Out West (Presented by the Western Governors’ Association) https://westgov.podbean.com Welcome to Out West, the official podcast of the Western Governors’ Association. Tune in each month to hear experts debate the most important issues facing the region. Fri, 27 Mar 2026 09:01:23 -0600 https://podbean.com/?v=5.5 en Copyright 2020 All rights reserved. News:Politics 1440 episodic Welcome to Out West, the official podcast of the Western Governors’ Association. Tune in each month to hear experts discuss the most important issues facing the region. Western Governors’ Association Western Governors’ Association No false https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/7334264/WGA_RGB_Podcast_Background-01.jpg Out West (Presented by the Western Governors’ Association) https://westgov.podbean.com 144 144 The fast-approaching future of quantum computing with Colorado Governor Jared Polis The fast-approaching future of quantum computing with Colorado Governor Jared Polis https://westgov.podbean.com/e/the-fast-approaching-future-of-quantum-computing-with-colorado-governor-jared-polis/ https://westgov.podbean.com/e/the-fast-approaching-future-of-quantum-computing-with-colorado-governor-jared-polis/#comments Fri, 27 Mar 2026 09:01:23 -0600 westgov.podbean.com/951cf12f-3cdf-3f6b-9981-49cea4ef1705 For years, quantum computing has sounded like something straight out of science fiction. Now, it’s getting real. The industry is rapidly advancing, major breakthroughs are coming into view, and quantum could soon begin reshaping everyday life—just as artificial intelligence has in recent years.

In this episode, WGA Communications Specialist Eli Jaynes speaks with Colorado Governor Jared Polis, University of New Mexico Professor Ivan Deutsch, and Atom Computing’s Chief Product Officer, Justin Ging, about the state of the industry and where it’s headed next. 

He also speaks with Professor Heather Lewandowski from the University of Colorado and Gwen Leifer from Lockheed Martin about efforts to develop a quantum workforce capable of taking this industry to the next level. 

]]> For years, quantum computing has sounded like something straight out of science fiction. Now, it’s getting real. The industry is rapidly advancing, major breakthroughs are coming into view, and quantum could soon begin reshaping everyday life—just as artificial intelligence has in recent years.

In this episode, WGA Communications Specialist Eli Jaynes speaks with Colorado Governor Jared Polis, University of New Mexico Professor Ivan Deutsch, and Atom Computing’s Chief Product Officer, Justin Ging, about the state of the industry and where it’s headed next. 

He also speaks with Professor Heather Lewandowski from the University of Colorado and Gwen Leifer from Lockheed Martin about efforts to develop a quantum workforce capable of taking this industry to the next level. 

]]> Western Governors’ Association false No 1606 49 full Cleaning Up Abandoned Hardrock Mines with Colorado Senator John Hickenlooper Cleaning Up Abandoned Hardrock Mines with Colorado Senator John Hickenlooper https://westgov.podbean.com/e/cleaning-up-abandoned-hardrock-mines-with-colorado-senator-john-hickenlooper/ https://westgov.podbean.com/e/cleaning-up-abandoned-hardrock-mines-with-colorado-senator-john-hickenlooper/#comments Thu, 16 Oct 2025 15:38:36 -0600 westgov.podbean.com/aab56685-67d2-3360-8def-dca51504fcc0 Somewhere between 140,000 and 390,000 abandoned hardrock mines are scattered throughout the West. Many have sat idle for decades, posing serious safety risks and polluting Western waterways.

Last year, Congress took action on this issue by passing the Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act. The law launches a pilot program that allows for the cleanup of 15 mine sites without fear of liability — a landmark step to accelerate reclamation across the region.

Western Governors have advocated for this legislation for decades, and WGA celebrated the bill's passage. 

Tune in to hear from Colorado Senator and former Governor John Hickenlooper as well as experts and organizations involved in cleaning up abandoned mines. They share why this legislation matters, how the pilot program will work, and what kinds of projects could finally move forward under its protections.

In addition to Senator Hickenlooper, you'll hear from David Hockey, the Acting Director of EPA’s Office of Mountains, Deserts, and Plains; Chris Wood, CEO of Trout Unlimited; and Rob Ghiglieri, Administrator of the Nevada Division of Minerals.

]]> Somewhere between 140,000 and 390,000 abandoned hardrock mines are scattered throughout the West. Many have sat idle for decades, posing serious safety risks and polluting Western waterways.

Last year, Congress took action on this issue by passing the Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act. The law launches a pilot program that allows for the cleanup of 15 mine sites without fear of liability — a landmark step to accelerate reclamation across the region.

Western Governors have advocated for this legislation for decades, and WGA celebrated the bill's passage. 

Tune in to hear from Colorado Senator and former Governor John Hickenlooper as well as experts and organizations involved in cleaning up abandoned mines. They share why this legislation matters, how the pilot program will work, and what kinds of projects could finally move forward under its protections.

In addition to Senator Hickenlooper, you'll hear from David Hockey, the Acting Director of EPA’s Office of Mountains, Deserts, and Plains; Chris Wood, CEO of Trout Unlimited; and Rob Ghiglieri, Administrator of the Nevada Division of Minerals.

]]> Tune in to hear from Colorado Senator and former Governor John Hickenlooper as well as experts and organizations involved in cleaning up abandoned mines. They share why the Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act matters, how the pilot program will work, and what kinds of projects could finally move forward under its protections. Western Governors’ Association false No 2241 48 full Energy Superabundance: Unlocking Prosperity in the West with Utah Governor Spencer Cox Energy Superabundance: Unlocking Prosperity in the West with Utah Governor Spencer Cox https://westgov.podbean.com/e/energy-superabundance-unlocking-prosperity-in-the-west-with-utah-governor-spencer-cox/ https://westgov.podbean.com/e/energy-superabundance-unlocking-prosperity-in-the-west-with-utah-governor-spencer-cox/#comments Thu, 02 Oct 2025 14:37:25 -0600 westgov.podbean.com/70412c95-994b-3e77-b62b-548ba243e38f In June, Utah Governor Spencer Cox became Chair of the Western Governors’ Association. His Chair Initiative, Energy Superabundance: Unlocking Prosperity in the West, will explore how states can expand energy production, transmission, and storage to meet rising demand and achieve true energy abundance across the region.

In this episode of Out West, WGA Executive Director Jack Waldorf sits down with Governor Cox to talk about the inspiration and vision behind his new initiative.

You’ll also hear from WGA Policy Advisor Abby Pelsmaeker, who spoke with Emy Lesofski, Director of the Utah Office of Energy Development, to learn more about Utah’s approach to energy innovation—and how it can help seize the opportunities shaping our nation’s energy future.

Finally, you’ll hear from John Wagner, the Laboratory Director at the Idaho National Laboratory, who spoke at the first Energy Superabundance workshop about the unique factors driving today’s nuclear resurgence—one he says is unlike anything he’s seen in his 30-year career.     

Finally, WGA would like to thank our initiative partners: Advanced Energy United; American Clean Power; Amazon Web Services; ClearPath; Deloitte; Idaho National Laboratory; Iron Workers International; JP Morgan Chase; National Hydropower Association; NextEra Energy; Nuclear Energy Institute; The Pew Charitable Trusts; Southwest Power Pool, and Williams Companies. 

]]> In June, Utah Governor Spencer Cox became Chair of the Western Governors’ Association. His Chair Initiative, Energy Superabundance: Unlocking Prosperity in the West, will explore how states can expand energy production, transmission, and storage to meet rising demand and achieve true energy abundance across the region.

In this episode of Out West, WGA Executive Director Jack Waldorf sits down with Governor Cox to talk about the inspiration and vision behind his new initiative.

You’ll also hear from WGA Policy Advisor Abby Pelsmaeker, who spoke with Emy Lesofski, Director of the Utah Office of Energy Development, to learn more about Utah’s approach to energy innovation—and how it can help seize the opportunities shaping our nation’s energy future.

Finally, you’ll hear from John Wagner, the Laboratory Director at the Idaho National Laboratory, who spoke at the first Energy Superabundance workshop about the unique factors driving today’s nuclear resurgence—one he says is unlike anything he’s seen in his 30-year career.     

Finally, WGA would like to thank our initiative partners: Advanced Energy United; American Clean Power; Amazon Web Services; ClearPath; Deloitte; Idaho National Laboratory; Iron Workers International; JP Morgan Chase; National Hydropower Association; NextEra Energy; Nuclear Energy Institute; The Pew Charitable Trusts; Southwest Power Pool, and Williams Companies. 

]]> In this episode of Out West, WGA Executive Director Jack Waldorf sits down with Governor Cox to talk about the inspiration and vision behind his new WGA policy initiative - Energy Superabundance Unlocking Prosperity in the West. Western Governors’ Association false No 2591 47 full Leave it to Beaver: How Nature’s Engineers Help Mitigate Disasters Leave it to Beaver: How Nature’s Engineers Help Mitigate Disasters https://westgov.podbean.com/e/leave-it-to-beaver-how-nature-s-engineers-help-mitigate-disasters/ https://westgov.podbean.com/e/leave-it-to-beaver-how-nature-s-engineers-help-mitigate-disasters/#comments Fri, 28 Mar 2025 10:00:52 -0600 westgov.podbean.com/4f9baed9-c333-368d-8f5f-419e66d5d315 The history of the West has always been defined by water. Long before settlers arrived, Indigenous peoples designed complex water management systems to cultivate the arid land. In the 19th and 20th centuries, large-scale engineering projects redistributed water across the West, enabling the region’s rapid growth. Today, western water resources are stretched thin, and as rivers and streams dry up, so too does the environmental resiliency that’s provided by healthy riparian zones.  

To help address this issue, many western states are looking to beavers – long known as nature’s engineers – to ensure more water is retained on the landscape. New research shows that this will help restore biodiversity and mitigate the effects of prolonged drought, unexpected flooding, and catastrophic wildfires.    

In this episode of Out West, WGA policy advisors Jonah Seifer and Zach Nowak spoke with beaver experts from around the region about how these aquatic rodents can help us restore balance to the West’s water systems.  

For these discussions they were joined by Emily Fairfax, an ecohydrologist, beaver researcher, and Assistant Professor of Geography at the University of Minnesota; Chris Jordan, a Fisheries Biologist with NOAA’s Northwest Fisheries Science Center; Alexander Funk, the Director of Water Resources and Senior Counsel at the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership; Marshall Wolf, a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission; and Jerry Altermatt, a habitat biologist with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.        

