News

Cheyenne, Wyoming – Treasurer Mark Gordon released the following statement after U.S. District Judge Brian Morris issued a ruling that will require oil, gas and coal leases issued in the Powder River Basin to go through individual reviews as to their impact in fighting climate change, a ruling similar to the one Morris issued earlier this year applying to the region as a whole.

“This ill-conceived, wrongheaded, and politically expedient ruling not only adds unjustified burdens to industries only just recovering from the economic devastation brought on them by a myopic Obama Administration, but appears to be single-mindedly designed to strike at the very heart of Wyoming’s energy industry – putting thousands of jobs and the region’s economy at risk. This ruling only serves to further halt and delay any expansion of coal, oil or natural gas exploration in the Powder River Basin. For too long, federal and judicial overreach has tied Wyoming’s natural resources in bureaucratic red tape. As Governor, I will work with our Attorney General and congressional delegation to push back on these types of burdensome rulings and regulations that stall Wyoming energy production and have devastating impacts on our local and state economies.”

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Letter from Annemarie McCracken | Cheyenne, Via Wyoming News

Experience matters when choosing the next governor. Sadly, some candidates will spread half-truths trying to divert the conversation from the truly salient issue: who is most qualified?

This is not a time for Wyoming to elect a “newbie” to office. There are too many critical issues that Wyoming is facing, and on-the-job training is not an option.

Candidates can talk about their private sector experience, taking on the federal government, being the most conservative ad nauseum, but if we elect someone who has not had direct experience running a statewide office, then we have essentially relegated the Office of Governor to an entry-level position. This is not the time to elect an entry-level employee to our highest office.

Mark Gordon has been a successful businessman, both in the energy sector with Apache Oil and as a working rancher. He has owned successful small businesses in small-town Wyoming. He has supported his community and his party with both his time and his money.

What sets him apart from the other candidates is his successful term as state treasurer. The investments made by his office increased the Wyoming coffers at a time when other revenues were down.

His votes on the state boards and commissions reflect solid conservative values and the good sense of a businessman. He has defended the state constitution and won. No other Republican candidate can speak to those credentials.

Hard decisions are coming in the next four years, made harder if the national elections put Democrats back in power. Our next governor must know our state, its people and industries AND know firsthand how to make state government work for us.

There is only one candidate that fills those qualifications, and that is Mark Gordon.

Via Gillette News Record

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I met Mark Gordon when I was a manager at Black Thunder mine. We both served on a citizen’s board that oversees the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality. The board was the judge in conflicts between industry and the environment.

Through every hearing, Mark displayed a great ability to listen to both sides of any conflict and resolve to find a solution so that business could proceed. I saw him ensure that common sense prevailed in decisions on mine reclamation standards and other industrial development.

I am currently working to obtain permits for the coal export facility in Washington state so that we can open up markets for millions of tons of Wyoming coal in Japan and South Korea. I am on the front line of the war between environmentalists and coal. I appreciate all the support from Wyoming in this fight.

Many of you may not realize that Mark Gordon represented Wyoming in public hearings on this project and was instrumental in ensuring that his peers in state government understood the revenues this project could bring to Wyoming. He understands that mineral production is key to Wyoming’s economy and I have witnessed him fighting for it.

I work for the coal industry — as do many of you — and we all care deeply about protecting the environment. Like Mark, in the 1980s, I thought that the Sierra Club was generally trying to do good. But the Sierra Club changed over time and so did our view of it. Just because I might have had big hair in the 1980s doesn’t mean I’m into that today.

I want a governor that can listen to all the viewpoints and find a path forward. I know that Mark Gordon is that man.

Wendy Hutchinson

‘Destination Wyoming’ Plan Calls for Competitive Industry Funding & Protecting Access to Public Lands

Cheyenne, Wyoming – Wyoming Treasurer Mark Gordon is calling for a renewed commitment to growing Wyoming’s tourism and outdoor recreation economies, pledging to fight for competitive funding, protect multiple use and access on public lands for sportsmen and anglers, ensure a skilled workforce and grow the state’s outdoor recreation economy.

“Tourism has long been one of the greatest pillars of Wyoming’s economy, supporting thousands of jobs and small businesses while providing critical local and state revenue,” said Gordon. “Our opportunities to expand and develop Wyoming tourism are as boundless as the mountains, trails and rivers we have to explore.”

Gordon released a plan today, Destination Wyoming, that includes several policy initiatives and priorities to grow Wyoming’s tourism industry. Second only to energy in driving Wyoming’s economy, tourism supports 32,000 jobs and generates approximately $186 million in local and state tax revenues annually.

