Thread by @IAmNickReynolds

.@GovernorGordon is holding availability with Wyoming media this afternoon. I just hopped on the call, where he is paying tribute to Sen. Mike Enzi and a brief recap of his visit with DOI's Deb Haaland last week.

Highlights here:

Focusing now on urging the DOI to lift its oil and gas leasing pause on federal lands, particularly given actions oversee.

Says it's having bad economic impacts while not helping climate change, and that we shouldn't judge by rigs running. (Which are up) wyofile.com/wyo-drilling-r…

Adds he discussed his skepticism of the 30x30 plan, which he said is "not for Wyoming."

Said it takes those lands out of the equation for economic benefit. "We will fight it every step of the way."

Said he hopes the trip will lead to a better dialogue with D.C.

On COVID: "No mandates will come from this office," he said, though he notes the pandemic is not over.

Said that all facets of the economy will be impacted by COVID. Urges Wyoming to be diligent, wash hands, maintain distance, and get vaccinated "if you're willing."

"I do not believe statewide orders are necessary. What will help ease the situation is people acting responsibly and diligently, making sure to take measures to protect ourselves, our families and our neighbors."

Notes vast majority of COVID hospitalizations are non-vaxxed.

"Do we anticipate any lockdowns? Absolutely not," he said.

"We have tools, we have vaccinations, we have different ways we can approach that."

But adds our employment situation is fragile -- especially in healthcare facilities.

.@m0rgan_hughes asks a follow-up to those statements, asking what Gordon can do to improve vaccination numbers.

Gordon says vaccines are a deeply personal choice, and that he hopes the FDA could formally approve it to "calm the fears" ppl have. Says it's the "best tool we have."

.@butterbob asks about the growing housing crisis in various communities around Wyoming. Says there may be some applications for affordable housing in the coming infrastructure package.

I asked about the census and whether there were any concerns about potential decreases in some county's federal aid due to population losses, particularly in places like Sublette.

Said he'd be fascinated to see the changes from this year, but hadn't looked into part two.

[I should note these questions and quotes are very difficult to hear, the sound is pretty garbled on both ends.]