]]> The history of the West has always been defined by water. Long before settlers arrived, Indigenous peoples designed complex water management systems to cultivate the arid land. In the 19th and 20th centuries, large-scale engineering projects redistributed water across the West, enabling the region’s rapid growth. Today, western water resources are stretched thin, and as rivers and streams dry up, so too does the environmental resiliency that’s provided by healthy riparian zones.  

To help address this issue, many western states are looking to beavers – long known as nature’s engineers – to ensure more water is retained on the landscape. New research shows that this will help restore biodiversity and mitigate the effects of prolonged drought, unexpected flooding, and catastrophic wildfires.    

In this episode of Out West, WGA policy advisors Jonah Seifer and Zach Nowak spoke with beaver experts from around the region about how these aquatic rodents can help us restore balance to the West’s water systems.  

For these discussions they were joined by Emily Fairfax, an ecohydrologist, beaver researcher, and Assistant Professor of Geography at the University of Minnesota; Chris Jordan, a Fisheries Biologist with NOAA’s Northwest Fisheries Science Center; Alexander Funk, the Director of Water Resources and Senior Counsel at the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership; Marshall Wolf, a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission; and Jerry Altermatt, a habitat biologist with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.        

]]> In this episode, hear about how healthy beaver populations in western states can help restore wetland ecosystems, prevent catastrophic wildfire, promote biodiversity, retain water on the landscape, and prevent flooding. WGA policy advisors Jonah Seifer and Zach Nowak speak with beaver experts from around the region about how these aquatic rodents can help us restore balance to the West’s water systems. Western Governors’ Association false No 2568 46 full Exploring Community Navigator Programs with USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment Meryl Harrell Exploring Community Navigator Programs with USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment Meryl Harrell https://westgov.podbean.com/e/exploring-community-navigator-programs-with-usda-deputy-under-secretary-for-natural-resources-and-environment-meryl-harrell/ https://westgov.podbean.com/e/exploring-community-navigator-programs-with-usda-deputy-under-secretary-for-natural-resources-and-environment-meryl-harrell/#comments Fri, 17 Jan 2025 08:54:28 -0700 westgov.podbean.com/e8d0a50d-2c04-30f0-98b5-a1be849e065e In the wake of natural disasters, navigating complicated bureaucratic systems can be extremely challenging – especially for those living in historically underserved communities. Community navigators can help raise awareness about available resources and provide technical assistance when applying for grants or other government aid. 

In this episode of Out West, WGA senior policy advisor Jonah Seifer speaks with Meryl Harrell, the Deputy Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They discuss the department’s newly formed community navigators program and how it can help disseminate funds more equitably and efficiently.  

Jonah also spoke with Jonathan Bruno and Thérèse d'Auria Ryley from Coalitions and Collaboratives, one of the USDA’s partners charged with enacting the community navigators program on the ground.    

]]> In the wake of natural disasters, navigating complicated bureaucratic systems can be extremely challenging – especially for those living in historically underserved communities. Community navigators can help raise awareness about available resources and provide technical assistance when applying for grants or other government aid. 

In this episode of Out West, WGA senior policy advisor Jonah Seifer speaks with Meryl Harrell, the Deputy Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They discuss the department’s newly formed community navigators program and how it can help disseminate funds more equitably and efficiently.  

Jonah also spoke with Jonathan Bruno and Thérèse d'Auria Ryley from Coalitions and Collaboratives, one of the USDA’s partners charged with enacting the community navigators program on the ground.    

]]> In this episode of Out West, WGA senior policy advisor Jonah Seifer speaks with Meryl Harrell, the Deputy Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They discuss the department’s newly formed community navigators program and how it can help disseminate funds more equitably and efficiently. Western Governors’ Association false No 2348 45 full Decarbonizing the West with Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon Decarbonizing the West with Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon https://westgov.podbean.com/e/decarbonizing-the-west/ https://westgov.podbean.com/e/decarbonizing-the-west/#comments Thu, 16 Jan 2025 08:43:36 -0700 westgov.podbean.com/9fa5933f-48e0-3b3c-9efd-09efd5c3072c Last year, as the Chair of WGA, Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon launched the Decarbonizing the West initiative. It examined how methods of decarbonization can position Western states at the forefront of innovation and reduce the effects of carbon emissions on the environment.

The initiative explored a wide range of engineered decarbonization and natural sequestration strategies – everything from direct air capture and carbon credit markets to climate-smart agriculture and biofuel – all of which present enormous opportunities for western states.

In this episode of Out West, WGA policy advisor Abby Pelsmaeker speaks with some of the country's leading decarbonization experts about how these strategies have evolved in recent years and their prospects for the future. 

To learn more about these decarbonization strategies, including federal policy recommendations for advancing the industry, check out the Decarbonizing the West initiative report on WGA’s website.

]]> Last year, as the Chair of WGA, Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon launched the Decarbonizing the West initiative. It examined how methods of decarbonization can position Western states at the forefront of innovation and reduce the effects of carbon emissions on the environment.

The initiative explored a wide range of engineered decarbonization and natural sequestration strategies – everything from direct air capture and carbon credit markets to climate-smart agriculture and biofuel – all of which present enormous opportunities for western states.

In this episode of Out West, WGA policy advisor Abby Pelsmaeker speaks with some of the country's leading decarbonization experts about how these strategies have evolved in recent years and their prospects for the future. 

To learn more about these decarbonization strategies, including federal policy recommendations for advancing the industry, check out the Decarbonizing the West initiative report on WGA’s website.

]]> Western Governors’ Association false No 2690 44 full Fighting Invasive Mussels in Western States with Idaho Governor Brad Little Fighting Invasive Mussels in Western States with Idaho Governor Brad Little https://westgov.podbean.com/e/fighting-invasive-mussels-in-western-states/ https://westgov.podbean.com/e/fighting-invasive-mussels-in-western-states/#comments Wed, 27 Nov 2024 10:34:37 -0700 westgov.podbean.com/8405ed1c-8424-310b-8cb5-4f8573774c7c In this episode of Out West, hear about the threat posed by invasive zebra and quagga mussels to western waterways, and understand the ongoing work to contain and eliminate this threat. 

We dive into recent detections of invasive mussels in the Snake River in Idaho and a stretch of the Colorado River in Colorado. Those detections sparked rapid and thorough responses to contain, monitor, and even eradicate these mussels. Over the course of the episode, WGA Policy Advisor Zach Nowak sits down with the experts and managers that are working to manage those detections and keep western lakes and rivers free of invasive mussels. 

You'll hear from Idaho Governor Brad Little, Idaho State Department of Agriculture Director Chanel Tewalt, Colorado Parks and Wildlife Invasive Species Program Manager Robert Walters, National Invasive Species Council Executive Director Stas Burgiel, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator Barak Shemai, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator Theresa Thom. 

]]> In this episode of Out West, hear about the threat posed by invasive zebra and quagga mussels to western waterways, and understand the ongoing work to contain and eliminate this threat. 

We dive into recent detections of invasive mussels in the Snake River in Idaho and a stretch of the Colorado River in Colorado. Those detections sparked rapid and thorough responses to contain, monitor, and even eradicate these mussels. Over the course of the episode, WGA Policy Advisor Zach Nowak sits down with the experts and managers that are working to manage those detections and keep western lakes and rivers free of invasive mussels. 

You'll hear from Idaho Governor Brad Little, Idaho State Department of Agriculture Director Chanel Tewalt, Colorado Parks and Wildlife Invasive Species Program Manager Robert Walters, National Invasive Species Council Executive Director Stas Burgiel, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator Barak Shemai, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator Theresa Thom. 

]]> Western Governors’ Association false No 2208 43 full Celebrating 40 Years of Bipartisanship at the Western Governors' Association Celebrating 40 Years of Bipartisanship at the Western Governors' Association https://westgov.podbean.com/e/celebrating-40-years-of-the-western-governors-assocation/ https://westgov.podbean.com/e/celebrating-40-years-of-the-western-governors-assocation/#comments Fri, 19 Jul 2024 09:39:11 -0600 westgov.podbean.com/56fc3a33-7636-382f-800e-beaa6e3479be The Western Governors' Association celebrated the 40th anniversary of its founding by hosting an afternoon of programming that included fireside chats with current and former Western Governors.

Joining WGA's current chair, Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon, was former Governors - and former WGA Chairs - Steve Bullock of Montana, Gary Herbert of Utah, David Ige of Hawaii, Matt Mead of Wyoming, Bob Miller of Nevada, Butch Otter of Idaho, and Brian Sandoval of Nevada. 

Their discussions, which were moderated by Judy Woodruff, the former anchor and managing editor of the PBS NewsHour, focused on the importance of bipartisanship when dealing with many of the country's complex problems. 

Tune into their discussion by listening to the latest episode of WGA's Out West podcast. 

]]> The Western Governors' Association celebrated the 40th anniversary of its founding by hosting an afternoon of programming that included fireside chats with current and former Western Governors.

Joining WGA's current chair, Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon, was former Governors - and former WGA Chairs - Steve Bullock of Montana, Gary Herbert of Utah, David Ige of Hawaii, Matt Mead of Wyoming, Bob Miller of Nevada, Butch Otter of Idaho, and Brian Sandoval of Nevada. 

Their discussions, which were moderated by Judy Woodruff, the former anchor and managing editor of the PBS NewsHour, focused on the importance of bipartisanship when dealing with many of the country's complex problems. 

Tune into their discussion by listening to the latest episode of WGA's Out West podcast. 

]]> Western Governors’ Association false No 3497 42 full A Conversation with WGA Chair, Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon, and WGA Executive Director, Jack Waldorf A Conversation with WGA Chair, Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon, and WGA Executive Director, Jack Waldorf https://westgov.podbean.com/e/a-conversation-with-wga-chair-wyoming-governor-mark-gordon-and-wga-executive-director-jack-waldorf/ https://westgov.podbean.com/e/a-conversation-with-wga-chair-wyoming-governor-mark-gordon-and-wga-executive-director-jack-waldorf/#comments Wed, 24 Jan 2024 08:59:24 -0700 westgov.podbean.com/4fe7f36e-04f0-34bd-be29-cd3b2eb5bdc3 In this episode of Out West, Jack Waldorf, Executive Director of the Western Governors' Association (WGA), sits down with WGA's Chair, Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon, for a discussion about their experiences leading the Association. 

They speak about the importance of their bipartisan relationships with the other Governors, their aspirations for Governor Gordon's WGA Chair Initiative, Decarbonizing the West, as well as the Association’s upcoming 40th Anniversary celebrations and what they hope the next 40 years will bring for WGA.

]]> In this episode of Out West, Jack Waldorf, Executive Director of the Western Governors' Association (WGA), sits down with WGA's Chair, Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon, for a discussion about their experiences leading the Association. 