“I learned to fish, hunt, climb, kayak, and pack here, and had the chance to do it all in some of the most glorious country anywhere, and we could often do it after stacking hay all day,” said Gordon.

“Wyoming’s next Governor must be a champion for tourism as a critical component in diversifying our economy for the long term, creating new job opportunities for the next generation and promoting our western heritage and legacy,” Gordon continued. “I love Wyoming and take every chance I can to tell others about coming here to meet our people, enjoy our hospitality, and take some time to settle into all that Wyoming has to offer.”

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Destination Wyoming
Building Out Wyoming’s Tourism & Outdoor Recreation Economy

Prioritizing Wyoming Tourism & Ensuring Competitive Funding
The hospitality, travel and tourism industry are among the most effective and successful advocates for their business in the state. However, to maximize opportunities for tourism across Wyoming, we must have leadership committed to making tourism a top priority and working with industry to develop a plan for sustainable funding into the future.

As Governor, I will be a relentless champion for the tourism industry. I will work with the legislature to ensure competitive funding on par or beyond our competing neighbors. For every dollar spent on advertising and promotion, $10.28 was returned in state and local taxes. And over $250 was returned in visitor spending. With visitation to Wyoming on the rise, investing in tourism is just smart business.

Protecting Access to Public Lands for Sportsmen & Anglers
Be it hunting, fishing, horseback riding, biking, hiking or camping, enjoying the outdoors is a cherished part of the Wyoming way of life, and a big draw for visitors. Nearly 75 percent of Wyoming residents participate in outdoor recreation every year. And the outdoor recreation economy in Wyoming supports approximately 50,000 jobs.

As a lifelong sportsman and hunter, maintaining and improving public access and multiple-use while protecting multiple use and private property rights are among my top priorities. I will work to keep public lands in public hands while fighting to ensure local stakeholders have a voice in land management. Wyoming cannot afford to lose out on the rapidly expanding outdoor recreation industry by losing important public access to our lands, waters and scenic vistas.

Ensuring a Skilled & Able Tourism Workforce
A skilled and able workforce is absolutely critical to the future of both hospitality and tourism here in Wyoming. The H-2B and J-1 visa programs are a critical piece of the puzzle. As Governor, I will work with our delegation to help ensure these program runs effectively and efficiently to meet seasonal worker needs.

We also need to better align our workforce training with industry needs. Wyoming’s community and technical colleges must be proactive and adaptive so we can quickly train workers for the jobs of today and tomorrow. The Wyoming Lodging & Restaurant Association’s ProStart Program, a two-year curriculum that prepares high school students for careers in the restaurant and foodservice industry, is a terrific example of how the private sector can successfully drive workforce training within the public system.

As Governor, I will work with industry and our community and technical colleges to better align programming with the needs of our tourism, recreation and hospitality industries.

Growing Wyoming’s Outdoor Recreation Economy
I’ve worked in tourism and outdoor recreation for many years and I know just how important this industry is to our state, and the enormous opportunities it provides us. Wyoming’s outdoor recreation economy generates approximately $5.6 billion in consumer spending and $1.6 billion in wages and salaries every year. What’s more, the industry contributes over $500 million in state and local tax revenue.

Still, there is plenty of room to grow. Outdoor recreation generates nearly $900 billion in consumer spending every year in the United States. Wyoming’s outdoor recreation economy accounts for only a little over half of one percent, and we continue to trail many of our neighboring states. With so much to offer in summer, fall, winter and spring, Wyoming is poised to take a much bigger piece of this nearly trillion-dollar pie.

As Governor, I will work to grow Wyoming’s outdoor recreation economy by driving new and innovative ways to connect Wyoming communities, vacation destinations and points of interest – be it via land, water, air or digital. Every single Wyoming community offers something special to visitors and it’s our job to showcase these destinations to the world and make them accessible.

Cheyenne, Wyoming – Wyoming Treasurer and rancher Mark Gordon released the following statement after President Donald Trump nominated Judge Brett Kavanaugh to fill the Supreme Court seat left vacant by Justice Anthony Kennedy’s decision to retire.

“Judge Kavanaugh is a strong choice to serve our nation in upholding the laws of our land. His impressive credentials, distinguished record and conservative ideology make him a solid pick to replace Justice Kennedy. This is a solemn duty that requires individuals dedicated to upholding the Constitution as it was written and intended by our founding fathers. I have confidence Judge Kavanaugh will do just that and hope he will be confirmed quickly by the U.S. Senate.”

