting, reviews, West and asserted the imperative for Act. The Governors note that the bill, and approvals that will facilitate the federal agencies to engage with states “would help amplify state and tribal voluntary cleanup of abandoned mines in early, substantive, and ongoing efforts to conduct oil and gas well and allow for responsible development consultation in development of energy cleanup activities and promote high- on remediated mined land. (Learn more policies. paying jobs across the West.” about the resolution on page 20).

17 • WGA 2021 ANNUAL REPORT WORKING LANDS ROUNDTABLE

INVASIVE SPECIES

Western Governors in the past year launched the Invasive Species Data Mobilization Campaign, which encourages land managers to share previously unavailable data more widely. WGA also published the Toolkit for Invasive Annual Grass Management in the West to combat the spread of invasive annual grasses and continued to exercise leadership in the battle against aquatic invasive species. Much of the Governors’ recent work on invasive species has been coordinated through the Western Invasive Species Council, a Governors-appointed panel of western state invasive species experts.

INVASIVE SPECIES DATA MOBILIZATION CAMPAIGN High-quality information is an essential weapon in the fight against invasive species in the West. Land managers, conservation groups, industry and private landowners need accurate, current invasive species occurrence data from across the region. Technological barriers and standardization issues, however, often prevent widespread sharing of useful invasive species occurrence data.

WGA addressed that challenge with the launch of the Invasive Species Data Mobilization Campaign, which encourages national, state and local land managers and conservation groups to enter previously unavailable data into The state of Washington’s Department of Agriculture removed a nest of invasive Asian Giant new or existing invasive species data Hornets in October, 2020. management platforms pursuant to WGA- developed recommendations. of WGA and the U.S. Department • A new geospatial data layer to help The campaign was promoted with a of Agriculture (USDA) under a state and local officials manage invasive launch webinar co-hosted by the North Shared Stewardship annual grasses at home, American Invasive Species Management Memorandum of while also offering Association and two episodes of Out Understanding. It is opportunities to identify West, WGA’s official podcast: Conservation comprised of three new cross-boundary Districts and Invasive Species Data elements: collaborative projects. Collection and Coordination. • A roadmap for WGA and USDA released the toolkit during a INVASIVE GRASS MANAGEMENT invasive grass webinar featuring TOOLKIT management in the West, including members of the The Toolkit for Invasive Annual Grass best management interagency committee Management in the West helps land practices for the that developed it. managers address the spread of invasive identification Webinar participants annual grass species such as cheatgrass, and protection of included representatives medusahead and ventanata. relatively intact from USDA’s Natural “core” areas; Resources Conservation The toolkit, which addresses the large- Service, the Department of the Interior’s scale infestation of invasive grasses • Case studies highlighting the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the University on western forests and rangelands, is application of these practices in of Wyoming, and the National Audubon an outgrowth of the collaborative work Idaho and Wyoming; and Society.

18 • WGA 2021 ANNUAL REPORT RESOLUTIONS

Western Governors formally approved 10 policy resolutions during FY 2021. They include:

WGA Policy Resolution 2021-01, Strengthening the State-Federal Relationship: Improving state-federal communication and coordination is among the Western Governors’ highest priorities. In the absence of a Constitutional delegation of authority to the federal government, state authority should be presumed sovereign. Each executive department and agency should have a clear and accountable process to provide states with early, meaningful and substantive input in the development of federal regulatory policies. The updated resolution also notes that, where authority has been delegated by the federal government to the states, states should be granted the maximum administrative discretion possible and should be treated as partners and co-regulators. Western Governors support thoughtful and science-based herd management decisions for wild horses and burros. WGA Policy Resolution 2021–02, Utilizing State Data in Federal and expands Governors’ policy language from WGA Policy Resolution Decision Making: Western Governors positions on a variety of national 2019-08, Wildlife Migration Corridors recognize the crucial role that forest and rangeland management and Habitat. The resolution expresses state data can serve to inform issues. It supports sound forest the Governors’ support for increased the decision-making processes of and rangeland management voluntary and proactive management federal agencies. The Governors urge policies that maintain and promote efforts and use of best available the federal government to consult environmental, economic, and social science, while acknowledging the with states and state agencies as balance and sustainability for rural variability in state approaches to partners – rather than ordinary communities. It includes Governors’ wildlife and habitat conservation. stakeholders – in the development policies to reduce wildfire risk and and implementation of policies, improve forest health and resilience, WGA Policy Resolution 2021–05, programs, and strategies to and incorporates WGA policy on Wild Horse and Burro Management: more effectively and consistently public lands grazing. The resolution This renewed resolution notes incorporate state data into federal articulates the Governors’ response the increasing demand on federal decision making. Federal agencies to the reduction or removal of agencies to adequately manage wild must recognize the existence and domestic livestock from federal horse and burro populations and limitations of state privacy and lands and expresses support for offers support for thoughtful and data stewardship laws, regulations, sound, science-based management science-based herd management and policies. They must also work decisions for federal lands. decisions. The resolution updates with states to develop strategies to encourage effective state-federal WGA Policy Resolution 2021-04, estimates of the growing number of data sharing while appropriately Species Conservation and the wild horses and burros on BLM- and protecting data under state law. Endangered Species Act: This USFS-managed rangelands in the resolution updates the Governors’ West and recognizes certain federal, WGA Policy Resolution 2021-03, policy positions on species state and local plans as sensible National Forest and Rangeland management and conservation alternatives to current wild horse and Management: This resolution renews issues. The new policy incorporates burro management practices.

