Despite Differences, Western States Agree to Cooperate on Energy
Coal mining in Wyoming. (image: wsgs.uwyo.edu)
This week, representatives of western states met at a symposium convened to coordinate efforts related to energy policy, as reported in an AP article published on Wednesday.
Attendees reached a consensus on some issues, agreeing that a new system needs to be put in place when planning and constructing new power lines. But on other issues, such as on how to respond to cap-and-trade legislation, they disagreed. The western half of the nation plays an important role in any decisions made on energy policy. Wyoming, for instance, produces a large amount of natural gas and coal. Other states, like Arizona and New Mexico, have ample resources to develop solar energy. California is an energy power-player–on top of being the nation’s most populous state, California has passed a law which prohibits its utility companies from entering into new contracts with any power plants fueled by coal.
All of these states have different resources and needs. Finding a way to balance them all will no doubt prove difficult.