Cheyenne, Wyoming – Wyoming Treasurer and rancher Mark Gordon launched a new policy platform today to grow opportunities and cut red tape for Wyoming agriculture producers.

“From beef, lamb, bison and pork, to sugar beets, barley and hops, gluten free oats, organic wheat, and everything in between, Wyoming’s ranchers and farmers combine their experience, knowledge and unparalleled work ethic with our unique environment to deliver universally admired products,” said Gordon. “As a state, we need to step our support and promotion of the agriculture industry, expanding opportunities for exports, driving new technologies that will drive down costs and improve efficiencies, and fight for commonsense federal regulations that don’t tie the hands of our ag producers.”

Gordon’s Growing Wyoming Ag platform includes policy and regulatory initiatives to foster and grow the state’s agriculture economy. Positions and proposed initiatives include:

• ‘Born and Raised Wyo’ Products: Branding and promoting livestock and agriculture products grown and raised exclusively in Wyoming
• Meat Inspection in Wyoming: Expand opportunities under the state and federal meat inspection systems for Wyoming producers.
• Enforcing Wyoming’s Constitutional Obligation to Safeguard Livestock
• Predator Control and Animal Damage: Ensuring Wyoming’s wildlife is managed by Wyoming and not the Federal Government.
• Bringing Commonsense to Federal Agencies: Leading the way to reform regulatory structures so they are implemented in a common sense and locally accountable manner.
• Meaningful Solutions for Transportation: Fighting back against burdensome regulations and pushing for meaningful solutions that ensure safety of livestock and protect Wyoming’s agricultural industry.
• Protecting Wyoming’s Agriculture Labor Market: Work with Wyoming’s Congressional Delegation to make the H-2A Visa program and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements less burdensome for sheep producers.
• Crops, Opportunities, and Innovation: Support Ag Innovation Summits and cohesive agriculture policies throughout state government.
• Expanding Export Markets: Work to expand overseas export markets for Wyoming Ag products to places like Taiwan, Vietnam and China.
• Driving New Ag Technology: Encourage and help facilitate early adoption of transformative technologies in agriculture.
• Protecting Wyoming Water: Push back against rules that would expand federal authority over our water and defend Wyoming’s rights under our interstate compacts.

Gordon’s Growing Wyoming Ag policy plan can be found below.

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Growing Wyoming Ag
Policy Priorities to Advance Wyoming’s Agriculture Sector

‘Born and Raised Wyo’ Products
Wyoming’s agricultural economy is a crucial part of Wyoming’s future. Our agriculture products are second to none. From beef, lamb, bison and pork, to sugar beets, barley and hops, gluten free oats, organic wheat, and everything in between, our ranchers and farmers combine their experience, knowledge and unparalleled work ethic with our unique Wyoming environment to deliver universally admired products. Whether here at home or far away, using the ‘Born and Raised Wyo’ brand will help sell their products.

As an example, Wyoming beef would be an exceptional product to brand and market as ‘Born and Raised Wyo.’  In Wyoming, beef generates more than a billion dollars in revenue each year from nearly 11,000 ranches, most of them family owned and operated.

As Governor, I will work with producers and the Legislature to tailor policies to support the branding and marketing of our high quality agricultural products as ‘Born and Raised Wyo.’

Meat Inspection in Wyoming
Although a majority of Wyoming beef and lamb goes to out-of-state backgrounders, feeders, packers and fabricators, there are opportunities for more value to be realized here in Wyoming if we had greater processing capacity. Currently, there are approximately 80 meat plants in the state of Wyoming, yet only two of them are federally inspected and the majority only process game animals in the fall. As a result, Wyoming producers have limited opportunities for processing that would allow them to fulfill out-of-state demand from within Wyoming.

As Governor, I will seek to expand opportunities under the state and federal meat inspection systems for Wyoming producers.

Enforcing the Constitution
Wyoming producers are entitled to all the protections enshrined within our Wyoming Constitution, which includes safeguards to keep our livestock healthy and viable. That means, among other things, the system of “inspection and such other regulations as may be necessary for the protection of stock owners, and most conducive to the stock interests of the state.” This also means the protection of personal property rights.

As Governor, I will continue protecting your Constitutional rights.

Predator Control and Animal Damage
Whether our hay fields and pastures are overgrazed by wildlife, or our livestock are being preyed upon by bears, wolves or other predators, Wyoming must assure that producers have all the tools they need to manage wildlife when it harms their livelihoods. Wyoming worked hard and successfully earned the right to manage species such as the grizzly bear and wolf.