19 • WGA 2021 ANNUAL REPORT WGA Policy Resolution 2021-06, communities. It also expands for both federal and state-led pilot Disaster Preparedness and Response: governors’ policy on multimodal projects if comprehensive legislation An updated and expanded resolution systems, including high-speed is not possible. It also provides that recognizes the important role passenger rail, transit systems, electric recommendations for Good Samaritan Governors have in coordinating the vehicle charging infrastructure, air remediation plans, permitting, reviews, emergency management phases of service, and safe biking and pedestrian and approvals that will facilitate the mitigation, preparedness, response, options as all are essential to the voluntary cleanup of abandoned mines and recovery. It recognizes the West’s transportation infrastructure. and allow for responsible development important federal role in preparing on remediated mine land. It also for and responding to disasters WGA Policy Resolution 2021-08, calls for increased federal funding and emergencies, and emphasizes Water Resource Management in the and workforce capacity dedicated to the need for cooperation and West: In this renewed resolution, addressing the backlog of abandoned clear communication between Western Governors reassert that hardrock mine inventory. federal, state, territorial, local, and states have primary authority over tribal governments and between water management and allocation, and WGA Policy Resolution 2021-10, Water governments and their constituents. that federal investment is critical to Quality in the West: In this updated In any disaster or emergency situation, meeting water infrastructure needs. The resolution, Western Governors good communication is key to Governors offer specific support for the emphasize states’ management developing and executing an effective Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART authorities and role as co-regulators response from governments, promoting Program and the U.S. Army Corps of in implementing the Clean Water public confidence in those response Engineers’ Planning Assistance to the Act and Safe Drinking Water Act. actions, and empowering citizens to States Program. The resolution also This also communicates Western make informed decisions about their communicates the importance of water Governors’ shared perspectives and safety and welfare. resource information and forecasting priorities related to groundwater for informing sound water management. resources, emerging contaminants, and WGA Policy Resolution 2021-07 stormwater pollution. Transportation Infrastructure in the WGA Policy Resolution 2021-09, Western United States: This updated Cleaning Up Abandoned Hardrock resolution emphasizes the importance Mines in the West: Western Governors Western Governors enact new of a long-term federal funding call on Congress to protect “Good policy resolutions and amend mechanism for the maintenance and Samaritans” that voluntarily clean existing resolutions on a expansion of surface transportation up abandoned mines from potential semiannual basis. All of WGA’s networks and highlights innovative liability under the CWA, CERCLA, and current resolutions may be found infrastructure advancements critical RCRA. This updated policy enunciates at westgov.org/resolutions/ to the unique needs of western the Governors’ continuing support

Transportation infrastructure in the West moves agricultural and natural resource products from source to national and world markets.

20 • WGA 2021 ANNUAL REPORT MEETINGS AND OUTREACH

Western Governors successfully employed “virtual gatherings” to lead spirited public conversations with influential thought leaders and U.S. Cabinet Secretaries regarding some of the region’s most pressing public policy issues.

