Editor:

I would like to express my appreciation and thanks to the state of Wyoming, the Wyoming Legislature and the University of Wyoming for having the vision and foresight to sponsor the Western States Energy & Environment Symposium (WSEES), Oct. 25-27 in Jackson Hole.

The Energy Symposium, for the first time, brought together concerned legislators and industry representatives from 14 Western states to discuss critical and complicated energy issues our Western states are dealing with.

While some of these issues may be specific to each state depending on their geographic location, available energy resources, energy demand and climate, there are many issues common to all states including transmission, energy conservation, CO2 sequestration, climate change and cap and trade legislation. Wyoming has shown outstanding leadership by sponsoring the WSEES to help solve and address these challenges and share strategies that are effective or found ineffective. By working together on a regional basis, states can be far more effective and influential on the national scene and with federal agencies. States can no longer isolate themselves from one another in today’s global economy. We’re all in this together and with our great natural resources in the West we are major energy players.

I’m looking forward to the action plan that is being developed by the WSEES that will push forward strategies and cooperative agreements for the benefit of the participating Western states. Thanks to Rep. Tom Lubnau and Mary Byrnes, assistant director of Energy Outreach, University of Wyoming, for organizing an outstanding agenda.

The WSEES was a wise and far-sighted investment in our energy future and I believe it will pay excellent dividends in future energy development for all our Western states.

JERRY BLACK, Shelby, Mont.

Senator, Montana Senate District 14

J