They speak about the importance of their bipartisan relationships with the other Governors, their aspirations for Governor Gordon's WGA Chair Initiative, Decarbonizing the West, as well as the Association’s upcoming 40th Anniversary celebrations and what they hope the next 40 years will bring for WGA.

]]> Western Governors’ Association false No 1774 41 full Founding Celebrate the West with Christine Ogsbury Founding Celebrate the West with Christine Ogsbury https://westgov.podbean.com/e/founding-celebrate-the-west-with-christine-ogsbury/ https://westgov.podbean.com/e/founding-celebrate-the-west-with-christine-ogsbury/#comments Mon, 08 Jan 2024 09:08:30 -0700 westgov.podbean.com/c4ea777b-37e7-392e-948f-1c8e45c90c5d In this episode of Out West, Celebrate the West founder Christine Ogsbury discusses her inspiration behind starting the program and some of her most memorable moments.

]]> In this episode of Out West, Celebrate the West founder Christine Ogsbury discusses her inspiration behind starting the program and some of her most memorable moments.

]]> Western Governors’ Association false No 656 40 full The Heat Beneath Our Feet: Exploring the Potential of Geothermal Energy with Colorado Governor Jared Polis The Heat Beneath Our Feet: Exploring the Potential of Geothermal Energy with Colorado Governor Jared Polis https://westgov.podbean.com/e/the-heat-beneath-our-feet-exploring-the-potential-of-geothermal-energy-with-colorado-governor-jared-polis/ https://westgov.podbean.com/e/the-heat-beneath-our-feet-exploring-the-potential-of-geothermal-energy-with-colorado-governor-jared-polis/#comments Wed, 04 Oct 2023 11:11:00 -0600 westgov.podbean.com/9d811a20-a10a-363d-aa45-00f30a699a35 The potential of geothermal energy in the West is vast and offers significant advantages in the effort to expand renewable energy resources. Advances in technology and increased interest in developing domestic sources of low-cost, reliable, clean energy have brought greater attention to the energy potential of the heat beneath our feet.

As Chair of the Western Governors’ Association in 2023, Colorado Governor Jared Polis launched The Heat Beneath Our Feet initiative to examine opportunities for and barriers to the accelerated development and deployment of geothermal energy technologies.

Through a rigorous stakeholder process that included four workshops, six tours, a public survey, and a webinar series, the Heat Beneath Our Feet initiative generated recommendations for increasing the development and deployment of geothermal energy in the West.

In this episode of Out West, Governor Polis shares some of his experiences from the initiative and discusses the policy recommendations outlined in the initiative report. You’ll also hear from Amanda Kolker, the laboratory program manager for geothermal at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory; Dr. Joseph Moore and Dr. John Mclennan, the Managing Principal Investigator and Co-Principal Investigator at the Utah FORGE Laboratory; Nick Goodman, the CEO of Cyrq Energy, and Paul Thomsen, the Vice President of Business Development at Ormat Technologies Inc.

]]> The potential of geothermal energy in the West is vast and offers significant advantages in the effort to expand renewable energy resources. Advances in technology and increased interest in developing domestic sources of low-cost, reliable, clean energy have brought greater attention to the energy potential of the heat beneath our feet.

As Chair of the Western Governors’ Association in 2023, Colorado Governor Jared Polis launched The Heat Beneath Our Feet initiative to examine opportunities for and barriers to the accelerated development and deployment of geothermal energy technologies.

Through a rigorous stakeholder process that included four workshops, six tours, a public survey, and a webinar series, the Heat Beneath Our Feet initiative generated recommendations for increasing the development and deployment of geothermal energy in the West.

In this episode of Out West, Governor Polis shares some of his experiences from the initiative and discusses the policy recommendations outlined in the initiative report. You’ll also hear from Amanda Kolker, the laboratory program manager for geothermal at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory; Dr. Joseph Moore and Dr. John Mclennan, the Managing Principal Investigator and Co-Principal Investigator at the Utah FORGE Laboratory; Nick Goodman, the CEO of Cyrq Energy, and Paul Thomsen, the Vice President of Business Development at Ormat Technologies Inc.

]]> Western Governors’ Association false No 3079 39 full Out West (#38): Meet the Winners of the 2023 Celebrate the West high school art competition Out West (#38): Meet the Winners of the 2023 Celebrate the West high school art competition https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-38-meet-the-winners-of-the-2023-celebrate-the-west-high-school-art-competition/ https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-38-meet-the-winners-of-the-2023-celebrate-the-west-high-school-art-competition/#comments Tue, 08 Aug 2023 16:18:52 -0600 westgov.podbean.com/02b2669f-3139-35c2-b767-08a90e30083f The Western Governors' Foundation released a new podcast highlighting Emily Cooper, the overall first-place winner of the 2023 Celebrate the West art competition, an annual art competition hosted by the Western Governors' Foundations, which challenges high school students to create original works inspired by their state or otherwise evocative of the West. Listen here as Emily discusses her winning art and what the West means to her. 

]]> The Western Governors' Foundation released a new podcast highlighting Emily Cooper, the overall first-place winner of the 2023 Celebrate the West art competition, an annual art competition hosted by the Western Governors' Foundations, which challenges high school students to create original works inspired by their state or otherwise evocative of the West. Listen here as Emily discusses her winning art and what the West means to her. 

]]> Western Governors’ Association false No 381 38 full Out West (#37) Fostering the Next Generation of Western Leaders Out West (#37) Fostering the Next Generation of Western Leaders https://westgov.podbean.com/e/fostering-the-next-generation-of-western-leaders/ https://westgov.podbean.com/e/fostering-the-next-generation-of-western-leaders/#comments Tue, 11 Jul 2023 16:24:17 -0600 westgov.podbean.com/9f777090-64b0-3bf6-81fa-9a90d3267167 In this episode of WGA's Out West podcast, Anna Thielen, Manager of the Western Governors' Foundation, speaks with four Delegates from the 2023 Western Governors' Leadership Institute - Garrett Kelly from Arizona, Donya Sarrafian from California, Andee Baker from Montana, and Kaelan Reedy from North Dakota - about their experiences at the 2023 Western Governors' Leadership Institute where they had had chance to discuss the nuances of leadership with former and current Governors, including Jared Polis, Governor of Colorado, Mark Gordon, Governor of Wyoming, Butch Otter, former Governor of Idaho, Matt Mead, former Governor of Wyoming, David Ice, former Governor of Hawaii, and Dennis Daugaard, former Governor of South Dakota. 

  

 

  

]]> In this episode of WGA's Out West podcast, Anna Thielen, Manager of the Western Governors' Foundation, speaks with four Delegates from the 2023 Western Governors' Leadership Institute - Garrett Kelly from Arizona, Donya Sarrafian from California, Andee Baker from Montana, and Kaelan Reedy from North Dakota - about their experiences at the 2023 Western Governors' Leadership Institute where they had had chance to discuss the nuances of leadership with former and current Governors, including Jared Polis, Governor of Colorado, Mark Gordon, Governor of Wyoming, Butch Otter, former Governor of Idaho, Matt Mead, former Governor of Wyoming, David Ice, former Governor of Hawaii, and Dennis Daugaard, former Governor of South Dakota. 

  

 

  

]]> Western Governors’ Association false No 792 37 full Out West (#36): Meet the winners of the 2022 Celebrate the West regional art competition Out West (#36): Meet the winners of the 2022 Celebrate the West regional art competition https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-36-meet-the-winners-of-the-2022-celebrate-the-west-regional-art-competition/ https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-36-meet-the-winners-of-the-2022-celebrate-the-west-regional-art-competition/#comments Mon, 09 Jan 2023 09:18:16 -0700 westgov.podbean.com/fdc8536f-6cb1-34ab-bcde-a4a75ad8a325 Each year the Western Governors’ Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Western Governors' Association, hosts a competition that challenges high school students to create a piece of artwork that is inspired by their state. Now in its eighth year, Celebrate the West generates hundreds of amazing pieces created by budding western artists. 

The application window for this year’s competition opened on January 9th. The deadline for entries is April 30th.

In today’s episode of Out West, Anna Thielen, the Western Governors’ Foundation Manager, speaks with last year’s winner, Michelle Lin, about what inspired her acrylic painting titled Unity.

Anna also speaks with Sharron Rouse, one of the art experts on the Celebrate the West judging panel, about what made Michelle’s painting stand out. She also speaks with Thomas Wiberg, the third recipient of WGF’s Award for Outstanding High School Art Educator, about the importance of art education in the West.   

]]> Each year the Western Governors’ Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Western Governors' Association, hosts a competition that challenges high school students to create a piece of artwork that is inspired by their state. Now in its eighth year, Celebrate the West generates hundreds of amazing pieces created by budding western artists. 

The application window for this year’s competition opened on January 9th. The deadline for entries is April 30th.

In today’s episode of Out West, Anna Thielen, the Western Governors’ Foundation Manager, speaks with last year’s winner, Michelle Lin, about what inspired her acrylic painting titled Unity.

Anna also speaks with Sharron Rouse, one of the art experts on the Celebrate the West judging panel, about what made Michelle’s painting stand out. She also speaks with Thomas Wiberg, the third recipient of WGF’s Award for Outstanding High School Art Educator, about the importance of art education in the West.   

]]> Western Governors’ Association false No 1056 36 full Out West (#35): The Well of the Future: Repurposing Oil and Gas Wells for Geothermal Energy Production Out West (#35): The Well of the Future: Repurposing Oil and Gas Wells for Geothermal Energy Production https://westgov.podbean.com/e/the-well-of-the-future-repurposing-oil-and-gas-wells-for-geothermal-energy-production/ https://westgov.podbean.com/e/the-well-of-the-future-repurposing-oil-and-gas-wells-for-geothermal-energy-production/#comments Thu, 01 Dec 2022 09:32:15 -0700 westgov.podbean.com/11df7ad1-a63f-3f6a-8231-e3d4d06be78a In the latest episode of WGA’s Out West podcast, The Well of the Future: Repurposing Oil and Gas Wells for Geothermal Energy Production, WGA Policy Advisor Steven Emmen sits down with Johanna Ostrum, the Chief Operating Officer of Transitional Energy; Will Pettitt, the Geothermal Discipline Lead at Baker Hughes; and Will Gosnold, a professor of geological engineering at the University of North Dakota. 

Together they delve into the potential for blending aspects of the oil and gas industry with geothermal energy production, and how doing so can help make both industries more efficient and sustainable.   

