Traveling Wyoming

Throughout August, Diana and I traveled 4,300 miles across Wyoming, not including air miles. Through our travels, we were able to learn about new Wyoming businesses, meet with folks from every corner of the state, and attend numerous events, including the state fair.

Below are a few highlights from our travels last month.

Alongside Senator John Barrasso and Representative Cynthia Lummis I congratulated Joel Bousman and Gene Hardy on their induction into the Wyoming Agricultural Hall of Fame.

While touring the Science Zone in Casper, Jacob Narotzky and Riley Morris spoke with me about the new nanotechnology exhibit. I learned about the great hands-on learning opportunities there.

To see more photos from our August in Wyoming, click here.

Special interest, endangered species litigation needs input

In September, Senator Enzi cosponsored a bill that would amend the Endangered Species Act to allow states and other affected parties to provide input in the settlement of special interest litigation and limit the use of U.S. taxpayer dollars to fund special interest court cases.

In recent years, it has become common for special interest groups to sue to force the Fish and Wildlife Service to list a species. Rather than moving through the entire litigation process, the federal government will sometimes settle with the group behind closed doors and agree to take action that, while ending the lawsuit, does not serve the best interest of those directly affected.

In Wyoming, although ranchers and other land users are required to make drastic changes in accordance with Endangered Species Act settlements, they are not allowed to participate in the actual settlement discussions.

According to Enzi, this would ensure those most affected, such as business and land owners, have a voice. To read the full bill text, click here.

Coal-to-liquids project moving forward

DKRW Advanced Fuels recently announced that Medicine Bow Fuel & Power has entered into a contract to begin building a coal liquification plant, according to Senator Enzi.

The plant will convert Wyoming coal into an estimated 11,600 barrels-per-day of low sulfur gasoline while capturing 92 percent of the generated CO2. Enzi was pleased with DKRW’s estimate that the plant could provide up to 2,300 construction jobs and 400 full-time jobs in Wyoming.

“Wyoming’s abundant energy resources should be used to benefit both the state and the nation,” Enzi said. “ This project not only creates a bigger market for Wyoming coal, it helps America better develop its most abundant resource.”

Wolves delisted, Wyoming takes charge

Senator Enzi was pleased after the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service removed the Gray Wolf from the endangered species list, late last month. Wolf management in the state (outside of Yellowstone National Park) will now be handled by Wyoming’s Game and Fish Department.

This is considered a win for Wyoming farmers and ranchers, who have stood by helplessly as the expanding wolf population has destroyed livestock and native wildlife.

“Wyoming should be in charge of Wyoming’s wildlife,” said Enzi. “There is still plenty of room in Yellowstone for the federal government to do its job and manage wolves. Wyoming game managers will do their part to maintain the agreed upon wolf numbers outside the park.”

National debt hits $16 trillion

September 4 marked a grim milestone in America’s debt crisis. The U.S. national debt surpassed $16 trillion while the debt-per-person is now over $50,000 for every man, woman and child.

“With no budget, how can we have spending reform?” asked Enzi. “A budget hasn’t been passed in more than three years. The Senate majority and the President don’t seem concerned with changing this deficiency.”

Enzi said that time is running out to avoid a fiscal disaster. His Penny Plan would balance the budget in five years by cutting a single penny from every dollar the federal government spends for each of five years. Click here more information.

Lincoln, Uinta and Johnson County office hours

Senator Enzi's five state offices in Cheyenne, Gillette, Casper, Cody and Jackson offer office hours where Wyoming residents have the opportunity to meet with Senator Enzi’s state representatives in his absence. Upcoming office hours include:

Thursday, September 20th

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. - Kemmerer City Hall

2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. - Evanston Town Hall

4:15 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. - Mountain View Town Hall

Thursday, September 27th

9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. - Kaycee Town Hall

4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. - Buffalo Town Hall

Connect on Facebook and Twitter

If you haven't already become a "fan" of Senator Enzi's Facebook page, check it out. You can also follow him on Twitter @Senator Enzi or click here.

Both are a great way to see more of what is going on in Congress.