Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon said the state is prepared to protect its energy industry against the Biden administration, but he is concerned that regulations could continue to hurt the state's bottom line. During an opening day address to legislators, Gordon said Wyoming needs to find new ways to even out its revenue picture.
"We must look for ways to provide relief for our most heavily taxed industries. Making them in turn more competitive nationally and internationally," he said.
Gordon said he's excited that carbon capture can help the coal industry and he hopes higher education can work together to develop more entrepreneurs and broaden the tax base.
Gordon also asked legislators to be thoughtful as they deal with the state budget. The Consensus Revenue Estimating Group had a positive revenue forecast for the state, but he said difficult decisions remain.
"I've already had to make deeper cuts than any other governor. We've tried to protect those who are vulnerable, but cuts of this magnitude are unavoidably painful. I don't like any of this because I know it hurts people," said Gordon.
He added that there was no other viable option. Gordon plans to provide proposals on a range of subjects when he gives his State of the State message in March.