As Governor, I will ensure Wyoming’s wildlife is managed by Wyoming… not the Federal Government.

Bringing Commonsense to Federal Agencies
Wyoming citizens are affected every day by a blizzard of delaying, complicated and burdensome federal regulations such as those that directly affect management of endangered species and of our public lands. Wherever they apply, we need to insist on local control by vigorously asserting Wyoming’s primacy in enforcing regulations, and cutting back on the  unnecessary or overlapping regulations already in place. I will strive to build collaborative relationships with federal natural resource agencies based on full recognition of the critical role of state and local government in management of our natural resources.

As Governor, I will lead the way in reforming regulatory structures so they are implemented in a common sense and locally accountable manner.

Meaningful Solutions for Transportation
Trucking is a critical component when bringing Wyoming agricultural goods and livestock to market. The advent of Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) as mandated by the federal government has the potential to disrupt this system. Transportation is a particularly stressful time for livestock and that impacts their health. ELDs when combined with mandatory restrictions on hours of service make it difficult for experienced drivers to use their judgment and skill set to do their jobs safely and effectively. Furthermore, they threaten the welfare of livestock being moved. Additionally, many independent truckers and small trucking firms simply cannot afford to purchase and install these devices which also require monthly service fees.

As Governor, I will fight back against these burdensome regulations and suggest meaningful solutions that ensure safety and protect our agricultural industry.

Protecting Wyoming’s Agriculture Labor Market
Wyoming is the second leading exporter of wool in the country. We have one of the most remarkable woolen factories in the country in Johnson County, Mountain Meadow Wool.  With more than 350,000 sheep, Wyoming wool is a high- quality product with a strong market presence. However, some proposed revisions to the H-2A Visa program could significantly hurt the sheep-industry. Sheepherders are essential in many operations for managing grazing and protecting the sheep from predators. Changes to the H-2A visa program and the associated outlandish Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements jeopardize the future of many sheep operations. I will work to make the H-2A program less burdensome to assure that sheep producers are able to secure workers in a timely manner.

As Governor, I will assist Wyoming’s congressional delegation in fixing these types of burdensome regulations that simply don’t make any sense for agriculture producers and threaten their very livelihood.

Crops, Opportunities, and Innovation
Wyoming can do more to help Wyoming’s burgeoning crops sector. Entrepreneurialism is alive and well across the state with a vast variety of crops from gluten-free oats, hops, custom barleys, sugar beets, spelt, organic wheats, hays and alfalfas to many of the products made from them. Beer, bread, whiskeys and spirits, breakfast cereals, biofuels, custom hays and pellets and on and on. Wyoming markets have expanded. Wyoming entrepreneurialism has expanded, and Wyoming’s efforts have expanded.

As Governor, I will support Ag Innovation Summits and cohesive agriculture policies throughout state government.

Expanding Export Markets
Neighboring states have seen tremendous success in marketing their agricultural products to places like Taiwan, Vietnam and China. Idaho in particular has seen significant growth in their agricultural industry after taking a variety of steps to promote trade in the Far East. As a result, their farm product exports were up more than 10 percent last year – resulting in billions of dollars in trade.

As Governor, I will make expanding the overseas market for our products a high priority.

Driving New Ag Technology
Wyoming is leading the way with innovations in technology from blockchain to vertical gardens to new ways to control weeds. The University of Wyoming, our community colleges, high schools and extension offices should engage in a collective manner to improve producer understanding and access to emerging technologies.

As Governor, I will encourage the adoption of transformative technologies in agriculture.

Protecting Wyoming Water
Wyoming’s water is among our most precious resource. It is a critical component of our agricultural production. Water rightfully belongs to the state and we must ensure state management at every turn.

As Governor, I will fight rules such as Waters of the United States (WOTUS) that would expand federal authority over both surface and underground water quality. I will defend Wyoming’s rights under our interstate compacts.

Policy Plan Includes Building Infrastructure, Localizing Decision-Making & Driving Innovation

Cheyenne, Wyoming – With an eye towards protecting and promoting Wyoming’s energy industry long into the future, Treasurer Mark Gordon released a series of policy positions aimed at expanding export markets for Wyoming’s natural resources, localizing decision-making, streamlining regulations and driving innovation.