]]> In the latest episode of WGA’s Out West podcast, The Well of the Future: Repurposing Oil and Gas Wells for Geothermal Energy Production, WGA Policy Advisor Steven Emmen sits down with Johanna Ostrum, the Chief Operating Officer of Transitional Energy; Will Pettitt, the Geothermal Discipline Lead at Baker Hughes; and Will Gosnold, a professor of geological engineering at the University of North Dakota. 

Together they delve into the potential for blending aspects of the oil and gas industry with geothermal energy production, and how doing so can help make both industries more efficient and sustainable.   

]]> Western Governors’ Association false No 1893 35 full Out West (#34): The Next Generation of Western Leaders Out West (#34): The Next Generation of Western Leaders https://westgov.podbean.com/e/the-next-generation-of-western-leaders/ https://westgov.podbean.com/e/the-next-generation-of-western-leaders/#comments Thu, 15 Sep 2022 13:20:06 -0600 westgov.podbean.com/6995190b-4548-3473-b073-d2be4e3d7a75 The Next Generation of Western Leaders, the latest episode of WGA’s Out West podcast, highlights the inaugural class of delegates from the 2022 Western Governors’ Leadership Institute, a new programmatic offering from the Western Governors’ Foundation that is designed to promote and encourage the effective exercise of leadership in young adults throughout the West.

Listen in as Aspen Lenning from Oklahoma, Gustaf Vanderdonck from Arizona, Samantha Mooney from Colorado, Gabriella Smith from Washington, Brandon Larranaga from New Mexico, Kaleb Dschaak from North Dakota, Jonathan Karlen from Montana, and Skyler Bollar from Idaho discuss their experiences at this year's Institute and how their interactions with the Governors, Cabinet Secretaries, and sponsors who attended the event, enhanced their perspective of effective leadership and bipartisan political action.

]]> The Next Generation of Western Leaders, the latest episode of WGA’s Out West podcast, highlights the inaugural class of delegates from the 2022 Western Governors’ Leadership Institute, a new programmatic offering from the Western Governors’ Foundation that is designed to promote and encourage the effective exercise of leadership in young adults throughout the West.

Listen in as Aspen Lenning from Oklahoma, Gustaf Vanderdonck from Arizona, Samantha Mooney from Colorado, Gabriella Smith from Washington, Brandon Larranaga from New Mexico, Kaleb Dschaak from North Dakota, Jonathan Karlen from Montana, and Skyler Bollar from Idaho discuss their experiences at this year's Institute and how their interactions with the Governors, Cabinet Secretaries, and sponsors who attended the event, enhanced their perspective of effective leadership and bipartisan political action.

]]> Western Governors’ Association false No 1650 34 full Out West (#33): Supporting Coal Communities Out West (#33): Supporting Coal Communities https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-32-supporting-coal-communities/ https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-32-supporting-coal-communities/#comments Thu, 23 Jun 2022 10:18:23 -0600 westgov.podbean.com/97d2e064-b23f-3a93-abb8-024e4f061cbb The new episode of WGA’s Out West podcast, 'Supporting Coal Communities,' explores the economic trends impacting Utah’s coal communities in the face of changing energy markets and state efforts to bolster economic development opportunities in those areas. 

Listen in as WGA Senior Policy Advisor, Lauren DeNinno, speaks with Alyssa Kay, Director of Program Development for the Utah Office of Energy Development, and Geri Gamber, the Executive Director of the Southeastern Utah Association of Local Governments. Together they discuss specific programs that the state has pursued to support rural economic development, like the San Rafael Energy Research Center, which works to diversify the state's energy portfolio and help employees in the coal industry transition their skills to new economic sectors.           

]]> The new episode of WGA’s Out West podcast, 'Supporting Coal Communities,' explores the economic trends impacting Utah’s coal communities in the face of changing energy markets and state efforts to bolster economic development opportunities in those areas. 

Listen in as WGA Senior Policy Advisor, Lauren DeNinno, speaks with Alyssa Kay, Director of Program Development for the Utah Office of Energy Development, and Geri Gamber, the Executive Director of the Southeastern Utah Association of Local Governments. Together they discuss specific programs that the state has pursued to support rural economic development, like the San Rafael Energy Research Center, which works to diversify the state's energy portfolio and help employees in the coal industry transition their skills to new economic sectors.           

]]> Western Governors’ Association false No 1901 33 full Out West (#32) Agricultural Workforce in the West Out West (#32) Agricultural Workforce in the West https://westgov.podbean.com/e/agricultural-workforce-in-the-west/ https://westgov.podbean.com/e/agricultural-workforce-in-the-west/#comments Tue, 17 May 2022 09:41:38 -0600 westgov.podbean.com/5a4cdfd7-78be-3493-8caa-a717ca8bf17f The new episode of WGA’s Out West podcast, Agricultural Workforce in the West, explores the challenges that communities face as more agricultural workers retire, the barriers that young people face when attempting to start a career in the industry and opportunities to address the issue by expanding apprenticeship programs on family farms and ranches.

Listen in as WGA Policy Advisor, Kevin Moss, speaks with Kate Greenberg, the Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture, and Sarah Wenzel-Fisher, the Executive Director of the Quivira Coalition, a non-profit organization based in Santa Fe, New Mexico that is dedicated to building economic and ecological resilience on western working landscapes. Together they discuss effective workforce training programs and partnerships that can help young people develop the necessary tools for a successful career in agriculture. 

]]> The new episode of WGA’s Out West podcast, Agricultural Workforce in the West, explores the challenges that communities face as more agricultural workers retire, the barriers that young people face when attempting to start a career in the industry and opportunities to address the issue by expanding apprenticeship programs on family farms and ranches.

Listen in as WGA Policy Advisor, Kevin Moss, speaks with Kate Greenberg, the Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture, and Sarah Wenzel-Fisher, the Executive Director of the Quivira Coalition, a non-profit organization based in Santa Fe, New Mexico that is dedicated to building economic and ecological resilience on western working landscapes. Together they discuss effective workforce training programs and partnerships that can help young people develop the necessary tools for a successful career in agriculture. 

]]> Western Governors’ Association false No 2327 32 full Out West (#31): Post-Fire Restoration Challenges Out West (#31): Post-Fire Restoration Challenges https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-31-post-fire-restoration-challenges/ https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-31-post-fire-restoration-challenges/#comments Thu, 21 Apr 2022 09:12:45 -0600 westgov.podbean.com/56e9f0ba-9540-3460-a685-dd0b72afa6b4 'Post-Fire Restoration Challenges' explores the challenges that wildfire-affected communities face and the available resources to help them recover. 

Listen in as WGA Director of Federal Relations and Strategic Initiatives Troy Timmons speaks with the Founder and CEO of Coalitions & Collaboratives, Inc., Carol Ekarius, about improving community capacity to address restoration needs, federal programs that offer assistance and opportunities to enhance the implementation of both pre-fire mitigation and post-fire restoration work. 

]]> 'Post-Fire Restoration Challenges' explores the challenges that wildfire-affected communities face and the available resources to help them recover. 

Listen in as WGA Director of Federal Relations and Strategic Initiatives Troy Timmons speaks with the Founder and CEO of Coalitions & Collaboratives, Inc., Carol Ekarius, about improving community capacity to address restoration needs, federal programs that offer assistance and opportunities to enhance the implementation of both pre-fire mitigation and post-fire restoration work. 

]]> Western Governors’ Association false No 2242 31 full Out West (#30): Fixing America’s Forest Out West (#30): Fixing America’s Forest https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-30-fixing-america-s-forest/ https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-30-fixing-america-s-forest/#comments Mon, 14 Mar 2022 11:19:50 -0600 westgov.podbean.com/265e664a-cfec-3fb7-8125-62df7abcb299 The new episode of WGA’s Out West podcast, Fixing America’s Forests, delves into recent forest management projects that successfully protected western communities by slowing potentially catastrophic wildfires and insect infestations. The lessons extrapolated from these case studies can help communities coordinate forest health treatments – especially as resources become available as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the U.S. Forest Services’ 10-year fire strategy.

Listen in as WGA Policy Advisor Jonah Seifer talks with Ben Wudtke, the Executive Director of the Intermountain Forest Association, about how collaborative, all-lands interventions can effectively save communities and ecosystems from uncharacteristic wildfire and insect epidemics, building long-term resilience in our forests.

]]> The new episode of WGA’s Out West podcast, Fixing America’s Forests, delves into recent forest management projects that successfully protected western communities by slowing potentially catastrophic wildfires and insect infestations. The lessons extrapolated from these case studies can help communities coordinate forest health treatments – especially as resources become available as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the U.S. Forest Services’ 10-year fire strategy.

Listen in as WGA Policy Advisor Jonah Seifer talks with Ben Wudtke, the Executive Director of the Intermountain Forest Association, about how collaborative, all-lands interventions can effectively save communities and ecosystems from uncharacteristic wildfire and insect epidemics, building long-term resilience in our forests.

]]> westgov false No 1677 30 full Out West (#29): Supporting Cross-Boundary Conservation Out West (#29): Supporting Cross-Boundary Conservation https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-29-supporting-cross-boundary-conservation/ https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-29-supporting-cross-boundary-conservation/#comments Mon, 14 Feb 2022 08:46:56 -0700 westgov.podbean.com/a59ef459-0db8-3a10-8d31-ef099db758df The latest episode of WGA’s ‘Out West’ podcast, Supporting Cross-Boundary Conservation, explores the importance of cross-boundary management for healthy and productive working lands, and how programs with the National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) can help unify various management activities across public and private lands. 

In this episode, WGA Policy Advisor Kevin Moss sits down with Emily Fife, the Utah State Conservationist for the NRCS, to discuss opportunities for landowners to leverage NRCS programs that support species conservation, how NRCS works with western communities on landscape planning, and why current drought and wildfire stressors require coordinated responses across ownership boundaries.

]]> The latest episode of WGA’s ‘Out West’ podcast, Supporting Cross-Boundary Conservation, explores the importance of cross-boundary management for healthy and productive working lands, and how programs with the National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) can help unify various management activities across public and private lands. 

In this episode, WGA Policy Advisor Kevin Moss sits down with Emily Fife, the Utah State Conservationist for the NRCS, to discuss opportunities for landowners to leverage NRCS programs that support species conservation, how NRCS works with western communities on landscape planning, and why current drought and wildfire stressors require coordinated responses across ownership boundaries.

