In correspondence with the U.S. Department of Energy, The Western Governors’ Association voiced its appreciation to the agency for establishing the ‘Building a Better Grid Initiative’ and the ‘National Transmission Needs study’ to modernize the country’s grid systems. The letter of Feb. 9, signed by WGA Executive Director Jim Ogsbury, emphasized “the importance of a robust, resilient and well-maintained electric system in supporting economic growth and quality of life across the West,” and urged the department to focus efforts on accelerating transmission infrastructure and providing grants to states, local agencies and tribes for bolstering grid assets in rural and remote areas, among others. Read, download the letter to see the full set of recommendations.