The meeting opened with a press conference, where Governor Lujan Grisham announced the bipartisan approval of four WGA policy resolutions. These updated resolutions outline the Governors' shared policy positions on mineral production, radioactive materials management, biosecurity and invasive species, and recreation and tourism on public lands.

“We are probably the most robust Governors’ association in terms of bipartisan efforts at passing policy resolutions,” Governor Lujan Grisham noted. “This year, we’re focused on everything from radioactive waste management and mining to recreation and tourism on public lands.”

The day continued with a keynote from former North Dakota Governor and current Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. He spoke about his department’s efforts to usher in a new era of national abundance—spanning energy development, collaboration with tribal nations, and stewardship of public lands and waters.

Reflecting on his time as Governor and involvement with WGA, Secretary Burgum remarked, “One of the great joys of being a Governor was participating in the Western Governors’ Association. It’s one of the most productive organizations in the country for advancing bipartisan, smart policy that affects everyone in the West.”

Governor Lujan Grisham followed Secretary Burgum’s keynote, by unveiling the BRAND West initiative report, which is the culmination of her WGA Chair initiative, “Building Resilient and Affordable New Developments in the West. The report offers actionable federal policy recommendations to tackle the nation’s housing crisis.

“The BRAND housing report offers a roadmap to help public and private sector leaders develop new housing stock across the West, not only putting the American Dream of homeownership within reach for more Americans but also providing housing for the workforce of the future. I want to thank all who participated in creating this important and useful document,” said Governor Lujan Grisham.

Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins took the stage next, where she delivered remarks to the Governors about forest management and wildfire prevention, invasive species, support for rural agricultural communities, and more. She also took the opportunity to announce the repeal of the 2001 Roadless Rule.

The next keynote address was delivered by Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, who emphasized the importance of promoting school choice, redirecting funds to core subjects, and supporting short-term credential programs. The Governors raised concerns with her about tuition cost shifts, burdensome federal mandates, and the need for flexible, skills-based learning pathways.

Day one of WGA’s Annual Meeting also included a panel discussion about ways to make outdoor recreation opportunities accessible for users of all abilities. The panelists from Go Unlimited, the National Ability Center, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife shared how adaptive equipment, inclusive design, and cross-sector partnerships are expanding access and the growing economic impact of accessible outdoor tourism.

Day two of the meeting featured additional keynotes from Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, as well as panel discussions on post-fire flooding and rural healthcare. 

Secretary Chavez-DeRemer spoke with the Governors about her department’s commitment to American workers by promoting job growth, streamlining regulations, and preparing the workforce for emerging technologies like AI. To do so, she outlined efforts to expand apprenticeships, increase flexibility in workforce training, and empower state-led innovation.

The Governors also led panel discussions about rural health care delivery and ways to enhance flood safety in post-fire landscapes.

During the rural health care panel, speakers from WWAMI Rural Health Research Center, the Southwest Health System, and Guadalupe County Hospital highlighted critical challenges facing rural communities, including hospital closures, severe workforce shortages, and access barriers. To address these issues, they stressed the need for innovative recruitment strategies—like rural residencies and high school mentorships—along with better federal and interstate support to sustain rural health systems.

During the panel on post-fire flooding, panelists discussed the need for interstate collaboration to improve flood safety after fire and asked the Governors for their perspective on how to implement that kind of collaboration.

“I think it’s WGA,” said Governor Cox in response. “We think it's WGA. So we'll get to work on that,” indicating that WGA is the most effective organization for implementing regional collaboration on this issue.

When EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin took the stage for his keynote, he underscored the importance of cooperative federalism and regulatory certainty. His remarks focused the agency’s philosophy of balancing environmental protection with economic growth, increasing support for forest management and prescribed fire, reassessing the Waters of the U.S. rule post-Sackett, and promoting long-lasting, bipartisan policy frameworks.

WGA's 2025 Annual Meeting concluded with Governor Lujan Grisham passing the WGA leadership gavel to Utah Governor Spencer Cox. She also announced that Hawaii Governor Josh Green will serve as Vice Chair.

“It is important that you care about each other and that you respect each other. That's missing in politics. And as Western governors, we don't want it to be missing,” said Governor Lujan Grisham. “And I want to let Governor Cox know that we are all grateful for his willingness to step up and be chair of the Western Governors Association. And we're looking forward to your energy initiative.”

Upon receiving the gavel, Governor Cox announced his WGA Chair initiative, Energy Superabundance: Unlocking Prosperity in the West, which will focus on modernizing the region’s energy infrastructure to meet rising demand. The initiative will convene experts to explore ways to expand energy production, upgrade transmission systems, and advance next-generation energy technologies.

“Governor Lujan Grisham has been a tremendous Chair, showing real leadership in uniting us to tackle the housing crisis,” Governor Cox said. “Now, we’re turning to energy—a bold and urgently needed focus. It’s been nearly 50 years since we’ve had this kind of moment: rising demand, available capital, and the political will to build. And that’s exactly what we intend to do.”

To learn more about Energy Superabundance and share your input, visit WGA’s website and complete the initiative survey.