]]> westgov false No 1294 29 full Out West (#28): On the Mind: Youth Behavioral Health Care Access Out West (#28): On the Mind: Youth Behavioral Health Care Access https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-28-on-the-mind-youth-behavioral-health-access/ https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-28-on-the-mind-youth-behavioral-health-access/#comments Thu, 20 Jan 2022 16:21:58 -0700 westgov.podbean.com/688e3e92-0a7b-3a74-9622-4c9f01bfb30a This episode of ‘Out West’ delves into the region’s behavioral health care challenges that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic – including obstacles to accessing care and significant workforce shortages – and the strategies that western states have applied to overcome these issues.

Listen in as WGA Policy Advisor Lauren Cloward speaks with Mary Beth Brown, the Behavioral Health Strategist at the Washington State Department of Health, and Megan Selheim, the Youth and Young Adult Program Manager at the Wyoming Department of Health, about the efforts of western states to integrate behavioral health into primary care practices and improve youth behavioral health care access in resource-constrained areas.   

 

]]> This episode of ‘Out West’ delves into the region’s behavioral health care challenges that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic – including obstacles to accessing care and significant workforce shortages – and the strategies that western states have applied to overcome these issues.

Listen in as WGA Policy Advisor Lauren Cloward speaks with Mary Beth Brown, the Behavioral Health Strategist at the Washington State Department of Health, and Megan Selheim, the Youth and Young Adult Program Manager at the Wyoming Department of Health, about the efforts of western states to integrate behavioral health into primary care practices and improve youth behavioral health care access in resource-constrained areas.   

 

]]> westgov false No 2013 28 full Out West (#27) Strengthening the State-Federal Relationship Out West (#27) Strengthening the State-Federal Relationship https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-27-federalism-the-genius-of-american-democracy/ https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-27-federalism-the-genius-of-american-democracy/#comments Tue, 21 Dec 2021 09:57:15 -0700 westgov.podbean.com/b1fc2285-796c-3c37-a7e4-66207aae5974 The new episode of WGA’s Out West podcast, Federalism, the Genius of American Democracy, explores the work that Western states and organizations are undertaking to strengthen and rebalance the states’ relationship with the federal government. Listen in as WGA Senior Policy Advisor Kevin Doran speaks with Matt Morrison, CEO of the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region Foundation, Edgar Ruiz, Director of the Council of State Governments West, Jonathan Shuffield, Associate Legislative Director for Public Lands and Liaison to the Western Interstate Region for the National Association of Counties, and WGA Executive Director Jim Ogsbury about their collective work to protect and promote state authority.

]]> The new episode of WGA’s Out West podcast, Federalism, the Genius of American Democracy, explores the work that Western states and organizations are undertaking to strengthen and rebalance the states’ relationship with the federal government. Listen in as WGA Senior Policy Advisor Kevin Doran speaks with Matt Morrison, CEO of the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region Foundation, Edgar Ruiz, Director of the Council of State Governments West, Jonathan Shuffield, Associate Legislative Director for Public Lands and Liaison to the Western Interstate Region for the National Association of Counties, and WGA Executive Director Jim Ogsbury about their collective work to protect and promote state authority.

]]> westgov false No 1942 27 full Out West (#26) Moss Balls and Emergency Invasive Species Responses Out West (#26) Moss Balls and Emergency Invasive Species Responses https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-26-moss-balls-and-emergency-invasive-species-responses/ https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-26-moss-balls-and-emergency-invasive-species-responses/#comments Mon, 22 Nov 2021 11:27:40 -0700 westgov.podbean.com/cc0c797f-c9c5-3135-aa51-8dc8dfe93687 The new episode of WGA’s Out West podcast, Moss Balls and Emergency Invasive Species Responses, explores the collaborative efforts of western states and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to address the recent discovery that Marimo moss balls, which are often used in aquariums and sold in pets stores nationwide, harbored invasive zebra mussels. Listen in as WGA policy advisor Laura Cutlip speaks with Brian Nesvik, the Director of Wyoming Game and Fish, Joshua Leonard, the Statewide Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator for Wyoming Game and Fish, and Eric Anderson, an officer with the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, about the strategies they developed to meet this surprising threat and the importance of effective state-federal partnerships in the rapid response to invasive species management.    

]]> The new episode of WGA’s Out West podcast, Moss Balls and Emergency Invasive Species Responses, explores the collaborative efforts of western states and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to address the recent discovery that Marimo moss balls, which are often used in aquariums and sold in pets stores nationwide, harbored invasive zebra mussels. Listen in as WGA policy advisor Laura Cutlip speaks with Brian Nesvik, the Director of Wyoming Game and Fish, Joshua Leonard, the Statewide Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator for Wyoming Game and Fish, and Eric Anderson, an officer with the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, about the strategies they developed to meet this surprising threat and the importance of effective state-federal partnerships in the rapid response to invasive species management.    

]]> westgov false No 2161 26 full Out West (#25): Diversifying the Cybersecurity Workforce Out West (#25): Diversifying the Cybersecurity Workforce https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-25-diversifying-the-cybersecurity-workforce/ https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-25-diversifying-the-cybersecurity-workforce/#comments Tue, 19 Oct 2021 11:19:19 -0600 westgov.podbean.com/9ccb5c3f-6fd5-32a8-860c-7b822a84c38d In honor of Cybersecurity Career Awareness Week and National Disability Employment Awareness Month, the new episode of WGA’s Out West podcast, Diversifying the Cybersecurity Workforce, explores the efforts to address workforce shortages in the cybersecurity field by expanding the talent pipeline and actively training un- and underemployed populations, including those with disabilities. Listen in on the conversation between, WGA Policy Advisor Lauren Cloward, Jeff Rangel, the Senior Director of Global Corporate Responsibility at Palo Alto Networks, and Patrick Romzek, the CEO and Founder of Bridge to Opportunity. 

]]> In honor of Cybersecurity Career Awareness Week and National Disability Employment Awareness Month, the new episode of WGA’s Out West podcast, Diversifying the Cybersecurity Workforce, explores the efforts to address workforce shortages in the cybersecurity field by expanding the talent pipeline and actively training un- and underemployed populations, including those with disabilities. Listen in on the conversation between, WGA Policy Advisor Lauren Cloward, Jeff Rangel, the Senior Director of Global Corporate Responsibility at Palo Alto Networks, and Patrick Romzek, the CEO and Founder of Bridge to Opportunity. 

]]> westgov false No 1719 25 full Out West (#24): The Western Governors’ Association 2021 Annual Report Out West (#24): The Western Governors’ Association 2021 Annual Report https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-24-the-western-governors-association-2021-annual-report/ https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-24-the-western-governors-association-2021-annual-report/#comments Tue, 14 Sep 2021 10:33:57 -0600 westgov.podbean.com/7f70c51a-419e-3b10-85cb-054168c32ebb The Western Governors’ Association recently released its 2021 Annual Report, which highlights the Western Governors’ past year’s policy work and paths to continue that work. The conversation in this episode includes topics such as broadband connectivity, workforce development, COVID-19 response and recovery, cybersecurity, wildfires and species management. Listen in to the conversation between WGA Executive Director Jim Ogsbury, WGA Senior Policy Advisor Lauren DeNinno, and Director of Federal Relations and Strategic Initiatives Troy Timmons.

]]> The Western Governors’ Association recently released its 2021 Annual Report, which highlights the Western Governors’ past year’s policy work and paths to continue that work. The conversation in this episode includes topics such as broadband connectivity, workforce development, COVID-19 response and recovery, cybersecurity, wildfires and species management. Listen in to the conversation between WGA Executive Director Jim Ogsbury, WGA Senior Policy Advisor Lauren DeNinno, and Director of Federal Relations and Strategic Initiatives Troy Timmons.

]]> westgov false No 844 24 full Out West (#23): Meet the winners of the 2021 Celebrate the West regional art competition Out West (#23): Meet the winners of the 2021 Celebrate the West regional art competition https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-23-meet-the-winners-of-the-2021-celebrate-the-west-regional-art-competition/ https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-23-meet-the-winners-of-the-2021-celebrate-the-west-regional-art-competition/#comments Wed, 25 Aug 2021 12:01:57 -0600 westgov.podbean.com/fbed409a-1c36-3180-bbf6-b1e358a03e7f The Western Governors’ Foundation recently announced the winners in the sixth annual Celebrate the West regional art competition, which challenged high school students to create two-dimensional artwork inspired by their state. This year nearly 400 works of art were entered. Listen in as Foundation Advisor Anna Thielen talks with First Place winner Isabella Tarantino from New Mexico, Shaw Y. Hu of Arizona (Second Place), and Alain Soltys-Gray of Alaska (Third Place) about their inspiration and artwork.

]]> The Western Governors’ Foundation recently announced the winners in the sixth annual Celebrate the West regional art competition, which challenged high school students to create two-dimensional artwork inspired by their state. This year nearly 400 works of art were entered. Listen in as Foundation Advisor Anna Thielen talks with First Place winner Isabella Tarantino from New Mexico, Shaw Y. Hu of Arizona (Second Place), and Alain Soltys-Gray of Alaska (Third Place) about their inspiration and artwork.

]]> westgov false No 1006 23 full Out West (#22): Electric Vehicles Roadmap Initiative Special Report with Oregon Governor Kate Brown Out West (#22): Electric Vehicles Roadmap Initiative Special Report with Oregon Governor Kate Brown https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-22-electric-vehicles-roadmap-initiative-special-report-with-oregon-governor-kate-brown/ https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-22-electric-vehicles-roadmap-initiative-special-report-with-oregon-governor-kate-brown/#comments Wed, 21 Jul 2021 12:55:18 -0600 westgov.podbean.com/37ebc527-1914-315a-9e7f-93a959051747 The Chair's Initiative of Oregon Governor Kate Brown sought to achieve an expanded regional agreement on electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the West to bolster current economies and create a roadmap to the future. Gov. Brown discusses outcomes of the Initiative contained in the Special Report on its work with WGA Policy Advisor Kevin Moss.

]]> The Chair's Initiative of Oregon Governor Kate Brown sought to achieve an expanded regional agreement on electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the West to bolster current economies and create a roadmap to the future. Gov. Brown discusses outcomes of the Initiative contained in the Special Report on its work with WGA Policy Advisor Kevin Moss.

]]> westgov false No 840 22 full “Out West (#21): Electric Vehicles and Economic Development Opportunities “Out West (#21): Electric Vehicles and Economic Development Opportunities https://westgov.podbean.com/e/electric-vehicles-and-economic-development-opportunities/ https://westgov.podbean.com/e/electric-vehicles-and-economic-development-opportunities/#comments Tue, 22 Jun 2021 10:49:12 -0600 westgov.podbean.com/2dcaf34b-ea38-3ef3-a116-6bb023401eb4 Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more common, but a lack of charging infrastructure – especially in rural areas – continues to be a barrier to adoption. This Out West episode highlights how everyone from cities to manufacturers can generate significant economic opportunities by developing a robust charging network. Listen as WGA Policy Advisor Kevin Moss speaks with Scott Bricker of Destination Development at Travel Oregon, and Jim Chen of Rivian.

