“We are probably the most robust Governors’ association in terms of a bipartisan effort at passing policy resolutions,” said New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. “We will be doing that this time, everything from radioactive waste management and mining to recreation and tourism on public lands.” 

View each updated policy resolution below. 

Policy Resolution 2025-06, National Minerals Policy 

Western Governors recognize the importance of strengthening domestic mineral supply chains to support energy, economic, and national security through policies and legislation that unlock our domestic mineral potential and ensure access to critical minerals.  The resolution calls for a national minerals policy that enables mineral exploration and development by, in part, addressing federal permitting complexities that create uncertainty or extensive delays.  The resolution supports addressing litigation risks and streamlining federal permitting processes through the use of mechanisms like categorical exclusions.  It also supports non-extractive mining operations such as processing, recycling, and reuse, which are also vital elements of a stable and secure domestic mineral supply chain.  

Policy Resolution 2025-07, Radioactive Materials Management 

The resolution establishes Western Governors’ policy on radioactive materials management.  Specifically, the resolution supports DOE’s safe and uneventful transportation of transuranic waste through western states to the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant disposal site in New Mexico.  It notes the need for ongoing compliance with federal radioactive waste transport safety requirements and early coordination and effective communication with state, tribal and local governments.  The resolution also affirms that no radioactive waste storage or disposal facility should be located within the geographic boundaries of a western state or U.S. territory without the written consent of the current Governor. 

Policy Resolution 2025-08, Biosecurity and Invasive Species Management 

This resolution addresses invasive species management in western states and territories, including: a call to address the destructive relationship between invasive grasses and wildfires; mechanisms to enhance regional invasive species research, planning, and coordination; and recommendations to Congress and federal agencies on improving invasive species management on federal lands and supporting state-led management efforts. 

Policy Resolution 2025-09, Recreation and Tourism on Public Lands 

This resolution articulates Western Governors’ policy on the management of recreation and tourism on public lands.  Governors support public access and sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities while protecting ecological, economic, and cultural resources, and encourage federal agencies to coordinate and collaborate with states and local stakeholders.  The resolution recommends actions that the federal government should take to ensure federal land management agencies have the necessary resources to accommodate increased visitation, enhance the visitor experience, support local economies, and maintain public lands for multiple uses.  The resolution also encourages the federal government to clearly communicate contingency plans and provide clear direction to regional and local land managers, communities, and state tourism offices in the case of future potential federal government shutdowns to minimize negative impacts to communities and tourists.