MEETINGS

2020 Winter Meeting December 10 The “virtual” Winter Meeting featured the Governors in discussions about their ongoing work to contain the spread of COVID-19, manage the economic impacts of the pandemic, and respond to this year’s catastrophic wildfire season. They also engaged experts and industry leaders in conversations about broadband, training workers for the new The Governors in May hosted a virtual meeting, above, with Secretary of the Interior Deb Haa- economy, and healthcare. land, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan. Governors Burgum and Ige, below left, took part in the Winter Meeting hosted Participating Governors: WGA Chair, by WGA Chair Kate Brown. Oregon Gov. Kate Brown; WGA Vice Chair, Idaho Gov. Brad Little; and Governors Jared Polis (Colorado), Lou Guerrero (Guam), David Ige (Hawaii), Steve Bullock (Montana), Michelle Lujan Grisham (New Mexico), Doug Burgum (North Dakota), Kevin Stitt (Oklahoma), Gary Herbert (Utah), and Mark Gordon (Wyoming). MEETING THE NEW Tom Vilsack, and Environmental Protection SPECIAL GUESTS: Microsoft President ADMINISTRATION Agency Administrator Michael Regan. Brad Smith conversed with Governors Participating Governors included WGA Burgum and Ige about technology’s role The Governors prioritized outreach to Chair, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown; WGA in responding to the myriad challenges the new Administration of President Vice Chair, Idaho Gov. Brad Little; and presented by the pandemic. Dr. Sanjeev Joe Biden. That work began with the Governors Jared Polis (Colorado), David Arora, founder of Project ECHO, spoke transmission of gubernatorial policies Ige (Hawaii), Michelle Lujan Grisham (New with Governors Lujan Grisham and and priorities throughout the executive Mexico), Doug Burgum (North Dakota), and Gordon about how his pioneering branch to foster relationships, encourage Spencer Cox (Utah). “tele-mentoring” model operates as dialogue, and urge policy collaboration a “multiplier” to share health care between states and their federal TOWN HALLS expertise across the West. Health and partners. Human Services Secretary Alex Azar WGA innovated during the past year to outlined the administration’s work to In April 2021 WGA facilitated a Governors- expand the reach of sponsor interactions collaborate with states in response to only conversation with Gene Sperling, with Western Governors. The association the COVID-19 pandemic. Special Assistant to the President, hosted four well-attended “virtual” Town concerning the implementation of the Halls. RESOLUTIONS: The Governors approved American Rescue Act. Governors Kate policy resolutions on: Strengthening Brown, Doug Burgum, Laura Kelly, Kate Brown, Doug Burgum: Chair Brown of the State-Federal Relationship, Utilizing Spencer Cox and David Ige participated. Oregon and Immediate Past Chair Burgum State Data in Federal Decision Making, of North Dakota discussed their central Wild Horse and Burro Management, That outreach continued with a virtual policy initiatives and other regional issues. National Forest and Rangeland meeting in May to discuss issues facing Management, and Species Conservation the region with Secretary of the Interior and the Endangered Species Act. Deb Haaland, Secretary of Agriculture Continued on next page

WGA 2021 ANNUAL REPORT • 21 Brad Little, Jared Polis: Vice Chair Little published in more than 100 stories and the Electric Vehicles Roadmap Initiative of Idaho and Incoming Vice Chair Polis of op-eds in more than 600 media outlets of WGA Chair, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown, Colorado shared news of their bipartisan during the past year. Topics of such as well as firefighting during the COVID work in the Mountain West and regional coverage included the virtual Winter pandemic, and the search for the perspectives on emerging issues. Meeting, launch of the Invasive Species dangerous Asian Giant Hornet in the Data Mobilization Campaign, and the state of Washington. Spencer Cox, Greg Gianforte: Sponsors Special Report of Reimagining the Rural had the opportunity to meet the new West Initiative. VIDEO: WGA’s first-ever virtual Winter Governors of Utah and Montana and Meeting during December attracted learn about their visions for their DIGITAL OUTREACH more than 225 registrants. The WGA respective states. website, which hosted the meeting WGA continued to share its message livestream, saw the highest web Mark Gordon, Michelle Lujan Grisham: across multiple digital platforms. visitation of the year during that week. The Wyoming and New Mexico Governors Over the course of the fiscal year, WGA discussed energy development, Out West Podcast: Since the launch videos on YouTube were viewed 4,563 pandemic response, and challenges of this podcast in 2020, WGA has times for a total of nearly 600 hours. within their states. published 21 episodes that have been downloaded more than 3,000 SOCIAL MEDIA: Aggressive social media MEDIA COVERAGE times from the WGA website and the outreach efforts also continued on Western Governors continued to receive platforms of Podbean, Spotify and Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn, which extensive positive media exposure, Apple Podcasts. In the past year, the deliver up to 50,000 impressions a day as coverage of their policy work was podcast featured a three-part series on to WGA’s followers.