]]> Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more common, but a lack of charging infrastructure – especially in rural areas – continues to be a barrier to adoption. This Out West episode highlights how everyone from cities to manufacturers can generate significant economic opportunities by developing a robust charging network. Listen as WGA Policy Advisor Kevin Moss speaks with Scott Bricker of Destination Development at Travel Oregon, and Jim Chen of Rivian.

]]> westgov false No 1840 21 full Out West (#20): Invasive Species Data Collection and Coordination Out West (#20): Invasive Species Data Collection and Coordination https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-20-invasive-species-data-collection-and-coordination/ https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-20-invasive-species-data-collection-and-coordination/#comments Mon, 07 Jun 2021 16:12:39 -0600 westgov.podbean.com/b33367d3-7a74-334d-8a93-b25bbc186cfe Invasive species are a complex and costly issue throughout the West. To properly address the issue, it’s imperative that the various states, agencies and stakeholders working on it have access to accurate data. This episode features an interview with Annie Simpson, a data coordinator for the Biofoundational Data Team in the Science Analytics & Synthesis Program with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. She details both the importance and the difficulties in accumulating quality data for such a vast number of species and organizing that data into a database that can be used by several different agencies.  

]]> Invasive species are a complex and costly issue throughout the West. To properly address the issue, it’s imperative that the various states, agencies and stakeholders working on it have access to accurate data. This episode features an interview with Annie Simpson, a data coordinator for the Biofoundational Data Team in the Science Analytics & Synthesis Program with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. She details both the importance and the difficulties in accumulating quality data for such a vast number of species and organizing that data into a database that can be used by several different agencies.  

]]> westgov false No 1737 20 full Out West (#19): Electric Vehicle Research and Innovation Out West (#19): Electric Vehicle Research and Innovation https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-19-electric-vehicle-research-and-innovation/ https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-19-electric-vehicle-research-and-innovation/#comments Mon, 10 May 2021 17:04:09 -0600 westgov.podbean.com/f31ae6b4-0700-34d7-b59f-d3b6e1673567 Electric vehicle (EV) technology is advancing rapidly. Innovations in battery technology, infrastructure modeling analysis, and fleet charging and fueling systems are enabling more diverse and lower-cost uses of EV cars, trucks, and buses. This episode, the second in a series for the Electric Vehicles Roadmap Initiative of Oregon Gov. Kate Brown, highlights researchers and companies working at the forefront of EV technologies in the West. Listen as WGA Policy Advisor Kevin Moss speaks with: Alex Keros, Lead Architect for EV Infrastructure at GM; Kim Okafor, Strategic Business Development Manager, Trillium; Eric Wood, Research Engineer, Center for Integrated Mobility Sciences, National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

]]> Electric vehicle (EV) technology is advancing rapidly. Innovations in battery technology, infrastructure modeling analysis, and fleet charging and fueling systems are enabling more diverse and lower-cost uses of EV cars, trucks, and buses. This episode, the second in a series for the Electric Vehicles Roadmap Initiative of Oregon Gov. Kate Brown, highlights researchers and companies working at the forefront of EV technologies in the West. Listen as WGA Policy Advisor Kevin Moss speaks with: Alex Keros, Lead Architect for EV Infrastructure at GM; Kim Okafor, Strategic Business Development Manager, Trillium; Eric Wood, Research Engineer, Center for Integrated Mobility Sciences, National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

]]> westgov false No 2310 19 full Out West (#18): Get to Know the Western Governors’ Foundation: Governors Dennis Daugaard, Steve Bullock, David Ige Out West (#18): Get to Know the Western Governors’ Foundation: Governors Dennis Daugaard, Steve Bullock, David Ige https://westgov.podbean.com/e/get-to-know-the-western-governors-foundation-governors-dennis-daugaard-steve-bullock-david-ige/ https://westgov.podbean.com/e/get-to-know-the-western-governors-foundation-governors-dennis-daugaard-steve-bullock-david-ige/#comments Tue, 13 Apr 2021 10:01:33 -0600 westgov.podbean.com/8b3ef6df-f46a-3b21-a53b-6ccb72300162 The Western Governors' Foundation leverages the collective influence of former and current Western Governors to promote the welfare of the West. In this episode of Out West, WGA Executive Director Jim Ogsbury discusses the impetus behind the creation of the Foundation with current board Chair Dennis Daugaard, the former Governor of South Dakota, and two of the Foundation’s sitting directors, Steve Bullock, the former Governor of Montana, and David Ige, the Governor of Hawaii. The group also highlights the merits of the Foundation’s regional art competition, Celebrate the West, and the Foundation’s new initiative, the Western Governors’ Leadership Institute.

]]> The Western Governors' Foundation leverages the collective influence of former and current Western Governors to promote the welfare of the West. In this episode of Out West, WGA Executive Director Jim Ogsbury discusses the impetus behind the creation of the Foundation with current board Chair Dennis Daugaard, the former Governor of South Dakota, and two of the Foundation’s sitting directors, Steve Bullock, the former Governor of Montana, and David Ige, the Governor of Hawaii. The group also highlights the merits of the Foundation’s regional art competition, Celebrate the West, and the Foundation’s new initiative, the Western Governors’ Leadership Institute.

]]> westgov false No 1017 18 full Out West (#17): Electric Vehicles Roadmap Initiative, EVs in Rural Areas Out West (#17): Electric Vehicles Roadmap Initiative, EVs in Rural Areas https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-17-electric-vehicles-roadmap-initiative-evs-in-rural-areas/ https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-17-electric-vehicles-roadmap-initiative-evs-in-rural-areas/#comments Wed, 17 Mar 2021 08:59:35 -0600 westgov.podbean.com/b95edb00-d1b2-378c-96f2-f3f3f48aae13 Electric Vehicles in Rural Areas is the first episode in a series for the Electric Vehicles Roadmap Initiative of Oregon Gov. Kate Brown, which is focused on enhanced planning, siting and coordination of electric vehicle (EVs) infrastructure in the West. Consumer ownership of EVs is expanding across the West, but rural citizens face particular challenges with owning and operating the vehicles. Listen as WGA Policy Advisor Kevin Moss speaks with Alliy Sahagun, the Member Relations Supervisor at the Gunnison (CO) County Electric Association, and Roger Hoy, the Director of the Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory, about barriers, as well as solutions, to more ubiquitous adoption of electric vehicles in rural areas, including rural industries such as farming and ranching.

]]> Electric Vehicles in Rural Areas is the first episode in a series for the Electric Vehicles Roadmap Initiative of Oregon Gov. Kate Brown, which is focused on enhanced planning, siting and coordination of electric vehicle (EVs) infrastructure in the West. Consumer ownership of EVs is expanding across the West, but rural citizens face particular challenges with owning and operating the vehicles. Listen as WGA Policy Advisor Kevin Moss speaks with Alliy Sahagun, the Member Relations Supervisor at the Gunnison (CO) County Electric Association, and Roger Hoy, the Director of the Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory, about barriers, as well as solutions, to more ubiquitous adoption of electric vehicles in rural areas, including rural industries such as farming and ranching.

]]> westgov false No 1904 17 full Out West (#16): Invasive Species Data: Conservation Districts Out West (#16): Invasive Species Data: Conservation Districts https://westgov.podbean.com/e/invasive-species-data-conservation-districts/ https://westgov.podbean.com/e/invasive-species-data-conservation-districts/#comments Tue, 16 Feb 2021 07:59:38 -0700 westgov.podbean.com/2d4ccae0-7f9a-341d-ab9d-ecbb1e881984 Invasive Species Data: Conservation Districts highlights the importance of invasive species data for conservation districts. The episode of Out West is the first in a series for WGA's Invasive Species Data Mobilization Campaign, which encourages land managers, landowners, conservation groups, and NGOs to standardize and share invasive species data in the West. Bill Whitacre, Senior Policy Advisor at WGA, speaks with Keith Owen, the South Central Region representative for the National Association of Conservation Districts, about the impact of invasive species on the work of conservation districts and why it is important to share invasive species data.

]]> Invasive Species Data: Conservation Districts highlights the importance of invasive species data for conservation districts. The episode of Out West is the first in a series for WGA's Invasive Species Data Mobilization Campaign, which encourages land managers, landowners, conservation groups, and NGOs to standardize and share invasive species data in the West. Bill Whitacre, Senior Policy Advisor at WGA, speaks with Keith Owen, the South Central Region representative for the National Association of Conservation Districts, about the impact of invasive species on the work of conservation districts and why it is important to share invasive species data.

]]> westgov false No 1209 16 full Out West (#15): An Inclusive Economic Recovery for All Americans Out West (#15): An Inclusive Economic Recovery for All Americans https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-15-an-inclusive-economic-recovery-for-all-americans/ https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-15-an-inclusive-economic-recovery-for-all-americans/#comments Tue, 26 Jan 2021 10:55:01 -0700 westgov.podbean.com/f6c5275b-14c1-362e-a47a-ddcabe22b2f8 COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted people with disabilities and changed the work landscape in ways that present challenges and opportunities for disability employment. WGA Policy Associate Lauren Cloward speaks with Andrew Houtenville, Research Director of the University of New Hampshire’s Institute on Disability, and Jill Houghton, President and CEO of Disabiity:IN, about how the pandemic has affected the workforce and ways to ensure an inclusive economic recovery for all Americans. 

Learn more about SEED’s ongoing work on disability employment by visiting its website.

]]> COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted people with disabilities and changed the work landscape in ways that present challenges and opportunities for disability employment. WGA Policy Associate Lauren Cloward speaks with Andrew Houtenville, Research Director of the University of New Hampshire’s Institute on Disability, and Jill Houghton, President and CEO of Disabiity:IN, about how the pandemic has affected the workforce and ways to ensure an inclusive economic recovery for all Americans. 

Learn more about SEED’s ongoing work on disability employment by visiting its website.