“Wyoming’s energy industry has long been the backbone of our economy and has served our state, people, communities, businesses and schools tremendously well,” Gordon said. “As the industry and markets change, so must Wyoming and how we approach protecting and promoting our natural resources.”

Gordon’s Power WYO Forward platform was released today and includes policy and regulatory proposals to foster and grow the state’s energy sector. Policy positions include:

• Building Infrastructure to Export Wyoming Resources
• Driving Advanced Energy Technologies
• Streamlining Regulations
• Localizing Decision Making – Working with Federal Agencies
• Streamlining & Aligning State Energy Resources
• All of the Above Energy Policy – There is Room for It All

Gordon noted the important role energy and natural resources will continue to play in Wyoming’s economy for years to come. He said the opportunity before us as a state is positioning Wyoming in such a way to capture more of the value chain than just the raw materials we have relied on in the past.

“Diversifying Wyoming’s economy and maintaining and advancing our core mineral industries are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they go hand-in-hand,” said Gordon. “Wyoming will continue to be an energy state for years to come, so it is our responsibility to not only be a part of the future of the energy sector – but to drive it.”

Gordon’s Power Wyo Forward policy plan can be found below.

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POWER WYO FORWARD
Policy Priorities to Advance Wyoming’s Energy Economy

Building Infrastructure to Export Wyoming Resources
There are tremendous opportunities for Wyoming coal, gas and other minerals and natural resources abroad. With continual roadblocks coming up with terminals on the West Coast of the United States, Mark is committed to exploring alternative means of exporting Wyoming energy.

As Governor, Mark will pursue opportunities with other sovereign funds, including the Alaska Permanent Fund and the Alberta Investment Management Corporation to explore building infrastructure to export Wyoming’s high-quality minerals.

In addition, Mark has positioned the Treasurer’s office to be able to invest alongside private sector investors to build pipelines and important infrastructure to export Wyoming resources. Wyoming benefits tremendously from infrastructure that helps us get our gas and oil to market more efficiently and effectively, so investing in private-sector endeavors or supporting them with bonds to do just that is a win-win. As Governor, he will work to streamline permitting and right of ways to expedite infrastructure development.

Driving Advanced Energy Technologies
For more than thirty years, Wyoming has been the nation’s leading producer of coal. And coal continues to supply approximately 30% of the electricity in the nation. It is America’s most plentiful energy resource. With such a powerful, in-demand resource at our fingertips, Wyoming should lead the way on research innovation to ensure its responsible future use. Coal not only provides enormous benefits for accessible energy but can help create and drive new markets. Coal is part of the solution.

As Governor, Mark will work to position Wyoming as the leader in advanced energy technologies including Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) and new carbon-to-product markets. We’re seeing promising research come out every day that shows the potential for turning carbon into marketable products we can make money off of – like petrochemicals, asphalt and plastics.

The Wyoming Integrated Test Center is a terrific example of what is possible through public-private partnerships. Recently, as Treasurer, I was proud to finalize a $15 million state loan to Atlas Carbon for the expansion of their activated carbon plant. They are using PRB coal to create an entirely new market producing activated carbon to use in air and water filtration systems.

This is just the beginning of Wyoming leading the way on energy innovation. As Governor, Mark will pursue additional public-private partnerships, which have a proven track record of success in Wyoming in enhancing the market for our mineral resources.

Streamlining Regulations
A study just released this month by the Mercatus Center at George Mason University looked specifically at regulations in Wyoming in 2018. They found that the 2018 Wyoming Administrative Code contains 99,566 restrictions and 5.4 million words. This means it would take an individual seven weeks – nearly two months – to read the entire code. Utilities, chemical manufacturing, oil and gas extraction and mining face more than 17,000 restrictions alone.

The sheer volume and breadth of our current policies is stifling not only our energy economy, but manufacturing, agriculture and many different industries important to our state. How can we possibly expect individuals and businesses to be able to successfully navigate these different layers of restrictions to remain in compliance? We can do better.

Mark believes that regulations ought to be around incentivizing people to do the right thing, rather than penalizing them for doing them wrong, As Governor, Mark will work to drive a shift on the state and federal level towards regulations that reward people for a doing a better job – be it through expedited permitting, faster response times, or other incentives. The free market can, and will, address many of the environmental concerns that come with energy production, but we have to give them reasonable room to do so.

Localizing Decision Making – Working with Federal Agencies
Part of addressing the cumbersome regulations and restrictions Wyoming faces is strengthening relationships with federal agencies, including the Bureau of Land Management. Wyoming’s leadership on things like sage grouse has been extraordinary, and it is nice to see the BLM is starting to follow Wyoming’s lead. Wyoming people, Wyoming leaders need to be empowered to make decisions. The progress we have made needs to be recognized and respected. Our solutions are durable and effective. Let’s let them work.

