In about two months, leaders from 15 states will gather in Jackson for three days to discuss one topic — energy — and its various facets. Another number merits mention, and that is the energy symposium's $400,000 price tag.Critics have questioned the symposium's necessity and denounced the high cost the 2009 Wyoming Legislature committed to pay. Earlier this summer, House Speaker Colin Simpson, R-Cody, defended the symposium after skeptics accused it of being a waste of taxpayer dollars or furthering a political agenda for Simpson, a gubernatorial hopeful.However, Simpson, who sponsored a bill for the symposium, isn't the only one standing behind the state-funded event. The legislation was backed unanimously by the house and vast majority of the senate and was signed by Gov. Dave Freudenthal last spring. With that support, it appears most of Wyoming's lawmakers believe sponsorship of the Western States Energy and Environment Symposium is a worthwhile investment for the state.Let's hope they're right.The October gathering has the potential to be a lot of talk with little action. Yet it also could be a critical turning point for Western states as they discuss energy development, alternative energy, environmental protection and the future.“It certainly appears as though energy issues are regional issues, whether it's transmission of gas, or electricity or oil,” Simpson said in an Associated Press article. “Many of us are on the same electrical grid. It really just makes sense to fully understand where each of us are, and what our motivations are and what our needs are.”A report is to be drafted within 45 days of the symposium's Oct. 27 conclusion.There's no doubt that energy development matters to the Cowboy State. The state reaps numerous benefits from the energy industry, so it makes sense to invest in it. One only needs to look at the state's highways, schools, scholarship programs and community grants to see energy dollars at work. As regional lawmakers and energy leaders convene in Jackson this fall, we hope it will result in action that justifies the cost.

In about two months, leaders from 15 states will gather in Jackson for three days to discuss one topic — energy — and its various facets. Another number merits mention, and that is the energy symposium's $400,000 price tag.

Critics have questioned the symposium's necessity and denounced the high cost the 2009 Wyoming Legislature committed to pay. Earlier this summer, House Speaker Colin Simpson, R-Cody, defended the symposium after skeptics accused it of being a waste of taxpayer dollars or furthering a political agenda for Simpson, a gubernatorial hopeful.

However, Simpson, who sponsored a bill for the symposium, isn't the only one standing behind the state-funded event. The legislation was backed unanimously by the house and vast majority of the senate and was signed by Gov. Dave Freudenthal last spring. With that support, it appears most of Wyoming's lawmakers believe sponsorship of the Western States Energy and Environment Symposium is a worthwhile investment for the state.

Let's hope they're right.

The October gathering has the potential to be a lot of talk with little action. Yet it also could be a critical turning point for Western states as they discuss energy development, alternative energy, environmental protection and the future.

“It certainly appears as though energy issues are regional issues, whether it's transmission of gas, or electricity or oil,” Simpson said in an Associated Press article. “Many of us are on the same electrical grid. It really just makes sense to fully understand where each of us are, and what our motivations are and what our needs are.”

A report is to be drafted within 45 days of the symposium's Oct. 27 conclusion.

There's no doubt that energy development matters to the Cowboy State. The state reaps numerous benefits from the energy industry, so it makes sense to invest in it. One only needs to look at the state's highways, schools, scholarship programs and community grants to see energy dollars at work.

As regional lawmakers and energy leaders convene in Jackson this fall, we hope it will result in action that justifies the cost.