CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Gov. Matt Mead is taking over as chairman of the Western Governors' Association.

Mead was elected to the job on Friday by fellow members of the association during their meeting at Incline Village, Nevada.

Mead succeeds Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval, who served as chairman for the past year. Montana Gov. Steve Bullock will serve as vice chairman.

Mead announced he will focus on the Endangered Species Act during his year as chairman.

Mead says endangered species is a western issue and he will focus on habitat conservation, recovery of species and making the law better.

Established in 1984, the Western Governors' Association is an independent, non-partisan organization of governors from 19 Western states and 3 U.S. flag islands.

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