Exclusive: Governors Gather in Washington, D.C., to Discuss Energy Independence and Federal Overreach

Introduction: A Gathering of Governors and the Focus on Energy Independence

Dozens of governors from across the United States convened in Washington, D.C., for the National Governors Association’s Winter Meeting, where energy independence, federal overreach, and state-led solutions dominated the discussions. Among them was Wyoming’s Republican Governor Mark Gordon, who spoke exclusively to Fox News Digital about his vocal advocacy for state autonomy and the importance of American energy independence. Governor Gordon emphasized the need for states to take the reins in managing their own affairs, a philosophy rooted in federalism that he believes is essential for the nation’s prosperity.

Gordon, a strong supporter of former President Donald Trump’s “let the states do it” approach, argued that state governments are better equipped to address local challenges, from energy production to education. He highlighted Wyoming’s leadership in energy production, noting that the state leads the nation in coal production, boasts the largest uranium reserves, and ranks among the top 10 states for oil and gas production. “We’ve talked about this in energy, we’ve talked about it in so many other areas, education and so on. Let us run our own shops. Federalist notion, that’s what our country was founded on,” Gordon said.

The Importance of State Leadership in Energy Production

Energy production emerged as a central theme during the winter meetings, with Wyoming at the forefront of the conversation. Governor Gordon pointed to his track record of collaboration with other governors, particularly New Mexico’s Democrat Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, to push back against federal policies that hinder energy development. He expressed frustration with Biden administration policies that halted new energy projects, emphasizing that such restrictions do not reduce energy consumption but instead drive production offshore to countries like Venezuela.

Gordon and Grisham joined forces early in the Biden administration to advocate against the shutdown of energy exploration on federal lands, arguing that this approach undermines American energy independence while failing to address environmental concerns. Wyoming and New Mexico, Gordon noted, have demonstrated leadership in balancing energy production with environmental stewardship. Both states have achieved low methane emissions in natural gas production, and Wyoming has pioneered innovative solutions like migration corridors to protect wildlife while developing minerals. “We know that we can develop our minerals in a place where it’s important for wildlife to be able to move. We can do these things. Give it to the states,” Gordon said.

The Impact of Federal Overreach and the Biden Administration’s Energy Policies

The Biden administration’s efforts to pause new energy projects on federal lands have been met with fierce resistance from energy-producing states like Wyoming and New Mexico. Governor Gordon criticized these policies for stifling domestic energy production and inadvertently benefiting foreign competitors. He and Governor Grisham made the case to the White House that halting energy exploration does not slow down energy consumption but instead shifts production to countries with less stringent environmental standards.

Gordon also highlighted the broader implications of federal overreach, pointing to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other regulatory hurdles that slow down critical infrastructure projects. “A project that ought to take four or five years takes a dozen. That’s not good for our competitiveness,” he remarked. While acknowledging the need for environmental safeguards, Gordon argued that states are better equipped to balance development with conservation, citing Wyoming’s successful efforts to protect wildlife migration corridors while responsibly developing natural resources.

Governor Gordon’s Optimism for the Next Four Years

Despite the challenges posed by federal policies, Governor Gordon expressed optimism about the future of American energy production under President Donald Trump. He predicted that the next four years would bring renewed growth and innovation, driven by an administration committed to state-centric policies and the recognition that energy development and environmental protection are not mutually exclusive. “We’re going to start to see growth and production again, but I think what’s really exciting is you have an administration that’s dedicated to putting in place policies that we can make permanent,” Gordon said.

He emphasized the importance of collaboration between states and the federal government to create lasting solutions. “Recognize that ‘and’ is a much better conjunction than ‘or,’” he said, highlighting the potential for states to lead the way in developing energy while protecting the environment. With a focus on reducing bureaucratic red tape and empowering states, Gordon believes the next four years present a unique opportunity for governors to make a meaningful impact.

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and Cutting Waste

In addition to energy policy, Governor Gordon also addressed the role of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a newly established initiative aimed at reducing waste and fraud in government. Wyoming, with its lean budget and energy-dominated economy, has long been vigilant about cutting unnecessary spending. “When oil and gas prices drop or coal prices drop, or you have a Biden administration, it’s tough on our state, and that has allowed us, I think, to keep a lot of that waste out,” Gordon explained.

While Wyoming’s small size and limited bureaucracy make it easier to identify and eliminate waste, Gordon acknowledged that there is always more work to be done. He expressed hope that DOGE’s focus on streamlining federal processes would translate into economic growth at the state level. “At the federal level, there’s a lot of stuff [we] need to fix,” he said, pointing to the slow and cumbersome nature of permitting and regulatory processes. Gordon noted that while the administration’s efforts to move quickly and break down barriers are commendable, they must also ensure that reforms are thoughtful and avoid unintended consequences.

Conclusion: A New Era of State-Led Solutions

As the National Governors Association’s Winter Meeting concluded, Governor Mark Gordon’s message was clear: the path to American energy independence and prosperity lies in empowering states to lead. With Wyoming at the forefront of energy production and environmental stewardship, Gordon remains optimistic about the future, particularly under an administration that prioritizes state autonomy and responsible development.

The next four years, he believes, will be crucial in unleashing America’s energy potential while addressing the challenges posed by federal overreach and bureaucratic inefficiency. By cutting waste, streamlining regulations, and fostering collaboration between states and the federal government, Gordon is confident that the nation can achieve lasting progress. “This is an exciting time,” he said, “and I know my fellow governors and I are very anxious to see what we can get done in these first two years.”