Last week, Gov. Matt Mead released an updated version of Wyoming’s energy strategy, essentially a to-do list for the state with goals for energy development, conserving natural resources and improving agriculture. 

The first version of “Leading the Charge, Wyoming’s Action Plan for Energy, Environment and Economy” was released in 2013. Three years later, the 45 goals within it are more than 80 percent complete and the remaining ones are ongoing.

The new version for 2016 has 11 new initiatives, all of which were created based on public input from around the state.

The new initiatives are pretty comprehensive, addressing concerns such as the federal permitting process impacting energy development, the Endangered Species Act’s low success rate, preparing Wyoming students for careers and improving access to public lands. It even proposes ways to utilize biomass and increase wind energy production.

Naturally, environmental conservation is included in the goals. After all, Wyoming is basically synonymous with wildlife. 

Reclamation work, collaboration on managing for invasive species, improving the effectiveness of the Endangered Species Act and finding a way to convert carbon emissions into something valuable are some of the goals outlined in the plan.

Although we treasure our wildlife, that’s not all Wyoming is known for, and the plan takes that into account. One out of every five American homes is powered by Wyoming energy, and it is the state’s leading industry. Meanwhile, tourism brings in millions of visitors and generates a lot of jobs and revenue as our state’s second largest industry. Of course, where would we be without our third largest sector, agriculture — an empty fridge?

All of these are extremely important and require a delicate balancing act. But just six years ago, there was no national or state energy policy. 

Considering how important these are for generating state revenue and providing jobs for residents, it’s important to have a set of goals in mind. 

The best part about all of this is that these initiatives were generated from Wyoming residents’ ideas. 

Cody played host to one of these collaborative meetings in August, and we are happy to report that many of locals’ concerns presented at that meeting are included in the new energy strategy. 

It’s invigorating to see public participation in government, and it’s even better when the public’s thoughts, ideas and concerns are taken seriously and put into practice. 

We’re lucky to live in a state where many voices are heard loud and clear.

The updated plan represents what Wyomingites want for the state’s future, and the entire process of creating these goals and working to achieve them is a prime example of democracy in action. 

And it’s an ongoing conversation.

Even though the document has been released and the gears are turning to achieve those goals, the governor’s office is seeking further public participation.

The entire document and progress on completing the goals can be tracked at energy.wyo.gov. We encourage anyone with ideas for how to make Wyoming the best it can be to check it out and get involved.