With the amount of federal land we have in Wyoming, and the difficulty we face in citing anything on these lands, it is critical for the next Governor to leverage action with a strong relationship with the BLM and other federal agencies to expedite these processes and keep projects moving.

Streamlining & Aligning State Energy Resources
Streamlining and better aligning Wyoming’s energy agencies and resources will not only better serve taxpayers, but business – energy producers, innovators and those adding value to the chain. Mark is committed to ensuring the state does more with less to direct people and companies to the resources Wyoming already has in place.

All of the Above Energy Policy – There is Room for It All
Be it oil, gas, coal, uranium or wind, when it comes to natural resources, Wyoming has it all. As a lifelong conservative, Mark believes strongly that the market should pick winners and losers when it comes to energy sources – not government.

Mark sees renewables like wind as additive to our energy economy, not a detractor. Several new projects proposed for Albany, Carbon, Converse and Uinta counties have the potential to bring immense investment and job opportunities to many communities in southern Wyoming, but development should proceed thoughtfully.

But to really unleash this potential, Wyoming must address transmission capacity, and the lengthy regulatory process that accompanies infrastructure development. Regulation should be based on common sense, be respectful and efficient. This is part of lifting the regulatory burden that Wyoming faces. Wyoming has seen companies working on permitting for more than a decade. This is unacceptable and counterproductive to growing our economy and promoting our natural resources.

Treasurer Points to Potential for Blockchain & Financial Sector Growth In Near Future

Laramie, Wyoming – Treasurer Mark Gordon applauded Wyoming legislators Thursday for their leadership in implementing legislation to drive Blockchain technology and virtual currencies at the first meeting of the Blockchain Task Force in Laramie Wednesday morning.  Wyoming’s State Treasurer noted the uptick in registration for trust companies in the state of Wyoming in recent months as a result of strong state leadership exerted in both the finance and technology sector.

Gordon’s comments at Thursday’s meeting were as follows:

“Thank you so much for giving me this brief opportunity this morning.

First and foremost, I would like to applaud the Wyoming Legislature and the incredible leaders on this task force. Chairman Lindholm, Chairman Driskill, and Representative Olsen are really the reason we are sitting here today. As we all know, they championed and successfully passed a suite of legislation that has opened the doors to drive a new industry here in Wyoming.

Wyoming is now not only positioned to be a national leader in this growing economy, but to really blaze a trail for virtual currencies and Blockchain technology.

I’d also like to thank you the Secretary of State’s office for their leadership in really taking on the implementation and regulation of this technology in a very short time. Deputy Secretary of State Karen Wheeler, in particular, has done a magnificent job over the past several months and I really applaud her work.

I will keep my comments brief, but I wanted to take this opportunity to talk about one particular law, and a piece of this Blockchain technology puzzle, that I think is especially important. House Bill 70 is an important new law in Wyoming that exempts utility tokens from security laws. This is really pioneering legislation as no other state has regulated Initial Coin Offerings (ICO’s) up until now. Wyoming is first in the nation, and it is now driving companies to our state.

This law is especially important because it exercises Wyoming’s right under the 10th Amendment to regulate property. This is federalism at its finest. Regulation of ICO’s is within the purview of individual state’s and Wyoming’s law sets an important precedent for exerting our authority as a state.

I also see enormous opportunity for Wyoming to be ground zero for the development and advancement of utility tokens. Utility tokens have the potential to be another tool to raise capital to bring new technology to the marketplace. Pioneering new secure settlement systems can have benefits for a wide array of sectors, some very important to Wyoming’s legacy industries like agriculture and energy. This is just another way Wyoming can lead the way as we work towards a more integrated energy system.

As Treasurer, let me point out that as with anything new there are going to be growing pains that we can expect from cryptocurrencies that have experienced significant volatility as they have worked to become established. Therefore, our office does not intend to invest in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies until we can be assured that they can be considered a prudent investment. As for Blockchain, however, we are working to keep abreast of developments and look forward to the adoption of this incredible technology in the financial sector.

Chairman Lindholm and Chairman Driskill, members of the Blockchain Task Force, thank you again for your tremendous work on this important issue. I, like the rest of Wyoming, am looking forward to seeing where this takes our state and economy in the very near future. Thank you.”

