County adopts resolution opposing 30x30 program
Phillips County commissioners have passed a resolution opposing section 216 of the presidential executive order 14008, called “Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad.”
A section of the order calls for the development of a program to conserve at least 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030. This is known as the “30x30” program.
President Joe Biden issued the executive order Jan. 27. The county resolution states that some 680 million acres of land across the nation would be set aside through conservation, preventing the productive use of these lands and their resources.
In opposing the 30x30 program, the commissioners feel that placing private lands into permanent conservation status will cause dramatic and irreversible harm to the economies of many states and rural counties. They also oppose any similar program that prevents the productive use of millions of acres of land.
The commissioners note in the resolution that while they support reasonable national, regional and global greenhouse gas emission policies with practical, cost-effective, non-draconian goals, they oppose the use of global climate change as a reason to set aside large tracts of land as conservation lands to meet the 30x30 program’s objectives.
The resolution points out that conserving land does not assure its preservation, since if left in an undisturbed natural state, the land in Phillips County is highly susceptible to wildfires and insect infestation.
The commissioners maintain that any land or rights that are acquired to meet the 30x30 program’s objectives should only be purchased from willing landowners for payment of full market value, not through eminent domain or other regulatory compulsion.
They add that many Phillips County businesses and citizens depend on commerce that utilizes these private lands and their resources, contributing to the economic well-being of Phillips County and Colorado.
Fees for waste tires at landfill increased
Commissioners approved changes to the fees for waste tires at Phillips County Landfill in order to cover vendor charges for their disposal.
The rates for passenger car and motorcycle tires up to 17 inches and truck tires of 18, 20 or 22 inches remain the same at $4.50 and $11, respectively. If the tires are taken to the landfill while still on rims, a dismount fee of $10 will be charged for passenger car and motorcycle tires and $21.50 for truck tires.
Rates for super single truck tires and pivot irrigation tires increased from $16.50 to $20. A dismount fee of $16.50 will be charged if they need to be removed from rims.
Tractor tire rates increased from $27.50 to $40 with a dismount fee of $27.50. Larger tractor tires and small loader tires must be dismounted before being taken to the landfill. The rate for these increased from $55 to $80.
Other business
In other business last month, commissioners:
— Ended the moratorium on authorizing the processing of livestock facilities permits.
— Approved a bid from Weathercraft Companies to replace the roof of the resource center for $90,467 and to repair the courthouse roof for $63,165.
— Purchased a KM 85/50 ride-on sweeper using Department of Local Affairs grant funds for $9,244.33.
— Purchased a Landa MHC 4-3500 pressure washer using DOLA grant funds for $7,842.01.
— Approved a subdivision exemption request submitted by the Lester H. Weers Trust to sell 4.87 acres located about 6 miles south of Haxtun to Tyrone Weers.
— Approved a subdivision exemption request submitted by Gary Koch to sell three acres located about 1 mile south of Haxtun to a buyer to be determined later.
— Approved a zoning change request from Ryan and Danyell Horton to rezone approximately 2.5 acres about 5 miles south of Haxtun from agricultural to commercial.
— Held a 56-minute executive session for the purpose of receiving legal advice on specific legal questions.