Idaho Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter was elected vice chairman of the Western Governors Association this week, as that group wrapped up meetings in Park City, Utah.
He'll serve with Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer, who was elected chairman of the group.
The three-day conference included discussions and agreements on several issues of shared concern among Western states, including water management, wildlife habitat, renewable energy development, power transmission, and safely transporting nuclear waste.
"It's an honor and a challenge to take on this position," Otter said in a prepared statement. "It gives me a chance to advocate throughout the region for the kind of jobs- and opportunity-creating policies that we need in Idaho and around the West, to accomplish things in our part of the world that might never get done in Washington, D.C."
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At this week's meeting, governors met with Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, and Energy Secretary Stephen Chu for discussions on federal policies with direct impacts on Idaho and other states in the West.
Otter said such forums provide great opportunities to advance the role of states in national issues.
"Western governors from both parties share a great understanding of the importance of water, land and stewardship of our natural resources. Our issues are unique, and there is value in addressing them together," he said. "I've found working with my fellow WGA members—building strong bipartisan relationships and collaborating on solutions that work for the people we serve—to be rewarding and productive. I look forward to this expanded role."