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About Mark

Mark Gordon is a rancher, small businessman, and Wyoming’s State Treasurer. He grew up on the family ranch in Johnson County. After graduating from college, Mark ran several successful businesses in Buffalo and Sheridan including two focused on outdoor recreation and tourism. He later worked in the oil and gas industry. Mark and his wife, Jennie Muir Gordon, currently work together, with Jennie handling day to day management of their ranch. They have four grown children, daughters Bea and Anne, son Aaron and his wife Megan, and son Spencer and his wife Sarah.

Serving as Wyoming Treasurer since 2012, Gordon has led a transformation of how the state invests its significant funds. He has focused on growing state investment returns, safeguarding state savings and improving transparency and access to the general public. He has demonstrated the ability to do less with more, leading a small staff to make significant and lasting changes to the state’s investment arm. Gordon grew state investments by over $1 billion last year, delivering the fund’s best performance above the state’s benchmark in ten years. As a result, Wyoming citizens saved $1,500 per person in taxes.

Gordon also led efforts to improve transparency surrounding the state’s financial portfolio resulting in Wyoming earning the number one ranking in the United States for transparency among all sovereign funds.

Campaign Team Includes Community Leaders from Every Wyoming County

Everywhere, Wyoming – With a focus on campaigning town-by-town and county-by-county, Treasurer Mark Gordon announced his statewide campaign leadership committee today with community leaders from every county in Wyoming.

“Every Wyoming community faces their own challenges and presents their own opportunities,” said Gordon. “Having boots-on-the-ground advice from community leaders, small business owners, parents and local experts is invaluable. From Lovell to Laramie, Thermopolis to Torrington, I’m committed to hearing firsthand about the issues most important to every community in Wyoming.”

Gordon continued, “the momentum we’ve built in every community across Wyoming has been incredible. Team Gordon is growing each and every day. I am honored by the support I have received and look forward to working with our statewide team in the coming months.”

The following individuals will serve as County Chairs for Gordon’s 2018 campaign for Governor, making up a statewide leadership team that will lead volunteer teams in each county, which are growing daily. County Chairs will help with outreach and education in their respective communities and advise Gordon on the issues most important to their counties. Volunteer teams in each county are growing daily.

ALBANY COUNTY

Rob and Mary Garland

Baillie Miller

BIG HORN COUNTY

Stan and Mary Flitner

Becky and Jack Lindsey

CAMPBELL COUNTY

Shaun and Alison Gee

CARBON COUNTY

Jim Espy

John and Diana Espy

Copper and Tara France

CONVERSE COUNTY

Frank and Elaine Moore

Doug Frank

CROOK COUNTY

Steve and Kathy Lenz

FREMONT COUNTY

Judy and Don Legerski

Mike Hays

GOSHEN COUNTY

Bill and Betty Law

Chuck Kenyon

HOT SPRINGS COUNTY

Jim and Terry Wilson

JOHNSON COUNTY

Bill Novotny (Honorary Finance Chair)

Jim Hicks

Connie and Mike Lohse (Statewide Honorary Chairs)

Laci and Ben Schiffer

Nancy Schiffer

LARAMIE COUNTY

Mary O. Meyer (Statewide Honorary Chair)

Peter and Chloe Illoway

Mark Eisele

Patrick and Rebekah Fitzgerald

Chris Lummis

Max and Gayla Maxfield

Leigh Vosler and Chris Allen

LINCOLN COUNTY

Kathy Tomassi

Kevin Voyles

John Bowers

NATRONA COUNTY

Peter and Marla Wold (Chairman)

Susan Thomas (Statewide Honorary Chair)

Jack Lenhart (Treasurer)

Susan Stubson

Mark Doelger

Riata Little

NIOBRARA COUNTY

Gene and Joan Lenz

PARK COUNTY

• U.S. Senator Al and Ann Simpson (Statewide Honorary Chairs)
• Jim Nielson and Anne Young (Statewide Honorary Chairs)
• Steven and Dana Taggart Cranfill

PLATTE COUNTY

• Judy Horton
• Juan Reyes

SHERIDAN COUNTY

• Isabel Wallop (Statewide Honorary Chair)
• Mandy Moody Phillips
• Tony and Deb Wendtland
• Charley and Penny Whiton

SUBLETTE COUNTY

• Carrie and Bill Budd
• Nancy Espenscheid

SWEETWATER COUNTY

• John Hay III (Honorary Statewide Chair)
• Bonnie Cannon
• Cindy Johnson
• Margaret Parry
• Ron and Sonja Wild

