Gov. Gary Herbert delivered a bullish outlook for the state’s future and shot barbs at a federal government that he says has trampled Utah’s rights and stymied economic growth.

"In Utah, we do not expect others to solve our problems," Herbert said. "We will not capitulate to a federal government that refuses to be constrained by its proper and constitutionally-limited role."

Herbert was a mixture of economic cheerleader and states’ rights warrior during the speech, his third as governor. It was custom-made fodder for an election year that finds Herbert facing three challengers, all of whom are taking aim at the incumbent’s conservative credentials.

The governor blasted "the regulatory colossus created by an overreaching, out-of-control, and out-of-touch federal government," which he said has stifled growth and harmed Utah businesses.

He vowed to wrest control of Utah’s oil and gas resources from federal hands, whether through negotiation or litigation, in order to ensure low-cost energy for the state.

"We cannot — and we will not — let the federal government halt responsible energy development in Utah," Herbert said.

As an example of Utah’s self-sufficiency, Herbert boasted of the state’s response to a major windstorm that downed thousands of trees and knocked out power across much of Davis and Weber County.

Citizens responded by uniting to help their neighbors and assist in clean-up efforts. Herbert cited it as a symbol of the state’s self-sufficiency, rather than relying on the federal government — although Utah has since asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency for more than $4 million in disaster aid because of the storm.

That follows the announcement earlier this month that the U.S. Department of Agriculture was awarding $60 million to Utah in agricultural disaster aid — the most of any state — for emergency watershed repair projects from flooding last year and in 2010.

But Herbert focused on conflict with — not help from — Washington, D.C.

"Whether fighting the federal government on ownership and control of our … roads, restoring mule deer population, defending multiple use of our public lands, ending the budget-busting drain of Medicaid, or challenging the constitutionality of mandatory nationalized health care in the Supreme Court," Herbert said, "be assured that this governor is firmly resolved to fortify our state as a bulwark against federal overreach."

That line drew one of two standing ovations from the Republicans in the audience during his 30 minute speech. The other was also in response to a shot at the federal government.

"I think you could see the House Republicans really liked the comments about state sovereignty, pushing back against the federal government," said House Speaker Becky Lockhart, R-Provo. "Having a partner in the governor who is willing to go down that road with us is very positive."

Herbert opened his speech discussing a trip to Iraq and Afghanistan he took last year, and honoring six Utah soldiers and Marines who were killed in a little over a month, as well as Ogden Agent Jared Francom, who was killed while executing a warrant earlier this month.

Francom’s family members and relatives of those killed in combat were in the House gallery for the speech.

There was little in the way of new policy proposals. Instead, the governor used the platform to restate an often-recited list of accolades for the state, including once again being honored by Forbes Magazine as the best state for business.