]]> westgov false No 1881 15 full Out West (#14): Technology for an Inclusive Workforce Out West (#14): Technology for an Inclusive Workforce https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-14-technology-for-an-inclusive-workforce/ https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-14-technology-for-an-inclusive-workforce/#comments Tue, 29 Dec 2020 09:59:58 -0700 westgov.podbean.com/fb20424a-f9cc-3f92-b597-b7745cbb5e0e Technologies with universal design and assistive technologies have increased opportunities for workers with disabilities and revolutionized everything from office to factory work. To learn more about some of these exciting developments and how their adoption can be accelerated through policy, WGA Policy Associate Lauren Cloward spoke with Aaron Bangor, Director of Compliance at AT&T and Chair of the Texas Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities.

Learn more about SEED’s ongoing work on disability employment by visiting their website.

Produced by: Tyler Losier

]]> Technologies with universal design and assistive technologies have increased opportunities for workers with disabilities and revolutionized everything from office to factory work. To learn more about some of these exciting developments and how their adoption can be accelerated through policy, WGA Policy Associate Lauren Cloward spoke with Aaron Bangor, Director of Compliance at AT&T and Chair of the Texas Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities.

Learn more about SEED’s ongoing work on disability employment by visiting their website.

Produced by: Tyler Losier

]]> westgov false No 1731 14 full Out West (#13): Reintroducing Natural Fire in Western Landscapes Out West (#13): Reintroducing Natural Fire in Western Landscapes https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-13-reintroducing-natural-fire-in-western-landscapes/ https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-13-reintroducing-natural-fire-in-western-landscapes/#comments Tue, 01 Dec 2020 10:53:58 -0700 westgov.podbean.com/7dbe4a50-ea58-3700-bc20-890336154967 Bill Whitacre, WGA Senior Policy Advisor, leads a conversation about the ways that fire can be used to restore western lands, as well as barriers to its expanded use. He speaks with Ron Goode, Tribal Leader of the North Fork Mono; Lenya Quinn-Davidson, Director of the Northern California Prescribed Fire Council; and Laura McCarthy, the New Mexico State Forester.

Produced by: Tyler Losier

]]> Bill Whitacre, WGA Senior Policy Advisor, leads a conversation about the ways that fire can be used to restore western lands, as well as barriers to its expanded use. He speaks with Ron Goode, Tribal Leader of the North Fork Mono; Lenya Quinn-Davidson, Director of the Northern California Prescribed Fire Council; and Laura McCarthy, the New Mexico State Forester.

Produced by: Tyler Losier

]]> westgov false No 2063 13 full Out West (#12): Bridging the Disability Employment Gap Out West (#12): Bridging the Disability Employment Gap https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-12-bridging-the-disability-employment-gap/ https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-12-bridging-the-disability-employment-gap/#comments Tue, 10 Nov 2020 11:36:06 -0700 westgov.podbean.com/996939f1-6032-3296-bfe0-ac2736b3b98e To celebrate the 75th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, WGA Policy Associate Lauren Cloward spoke with Bobby Silverstein, Legislative Counsel to the State Exchange on Employment and Disability (SEED), about the Work Matters policy framework, which serves as a repository of best practices for improving disability employment.

Lauren then explored the innovative ways the Work Matters framework is being used to achieve workforce inclusivity in states with Kristin Vandagriff, Executive Director for the Alaska Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education; Elizabeth Gordon, Executive Director for the Washington Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues and Employment; and Rob Hines, Director of the Washington State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.

Learn more about SEED’s ongoing work on disability employment by visiting their website.

Produced by: Tyler Losier

]]> To celebrate the 75th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, WGA Policy Associate Lauren Cloward spoke with Bobby Silverstein, Legislative Counsel to the State Exchange on Employment and Disability (SEED), about the Work Matters policy framework, which serves as a repository of best practices for improving disability employment.

Lauren then explored the innovative ways the Work Matters framework is being used to achieve workforce inclusivity in states with Kristin Vandagriff, Executive Director for the Alaska Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education; Elizabeth Gordon, Executive Director for the Washington Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues and Employment; and Rob Hines, Director of the Washington State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.

Learn more about SEED’s ongoing work on disability employment by visiting their website.

Produced by: Tyler Losier

]]> westgov false No 1593 12 full Out West (#11): Firefighting in the Era of COVID Out West (#11): Firefighting in the Era of COVID https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-11-firefighting-in-the-era-of-covid/ https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-11-firefighting-in-the-era-of-covid/#comments Tue, 29 Sep 2020 12:06:10 -0600 westgov.podbean.com/9c443e7c-032c-3a8d-a7f9-22cd63d01568 WGA Senior Policy Advisor Bill Whitacre – himself a former wildland firefighter – and Aaron Thompson, State Fire Management Officer for the Bureau of Land Management in Montana and the Dakotas, discuss the challenges fire managers face during the 2020 wildfire season. In addition, they also explore new strategies and procedures to keep fire crews safe.

Produced by: Tyler Losier

]]> WGA Senior Policy Advisor Bill Whitacre – himself a former wildland firefighter – and Aaron Thompson, State Fire Management Officer for the Bureau of Land Management in Montana and the Dakotas, discuss the challenges fire managers face during the 2020 wildfire season. In addition, they also explore new strategies and procedures to keep fire crews safe.

Produced by: Tyler Losier

]]> westgov false No 1565 11 full Out West (#10): Exploring the 2020 Annual Report Out West (#10): Exploring the 2020 Annual Report https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-10-exploring-the-2020-annual-report/ https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-10-exploring-the-2020-annual-report/#comments Wed, 09 Sep 2020 11:42:57 -0600 westgov.podbean.com/384945c8-35cc-3293-a0e8-7a555ecabc7b This episode recaps the impactful, collaborative policy work of Western Governors over the past year and helps set the agenda for the year ahead. Join WGA Executive Director Jim Ogsbury in a conversation with Troy Timmons, WGA’s Director of Strategic Initiatives, Senior Policy Advisor Bill Whitacre, and Policy Advisors Ward Scott and Kevin Moss, about the wide-reaching impact Western Governors are having across the region.

Produced by: Tyler Losier

]]> This episode recaps the impactful, collaborative policy work of Western Governors over the past year and helps set the agenda for the year ahead. Join WGA Executive Director Jim Ogsbury in a conversation with Troy Timmons, WGA’s Director of Strategic Initiatives, Senior Policy Advisor Bill Whitacre, and Policy Advisors Ward Scott and Kevin Moss, about the wide-reaching impact Western Governors are having across the region.

Produced by: Tyler Losier

]]> westgov false No 1573 10 full Out West (#9): Reimagining the Rural West Special Report Out West (#9): Reimagining the Rural West Special Report https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-9-reimagining-the-rural-west-special-report/ https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-9-reimagining-the-rural-west-special-report/#comments Tue, 18 Aug 2020 14:21:34 -0600 westgov.podbean.com/1c04d8c9-2821-32be-8cb6-47af60befe42 In this episode, WGA Executive Director Jim Ogsbury speaks with Policy Advisor Lauren DeNinno, who has led WGA’s work on the Reimagining the Rural West Initiative, to address the origins of Gov. Burgum’s policy effort and how it will inform Western Governors’ policy decisions moving forward. Ogsbury also talks with Troy Timmons, WGA’s Director of Federal Relations and Strategic Initiatives, who is leading WGA’s COVID-19 response, which includes a number of significant rural issues.

Produced by: Tyler Losier

]]> In this episode, WGA Executive Director Jim Ogsbury speaks with Policy Advisor Lauren DeNinno, who has led WGA’s work on the Reimagining the Rural West Initiative, to address the origins of Gov. Burgum’s policy effort and how it will inform Western Governors’ policy decisions moving forward. Ogsbury also talks with Troy Timmons, WGA’s Director of Federal Relations and Strategic Initiatives, who is leading WGA’s COVID-19 response, which includes a number of significant rural issues.

Produced by: Tyler Losier

]]> westgov false No 1148 9 full Out West (#8): The Buzz About Murder Hornets – Separating Fact from Fiction Out West (#8): The Buzz About Murder Hornets – Separating Fact from Fiction https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-the-buzz-about-murder-hornets-%e2%80%93-separating-fact-from-fiction/ https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-the-buzz-about-murder-hornets-%e2%80%93-separating-fact-from-fiction/#comments Tue, 21 Jul 2020 11:31:18 -0600 westgov.podbean.com/82dc1be7-f1da-3f8c-b21b-49c083ae77bf This episode highlights efforts by Washington state officials to control a dangerous new invasive species threatening the West, the Asian Giant Hornet, also known as the ‘Murder Hornet.’

These fearsome new invaders are known for their potentially deadly sting, which has the ability to pierce the protective clothing of even professional beekeepers. How many of these enormous hornets have been identified in the West? Can they spread across the country?

Join WGA Policy Advisor Bill Whitacre and Washington State Department of Agriculture entomologist Sven-Erik Spichiger as they explore the answers to these questions and more.

Produced by: Tyler Losier

]]> This episode highlights efforts by Washington state officials to control a dangerous new invasive species threatening the West, the Asian Giant Hornet, also known as the ‘Murder Hornet.’

These fearsome new invaders are known for their potentially deadly sting, which has the ability to pierce the protective clothing of even professional beekeepers. How many of these enormous hornets have been identified in the West? Can they spread across the country?

Join WGA Policy Advisor Bill Whitacre and Washington State Department of Agriculture entomologist Sven-Erik Spichiger as they explore the answers to these questions and more.

Produced by: Tyler Losier

]]> westgov false No 819 8 full Out West (#7): The Next Generation of Rural with Megan Laudenshlager, Ben Thomas, and Kevin Leier Out West (#7): The Next Generation of Rural with Megan Laudenshlager, Ben Thomas, and Kevin Leier https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-episode-7-the-next-generation-of-rural-with-megan-laudenshlager-ben-thomas-and-kevin-leier/ https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-episode-7-the-next-generation-of-rural-with-megan-laudenshlager-ben-thomas-and-kevin-leier/#comments Tue, 23 Jun 2020 12:43:20 -0600 westgov.podbean.com/b15f9649-8f82-58de-a437-b641fdc1d47f Part 7 of a series on the Reimagining the Rural West Initiative discusses how rural youth can help shape their communities for decades to come. Join WGA Policy Advisor Laura Cutlip as she highlights the importance of listening to young people during the economic development process. Guests include Megan Laudenshlager, Executive Director of Strengthen North Dakota; Ben Thomas, Executive Director of the Rocky Mountain Youth Corps; and Kevin Leier, a teacher at Rugby High School in Pierce County, North Dakota.

Narrator: Laura Cutlip

Produced by: Tyler Losier

]]> Part 7 of a series on the Reimagining the Rural West Initiative discusses how rural youth can help shape their communities for decades to come. Join WGA Policy Advisor Laura Cutlip as she highlights the importance of listening to young people during the economic development process. Guests include Megan Laudenshlager, Executive Director of Strengthen North Dakota; Ben Thomas, Executive Director of the Rocky Mountain Youth Corps; and Kevin Leier, a teacher at Rugby High School in Pierce County, North Dakota.

