Gov. Bryant Unveils Energy Development Plan
Roadmap focuses on six key areas to fuel competitiveness and job growth
JACKSON—Gov. Phil Bryant today unveiled his comprehensive plan for capitalizing on Mississippi’s energy strengths and bringing more energy jobs and research to the state. Bryant presented the plan at the conclusion of his “Governor’s Energy Summit” in Jackson.
“As I said in my inaugural State of the State Address, our energy economy will drive Mississippi’s economic growth in the 21st century,” Gov. Bryant said. “The world’s energy demands will continue to grow, and Mississippi is in the position to become a dominant force in the energy industry. My energy plan establishes a comprehensive framework that will position Mississippi for new jobs, new growth and a future built on reliable, affordable energy.”
Energy Works: Mississippi’s Energy Roadmap, details opportunities in six key focus areas that will play vital roles in growing Mississippi’s energy economy:
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Enhancing Mississippi’s position as a top state for oil and gas-related exploration and extraction
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Promoting Mississippi’s competitive advantages, maximizing energy resources and expanding the energy value chain
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Expanding energy capacity through conservation and efficiency
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Developing transportation and energy infrastructure to meet growing demand
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Increasing energy-focused research and development
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Meeting the workforce needs of the energy industry
“Mississippi is on the cutting edge of energy technology. Now it is time to continue moving forward with more energy jobs and more investment in oil, gas and all other forms of competitive energy,” Bryant said.
The Energy Works plan stems from months of meetings and discussions with more than fifty industry leaders both in and out of Mississippi, state agencies and workforce and economic development partners.
“Having strong leadership committed to energy-based development is integral to overall growth,” said Barry Cannada, Chairman of the Mississippi Energy Institute. “Governor Bryant’s energy roadmap is genuinely comprehensive, charts a practical path for development, and calls for aggressive action. His plan makes clear those looking to invest and create jobs in energy or manufacturing should look in Mississippi.”
“This plan will serve as the roadmap to Mississippi’s energy future,” Gov. Bryant said. “We are in such an outstanding position for growth, and through these recommendations, our state will see more energy investment, more innovation and more good-paying energy jobs for our residents.”
Recently Gov. Bryant was recently named as the Southern State Energy Board Chairman, a bipartisan, interstate compact that includes governors and state legislators from the 16 Southern states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as three non-voting board members. The group promotes energy-based economic development, innovation, programs and policies.
Energy Works: Mississippi’s Energy Roadmap is available for download at www.governorbryant.com.
Governor Phil Bryant
10/4/12
Magnolia Tribune
