Western Governors assert that it is incumbent upon the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) to engage in substantive consultation with Governors during the development of regulations for the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (VIDA). Although Congress gave clear direction to EPA and USCG regarding the role that Governors should play in the development of these standards, the Governors point out that the current consultation process will not satisfy the requirements of the law. The Sept. 9, 2019 letter, signed by WGA Chair North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and Vice Chair Oregon Gov. Kate Brown, urges EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler and USCG Commandant Karl L. Schultz to fulfill their statutory obligation to consult with Governors or their designees. Read, download the letter.