The state should be an ally with mineral producers rather than an adversary. Mineral producers have 14 different agencies that we have to fight with. We're plugging an average of four oil wells a day in Wyoming. Oil production is dropping. There's plenty of oil in the state, but no incentive to drill.

This allows state agencies and regulations to respond.

I think we have no apologies to make. We were in a state of global rivalry with a global adversary.

I want to assure . . . (that) the state and federal agencies are coordinating their efforts,

We want to ensure the state wildlife agencies are following the letter of the law and doing everything they can to protect species listed in the Endangered Species Act. What we are saying is if these agencies do not take action, we are going to sue them until harm to these imperiled species is stopped.

I have noticed a marked improvement in FEMA and with the coordination of FEMA and the State agencies.