Chris Rothfuss in 2022 WY Governor's race

On Budget & Economy: Diversify revenue; fund maintenance projects

Senate Minority Floor Leader Chris Rothfuss said that he thinks Wyoming has done a good job implementing laws attractive in the banking sector and that the state should be an attractive site for large wealth funds. Rothfuss said he thinks the state has done a better job diversifying the economy than they have in terms of diversifying revenues the state relies on for its own budget.

From his perspective, making budget cuts in the short term could actually lead to budget increases over the long haul. He pointed to the example of major maintenance projects, saying that failure to fund maintenance projects in a timely manner can lead to higher costs in the future. Rothfuss said that he thinks the legislature should look at ways to find additional revenue.

On Energy & Oil: Explore carbon engineering; adapt infrastructure after coal

Senate Minority Floor Leader Chris Rothfuss agreed that Wyoming should continue to explore what he called "carbon engineering," another term for technology which aims to reduce carbon emissions into the atmosphere. Rothfuss said it is also important that Wyoming find ways to adapt and remain a player in the energy infrastructure given that "our electrical grid isn't going away even if we move away from coal."

He said it is important for Wyoming "to remain a leader in electrical power production--one of the few sectors that does make money in the state." Rothfuss said that should also include renewable energy sources.