WESTERN GOVERNORS’ FOUNDATION

The pace has quickened to a gallop forum. The Foundation during the past year at the Western will cover all expenses Governors’ Foundation (WGF), the associated with delegate philanthropic arm of WGA. The participation, thanks Foundation’s powerhouse Board of largely to the generous Directors is taking WGF to new heights. support of Western Under the leadership of its Chair, the Governors University, Hon. Dennis Daugaard (former Governor the Institute’s premier of South Dakota), and Vice Chair, the Hon. partner and funder. The Brian Sandoval (the former Governor inaugural Leadership of Nevada), the Foundation is engaged Forum will be held in in an expanding number of projects to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, July promote the welfare of the West. Other 24-25, 2022. For further The Leadership Institute was launched at Board members include the Hon. David information, contact Anna Thielen the Annual Meeting. Ige, Governor of Hawaii, and former ([email protected]). Governors Steve Bullock of Montana and Matt Mead of Wyoming Also during the past year, the Foundation: • Conducted the sixth annual Celebrate The Foundation recently launched its the West high school art competition, flagship project, theWestern Governors’ which challenges young artists to Leadership Institute, a program designed create original works inspired by their to recognize, reward and encourage the state or otherwise evocative of the effective exercise of leadership by young • Published its first podcast, Get to Know West; adults across the West. Every year the the Western Governors’ Foundation, Institute will select one young adult • Pursued an Arts and Healthy Living featuring a conversation with Governor from each western state and territory Project in partnership with Americans Ige and former Governors Daugaard to attend the WGA Annual Meeting for the Arts and with the support of and Bullock about their goals for the and a related leadership development Share Our Strength. Foundation.

22 • WGA 2021 ANNUAL REPORT CELEBRATE THE WEST

From left: Boise River in Spring, Paloma Link; As Long as the Sun Would Shine, Morgan Niemiller; Cameron Brown (with his family).

The fifth year of theCelebrate the West regional art competition, hosted by the Western Governors’ Foundation, challenged high school students to create works inspired by their state or life in the West. More than 250 pieces of art from 17 WGA member states, as well as Guam, were entered in the competition. The Foundation also announced the first recipient of its Chairman’s Award for Outstanding High School Art Teacher: Cameron Brown from Beulah High School in Beulah, North Dakota.

Top Two 2020 State Winners • Alaska: Abby Carothers, Chugiak High School- • New Mexico: Jada Salcido, Cibola High • Paloma Link of Idaho in Anchorage, Land of the Midnight Sun, School, New Mexican Indian, pencil, oil won first place for marker and colored pencil pastel the acrylic painting, Boise River in Spring. • California: Grace Kim, Notre Dame Academy, • North Dakota: Morgan Niemiller, Oak California Dreamin’, colored pencils and Grove Lutheran High School, As Long as markers the Sun Would Shine, colored pencil • Morgan Niemiller of North Dakota earned second • Colorado: Gace Holmes, Grandview High • Oklahoma: Brock Bailey, Homeschool, School, The Essence of Colorado, acrylic paint Steaming Through the Prairie Sunset, place for her colored pastels and colored pencils pencil drawing, As Long • Guam: Antonelli Q. Salayon, Simon A. as the Sun Would Shine. Sanchez, Kulu, colored pencil • Oregon: Claire Bokovoy, Hood River Valley High School, Tranquil Lost Lake, acrylic • Hawaii: Avianna Morales, Kapolei High paint School, Rainbow Wahine, markers, acrylic paint, oil pastels, and colored pencils • South Dakota: Brianna Sandvig, Harrisburg High School, Weathered • Idaho: Paloma Link, Boise High School, Boise Beauty, acrylic paint River in Spring, acrylic paint • Utah: Jane Wilson, Springville High School, • Kansas: Katelyn Huddle, Elyria Christian An Undiscovered View, oil paint School, Simple Pleasures, graphite pencil • Washington: Oliver Rinne, Sedro-Woolley • Montana: Audrey Rogge, Helena High School, High School, Cobain, acrylic paint View all the winning entries Recognized, charcoal, graphite, and pen on the WGA website: • Wyoming: Li Platz, Lander High School, Westgov.org/ • Nevada: Summer Sekula, Arbor View High Guardians of the West, watercolor, pen celebrate-the-west School, Origins, pen and ink and ink

