Interview and summary by The Crude Life Content Correspondent Genneca Houser
Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon spoke on the recent upheaval over the presidential executive order that placed a moratorium on the use of federal lands and resources in the oil and gas industry. We discuss the different methods of “pushing back” against the executive order and what other actions that have and/or will be taken to ensure a future for the Energy Industry in Wyoming.
:55 – Governor Mark Gordon begins the informative discussion with a bit of background information so that everyone has a little context as we talk about the developments and changes. It’s been a tumultuous year since last year’s trade dispute. Wyoming had a scary moment at rig count zero for a time last year that sent individuals into action in order to keep people working and keep the industry going. That was the reason for the Energy Rebound Program through 2020.
When the moratorium came out ending the federal leasing of oil and gas resources, Governor Gordon immediately began reaching out to fellow colleagues regarding the changes to start the discussion on what can be done.
4:24 – Gov. Gordon begins talking about how many are looking into the legal actions that could be taken in the future to push back against EO 13990. The first step, he says, is to get together and get letters, information, and support in order to see what exactly would need to be done. There needs to be open conversation and consideration when it comes to the work force; replacing oil field jobs with renewable energy jobs won’t create enough for everyone to remain in work. There has already been a line opened up with the newly designated Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm to take a continued look into carbon capturing and clean technology. In short, however, Governor Gordon and his colleagues are planning to continue looking into every possible legal avenue to keep this crucial industry running.
“It’s much better for us to be selling energy to our friends than it is to be buying it from our enemies.” – Governor Mark Gordon (6:01)
6:26 – In Governor Gordon’s Executive Order 2021-01, state agencies were asked to take an in-depth look at the financial and employment impacts for the state of Wyoming. Governor Gordon gives some examples of the many areas of impact, but this was essentially a response to President Biden’s executive order; an effort to showcase just how detrimental the moratorium will be.
8:13 – Governor Gordon mentions talking frequently with North Dakota Governor Burgum in an effort to find ways to push back against the executive order. In the meantime, there is more than EO 13990 causing frustration; there is also the EO taking away regional jurisdiction for various items. What this has done is caused confusion, inefficiency, and delays in procedure due so many people not working on the same page.
10:17 – Governor Gordon talks about how there is a need for oil and gas that isn’t going away. So, if we are not utilizing American oil and gas from states and areas that are being monitored and regulated, what would happen is that the demand would be filled by other countries or operations off of our American shores that may not have nearly the clean processes and procedures that are found in the United States.
“It’s just a matter of really making sure that we put America first, that we make sure that American leadership and innovation is something we showcase and celebrate.” – Governor Mark Gordon (11:12)
11:47 – Next we moved on to talk about the series of initiatives and proposals to benefit Wyoming Tourism, Agriculture, and Energy sectors. For Wyoming Energy, a big development has been the merging of the Wyoming pipeline authority and the infrastructure authority. So now, the Wyoming Energy Authority has emerged and is now been expanded to be able to talk and focus on any and all energy types and possibilities moving forward. The energy legislation written into law earlier this week by Governor Gordon is putting a focus on the ability in Wyoming to look into energy alternatives including the mining of rare earth elements and minerals as well as a deeper look into carbon capturing and using carbon byproducts.
15:15 – Governor Gordon explains just a little bit about how carbon byproducts may be used in the future of Wyoming energy and innovations. Using carbon fibers to create sturdy and advanced building materials, or even creating better biodiesels could be just a couple of the possible opportunities.
17:04 – In looking forward to the direction of evolution in the energy industry for Wyoming, Governor Gordon talks a bit about finding more of a balance when it comes to renewable energy, as well as putting a bigger focus on coal than has been previously. He goes on to talk about how coal could very well hold the key to removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, essentially cleaning pollutants from the air and creating a carbon negative energy source.
“If you’re really about the climate, getting carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere, [and] continuing to provide reliable cheap energy, that’s the equation that we’re trying to solve for.” – Governor Mark Gordon (18:21)
19:06 – We have the final thoughts from Governor Gordon. He takes the last few minutes to really put an emphasis on the importance of having a reliable domestic source for our oil and gas energy. In a final piece of advice, Governor Gordon encourages everyone to look to the individual states for progress in the oil and gas industry stating that they are the “crucibles” for innovation and moving technology forward.
“Ever since before statehood, oil has been a part of our economy and we look forward to it being a part of it going long ways into the future.” – Governor Mark Gordon (19:57)
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