TETON COUNTY

• Clarene and Creed Law (Honorary Statewide Chairs)
• Mark Barron and Ruth Ann Petroff
• Diana and Doyle Vaughan
• Jackie Montgomery
• Steve Meadows

UINTA COUNTY

• Deborah and David Bassett

WASHAKIE COUNTY

• Gard Ferguson
• Ron Harvey

WESTON COUNTY

• Bill and Marcia Lambert

Gordon has also opened campaign offices in Cheyenne, Casper, and Buffalo. The public is encouraged to contact the offices and stop by to pick up campaign materials. Campaign office locations are:

Gordon for Governor Buffalo Office

112 W. Angus Street

Buffalo, WY 82834

Gordon for Governor Cheyenne Office

223 East 19^th Street

Cheyenne, WY 82001

Gordon for Governor Casper Office

139 W. 2nd Street, Suite 1A

Casper, WY 82601

For additional information on Gordon’s campaign for Governor, visit www.gordonforwyoming.com.

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About Mark

Mark Gordon is a rancher, small businessman, and Wyoming’s State Treasurer. He grew up on the family ranch in Johnson County. After graduating from college, Mark ran several successful businesses in Buffalo and Sheridan including two focused on outdoor recreation and tourism. He later worked in the oil and gas industry. Mark and his wife, Jennie Muir Gordon, currently work together, with Jennie handling day to day management of their ranch. They have four grown children, daughters Bea and Anne, son Aaron and his wife Megan, and son Spencer and his wife Sarah.

Serving as Wyoming Treasurer since 2012, Gordon has led a transformation of how the state invests its significant funds. He has focused on growing state investment returns, safeguarding state savings and improving transparency and access to the general public. He has demonstrated the ability to do more with less, leading a small staff to make significant and lasting changes to the state’s investment arm. Gordon grew state investments by over $1 billion last year, delivering the fund’s best performance above the state’s benchmark in ten years. As a result, Wyoming citizens saved $1,500 per person in taxes.

Gordon also led efforts to improve transparency surrounding the state’s financial portfolio resulting in Wyoming earning the number one ranking in the United States for transparency among all sovereign funds.

Cheyenne, Wyoming – Treasurer Mark Gordon released the following statement today after the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission voted to allow limited hunting of grizzly bears in Wyoming for the first time in 40 years.

“As a lifelong Wyoming sportsman and rancher, I applaud the Wyoming Game and Fish Commissioners for their thoughtful decision today. This is the right approach for Wyoming – it is based in science, reflects the opinion of Wyoming people and incorporates provisions to maintain our strong tourism economy. With this conservative policy developed by the Game and Fish Department, we can keep the population of grizzlies healthy and try to reduce conflicts to keep residents and visitors safe.”

“This decision came after years of conservation work – much of it led by the state – to recover this species. This is a terrific example of why decisions about Wyoming lands and wildlife belong in Wyoming hands. As Governor, I will fight to keep, and return, local decisions to local hands.”

Grizzly bears within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem were removed from protection under the Endangered Species Act in June of 2017, their population has exceeded recovery goals for many years. Hunting will not be allowed in national parks or in the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway. Decisions about hunting on the Wind River Reservation are up to the tribes. For more on today’s decision, visit the Wyoming Game and Fish Department website at https://wgfd.wyo.gov.

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About Mark
Mark Gordon is a rancher, small businessman, and Wyoming’s State Treasurer. He grew up on the family ranch in Johnson County. After graduating from college, Mark ran several successful businesses in Buffalo and Sheridan including two focused on outdoor recreation and tourism. He later worked in the oil and gas industry. Mark and his wife, Jennie Muir Gordon, currently work together, with Jennie handling day to day management of their ranch. They have four grown children, daughters Bea and Anne, son Aaron and his wife Megan, and son Spencer and his wife Sarah.

Serving as Wyoming Treasurer since 2012, Gordon has led a transformation of how the state invests its significant funds. He has focused on growing state investment returns, safeguarding state savings and improving transparency and access to the general public. He has demonstrated the ability to do more with less, leading a small staff to make significant and lasting changes to the state’s investment arm. Gordon grew state investments by over $1 billion last year, delivering the fund’s best performance above the state’s benchmark in ten years. As a result, Wyoming citizens saved $1500 per person in taxes.

Gordon also led efforts to improve transparency surrounding the state’s financial portfolio resulting in Wyoming earning the number one ranking in the United States for transparency among all sovereign funds.

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