WGA 2021 ANNUAL REPORT • 23 FINANCES

WGA income is derived from Western Governors’ annual dues, sponsor contributions, meeting registration fees, grants, investment income, and other sources. WGA income totaled $4.5 million for the fiscal year, with approximately 28% of that amount received from federal agencies to provide technical assistance to states and other contractors. The following is excerpted from the audit report of JDS Professional Group, Certified Public Accountants, Consultants and Advisors. The information is for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2020.

Revenues Expenses July 1, 2019—June 30, 2020 July 1, 2019—June 30, 2020

Investment Winter & Annual Income Governors’ Federal Meeting Annual Dues Grants 3.1% 13.4% 15.4% Policy Advocacy 2.9% Development & Development and Outreach 3.9% 34.9%

Other Revenue 28.0% General & Administrative State Technical Sponsorships and 21.1% Assistance & Pass Through Meeting Registrations 26.7% 50.7%

Governors' Annual Dues $689,400 Policy Advocacy and Development $1,418,033 Sponsorships and State Technical Assistance $2,272,890 $1,086,064 Meeting Registrations and Pass Through Funds Federal Grants $1,256,248 General & Admin $860,300 Investment Income $131,583 Development and Outreach $158,087 Other Revenue $136,962 Winter & Annual Meeting $545,326 Total $4,487,083 Total $4,067,810

24 • WGA 2021 ANNUAL REPORT WESTERN GOVERNORS

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Governor Kate Brown Governor Mike Dunleavy Governor Steve Sisolak Oregon Alaska Nevada Chair Governor Lemanu Mauga Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham American Samoa New Mexico

Governor Brad Little Governor Doug Ducey Governor Ralph Deleon Guerrero Torres Arizona Idaho Northern Mariana Islands Vice Chair Governor Gavin Newsom Governor Kevin Stitt California Oklahoma

Governor Doug Burgum Governor Jared Polis Governor Kristi Noem Colorado South Dakota North Dakota Governor Lou Leon Guerrero Immediate Past Chair Governor Spencer Cox Guam Utah

Governor David Ige Governor Jay Inslee Hawai‘i Washington

Governor Laura Kelly Governor Mark Gordon Kansas Wyoming Governor Greg Gianforte Montana

WGA STAFF WGA STAFF ADVISORY COUNCIL

James D. Ogsbury Kip Knudson Courtney Kerster Executive Director Kevin Doran Alaska New Mexico Senior Policy Advisor Holly Propst Katie Ratlief Jace Beehler Policy Director/Deputy Kevin Moss Arizona North Dakota Director Policy Advisor Katie Wheeler Mathews Victoria T. Guerrero Troy Timmons Laura Cutlip California Northern Mariana Islands Director of Strategic Policy Advisor Initiatives Jonathan Asher Zach Lee Lauren Cloward Colorado Oklahoma Sarah Olsen Policy Advisor Director of Development Rikki Orsini Annie McColaugh Anna Thielen Guam Oregon - WGA SAC Chair Dan Baer Foundation Advisor Chief Financial Officer, Kymberly Sparlin Gordon Larsen Director of Operations Amanda Nelson Hawai’i Utah Meeting Planner Joe Rassenfoss Sam Eaton Geoff Potter Communications Toni Vigil Idaho - WGA SAC Vice Chair Washington Director Executive Assistant/ Office Manager Vijay Ramasamy Rob Creager Jack Spina Kansas Wyoming Communications Deb Kinsley Specialist Logistics Manager Brad Crowell Nevada Lauren DeNinno Senior Policy Advisor

WGA 2021 ANNUAL REPORT • 25 26 • WGA 2021 ANNUAL REPORT 27 • WGA 2021 ANNUAL REPORT WGA 2021 ANNUAL REPORT • 28