Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY) joined Governors Spencer Cox (R-UT) and Brad Little (R-ID) in Salt Lake City on April 29th, to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing a cooperative framework among Utah, Wyoming and Idaho to pursue regional collaboration in energy policy. According to the freshly inked document, “The goal is to align energy-related efforts in order to strengthen energy resilience, foster innovation, attract investment, and advocate for shared priorities.

“In Wyoming, we continue to work tirelessly and collaboratively with our partners to meet the growing demand for energy and support energy innovation. This month marks a significant turning point for citizens and the industry,” said Governor Gordon. “The President’s Unleashing American Energy Emergency Orders removed the bureaucratic roadblocks of the previous administration, and gave us all the green light. Now we will roll-up our sleeves, coordinate with our neighbors and work collaboratively to ensure reliable, affordable energy is available to our citizens.”

The basis of the non-binding MOU as outlined, is the recognition the three states share a unique geographic and economic landscape rich in energy resources, including fossil fuels, renewable energy sources, and the critical minerals essential for modern energy systems; and the States also participate in a common energy market, face common challenges related to energy production and distribution, grid reliability amid rising demand, environmental and economic impacts of energy transition, and volatile federal regulatory priorities.

The tri-state compact seeks to provide a framework for collaboration in seven key areas including: Policy Alignment, Coordination, Regulatory and Environmental Strategy, Federal Advocacy, Energy Resilience, Workforce Training and Development and Affordability.

Governor Gordon, known nationally and internationally as a staunch Wyoming energy industry advocate, recently returned from an international energy trade mission that included meetings with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Taiwan’s Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim and the newly installed Ambassador to Japan George Glass.

“April is proving to be a very good month for Wyoming energy, our citizens and the nation,” Governor Gordon said.