Western Governors Discuss Fires, Energy

Western state governors dealt with difficulties in building transmission lines to get the West's abundant power generation resources to the rest of the nation at a meeting Thursday in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

Montana Democratic Gov. Brian Schweitzer told the Western Governors' Conference, "We've got to do something to get transmission lines built in this country."

He said major barriers include getting permits to build on government lands and public opposition to power lines in residential areas.

Governors also heard from the U.S. Department that fires are becoming bigger and more destructive because of a combination of factors including drought, insect infestations and disease.

Undersecretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Harris Sherman said potential solutions include expensive practices like controlled burns, thinning and pest control.

Associated Press