Narrator: Laura Cutlip

Produced by: Tyler Losier

]]> westgov false No 1051 7 full Out West (#6): Healthcare Innovations in the West with Jorge Guzman, Andrew Black, and Krista Stadler Out West (#6): Healthcare Innovations in the West with Jorge Guzman, Andrew Black, and Krista Stadler https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-episode-6-healthcare-innovations-in-the-west-with-jorge-guzman-andrew-black-and-krista-stadler/ https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-episode-6-healthcare-innovations-in-the-west-with-jorge-guzman-andrew-black-and-krista-stadler/#comments Tue, 02 Jun 2020 13:41:54 -0600 westgov.podbean.com/705e9954-9416-5b03-957f-35c953423db0 Part 6 of a series on the Reimagining the Rural West Initiative explores how rural communities across the region are working to bolster healthcare access and overcome barriers to providing care. Join WGA Policy Advisor Laura Cutlip as she highlights how adequate physical and mental healthcare are integral parts of any successful community. Guests include Jorge Guzman, founder and Executive Director of Vive NW; Andrew Black, Public Lands Field Director for the National Wildlife Federation; and Krista Stadler, the Senior Director of Telehealth Services at St. Luke’s Health System.

Narrator: Laura Cutlip

Produced by: Tyler Losier

]]> Part 6 of a series on the Reimagining the Rural West Initiative explores how rural communities across the region are working to bolster healthcare access and overcome barriers to providing care. Join WGA Policy Advisor Laura Cutlip as she highlights how adequate physical and mental healthcare are integral parts of any successful community. Guests include Jorge Guzman, founder and Executive Director of Vive NW; Andrew Black, Public Lands Field Director for the National Wildlife Federation; and Krista Stadler, the Senior Director of Telehealth Services at St. Luke’s Health System.

Narrator: Laura Cutlip

Produced by: Tyler Losier

]]> westgov false No 993 6 full Out West (#5): Diversifying the Rural Economy with David Martin, Kate La Tour, and Shelly Fausett Out West (#5): Diversifying the Rural Economy with David Martin, Kate La Tour, and Shelly Fausett https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-episode-5-diversifying-the-rural-economy-with-david-martin-kate-la-tour-and-shelly-fausett/ https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-episode-5-diversifying-the-rural-economy-with-david-martin-kate-la-tour-and-shelly-fausett/#comments Tue, 12 May 2020 13:35:30 -0600 westgov.podbean.com/319a08d1-2355-566f-8a04-1aa1208aa39b Part 5 of a series on the Reimagining the Rural West Initiative explores how a variety of different business structures can provide stability to their respective communities. Join WGA Policy Advisor Laura Cutlip as she speaks with experts on small businesses, cooperatives, and remote work to learn how rural areas can use these models to strengthen their economies. Guests include: David Martin, Director of the North Dakota Small Business Development Network; Kate La Tour, Government Relations Manager at the National Cooperative Business Association; and Shelly Fausett, the Center Director for SoloWorks.

Narrator: Laura Cutlip

Produced by: Tyler Losier

]]> Part 5 of a series on the Reimagining the Rural West Initiative explores how a variety of different business structures can provide stability to their respective communities. Join WGA Policy Advisor Laura Cutlip as she speaks with experts on small businesses, cooperatives, and remote work to learn how rural areas can use these models to strengthen their economies. Guests include: David Martin, Director of the North Dakota Small Business Development Network; Kate La Tour, Government Relations Manager at the National Cooperative Business Association; and Shelly Fausett, the Center Director for SoloWorks.

Narrator: Laura Cutlip

Produced by: Tyler Losier

]]> westgov false No 817 5 full Out West (#4): Growing Through Rural Partnerships with Megan Laudenschlager, Juta Guertsen and Andrew Black Out West (#4): Growing Through Rural Partnerships with Megan Laudenschlager, Juta Guertsen and Andrew Black https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-episode-4-growing-through-rural-partnerships-with-megan-laudenschlager-juta-guertsen-and-andrew-black/ https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-episode-4-growing-through-rural-partnerships-with-megan-laudenschlager-juta-guertsen-and-andrew-black/#comments Tue, 14 Apr 2020 09:00:25 -0600 westgov.podbean.com/5f7187b6-cdb2-5a16-9dc2-ec2442ebb843 Part 4 of a series on the Reimagining the Rural West Initiative highlights how forming partnerships is vital in promoting economic development across the West. Join WGA Policy Advisor Laura Cutlip as she explores how rural communities are teaming up to share knowledge, resources, and create collaborative infrastructure. She’s joined by Megan Laudenschlager, Executive Director of Strengthen ND; Juta Guertsen, Community Development Director for the Idaho Commission on the Arts; and Andrew Black, Public Lands Field Director for the National Wildlife Federation.

Narrator: Laura Cutlip

Produced by: Tyler Losier

]]> Part 4 of a series on the Reimagining the Rural West Initiative highlights how forming partnerships is vital in promoting economic development across the West. Join WGA Policy Advisor Laura Cutlip as she explores how rural communities are teaming up to share knowledge, resources, and create collaborative infrastructure. She’s joined by Megan Laudenschlager, Executive Director of Strengthen ND; Juta Guertsen, Community Development Director for the Idaho Commission on the Arts; and Andrew Black, Public Lands Field Director for the National Wildlife Federation.

Narrator: Laura Cutlip

Produced by: Tyler Losier

]]> westgov false No 872 4 full Out West (#3): A Sense of Place with Daved Lundeen, Kim Konikow and Melvin Juanico Out West (#3): A Sense of Place with Daved Lundeen, Kim Konikow and Melvin Juanico https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-episode-3-a-sense-of-place-with-daved-lundeen-kim-konikow-and-melvin-juanico/ https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-episode-3-a-sense-of-place-with-daved-lundeen-kim-konikow-and-melvin-juanico/#comments Tue, 24 Mar 2020 11:25:39 -0600 westgov.podbean.com/5292a0bf-bd6c-5744-831e-dd43315e4cb8 Part 3 of a series on the Reimagining the Rural West Initiative explores the use of “placemaking” by rural community leaders to capitalize on local assets and create environments where people want to live, work and play. Join WGA Policy Advisor Laura Cutlip in a discussion with: Daved Lundeen, Executive Director of the North Dakota-based Williston Downtowners Association; Kim Konikow, Executive Director of the North Dakota Council on the Arts; and Melvin Juanico, Operations Manager for the Sky City Cultural Center and Haak’u Museum in New Mexico.

Narrator: Laura Cutlip

Produced by: Tyler Losier

]]> Part 3 of a series on the Reimagining the Rural West Initiative explores the use of “placemaking” by rural community leaders to capitalize on local assets and create environments where people want to live, work and play. Join WGA Policy Advisor Laura Cutlip in a discussion with: Daved Lundeen, Executive Director of the North Dakota-based Williston Downtowners Association; Kim Konikow, Executive Director of the North Dakota Council on the Arts; and Melvin Juanico, Operations Manager for the Sky City Cultural Center and Haak’u Museum in New Mexico.

Narrator: Laura Cutlip

Produced by: Tyler Losier

]]> westgov false No 1062 3 full Out West (#2): Reimagining the Rural Narrative with Benjamin Winchester and Jennifer Groth Out West (#2): Reimagining the Rural Narrative with Benjamin Winchester and Jennifer Groth https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-episode-2-reimagining-the-rural-narrative-with-benjamin-winchester-and-jennifer-groth/ https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-episode-2-reimagining-the-rural-narrative-with-benjamin-winchester-and-jennifer-groth/#comments Tue, 25 Feb 2020 10:54:12 -0700 westgov.podbean.com/72aacd2b-5a2f-55db-a703-95f51c704627 Out West's sophomore episode continues our series about Reimagining the Rural West, the Chairman’s Initiative of North Dakota Governor and WGA Chair Doug Burgum, which highlights challenges and opportunities in rural economic development, infrastructure and quality of life in the West. Today, WGA Policy Advisor Laura Cutlip discusses ways to rewrite the predominantly negative narrative that often surrounds rural communities. She’s joined by Ben Winchester, a rural sociologist from the University of Minnesota Center for Community Vitality; and Jennifer Groth, Policy and Partnerships Manager at Rural Development Initiatives.

Narrator: Laura Cutlip

Produced by: Tyler Losier

]]> Out West's sophomore episode continues our series about Reimagining the Rural West, the Chairman’s Initiative of North Dakota Governor and WGA Chair Doug Burgum, which highlights challenges and opportunities in rural economic development, infrastructure and quality of life in the West. Today, WGA Policy Advisor Laura Cutlip discusses ways to rewrite the predominantly negative narrative that often surrounds rural communities. She’s joined by Ben Winchester, a rural sociologist from the University of Minnesota Center for Community Vitality; and Jennifer Groth, Policy and Partnerships Manager at Rural Development Initiatives.

Narrator: Laura Cutlip

Produced by: Tyler Losier

]]> Western Governors’ Association false No 1060 1 2 full Out West (#1): Reimagining the Rural West with North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum Out West (#1): Reimagining the Rural West with North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-episode-1-reimagining-the-rural-west-w-nd-gov-doug-burgum/ https://westgov.podbean.com/e/out-west-episode-1-reimagining-the-rural-west-w-nd-gov-doug-burgum/#comments Fri, 31 Jan 2020 11:14:11 -0700 westgov.podbean.com/fbc7c144-83e0-5cb4-a454-cd3cdd6e012d This episode of Out West kicks off a series about the Western Governors’ Reimagining the Rural West Initiative, the Chairman’s Initiative of North Dakota Governor and WGA Chair Doug Burgum. Each episode will highlight different aspects of the Initiative, examining challenges and opportunities in rural economic development, infrastructure and quality of life in the West. Today, Gov. Burgum talks about why he chose to pursue this Initiative.

Narrator: Laura Cutlip

Produced by: Tyler Losier

]]> This episode of Out West kicks off a series about the Western Governors’ Reimagining the Rural West Initiative, the Chairman’s Initiative of North Dakota Governor and WGA Chair Doug Burgum. Each episode will highlight different aspects of the Initiative, examining challenges and opportunities in rural economic development, infrastructure and quality of life in the West. Today, Gov. Burgum talks about why he chose to pursue this Initiative.

Narrator: Laura Cutlip

Produced by: Tyler Losier

]]> Western Governors’ Association false No 727 1 1 full