CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) - The Latest on Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon’s first state of the state address (all times local):
11:15 a.m.
Wyoming’s new governor says he will fight to make sure companies mining in the state can export coal overseas.
Republican Mark Gordon said in his first state of the state address Wednesday that coal plants built in Japan and South Korea can reduce current carbon emissions into the atmosphere.
Such emissions are a leading cause of climate change. Currently mines in Wyoming are the biggest source of coal for U.S. power plants.
Companies mining in Wyoming want to export more coal overseas but have been unable to get significant access to ship coal through ports in the Pacific Northwest.
Gordon says delays in permitting coal exports through those ports are an unconstitutional restraint on trade and he will advocate for access to coal markets.
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11:03 a.m.:
Wyoming’s new governor calls for exercising restraint with spending while achieving better returns on state reserve funds.
Republican Mark Gordon gave his first state of the state address Wednesday to a joint session of the Wyoming Legislature.
Gordon says “steady as she goes” should be Wyoming’s goal in dealing with rising and falling revenue from coal, oil and natural gas extraction.
Gordon was state treasurer for six years before being elected governor. In his state of the state, Gordon says his priorities include better investment of nearly $2 billion in state reserve funds.
Gordon also supports more state-funded research into reducing carbon emissions from burning coal and for reviewing state economic-development programs.
Gordon succeeds two-term Republican Gov. Matt Mead and backs Mead’s proposal to give pay raises to state employees.
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