In a recent meeting of the Western Region Town Hall, significant concerns were raised regarding a proposed biochar project in Upper Lake, California. The chairman emphasized the importance of community engagement in local decision-making processes, highlighting that the Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) was established to ensure local voices are heard in matters affecting their area.

The council expressed disappointment over the lack of community input regarding the biochar project, which has been under consideration since 2021. The chairman noted that the project had been presented as a completed proposal without adequate local consultation, urging the Planning Commission to consider community concerns before moving forward with approval.

Judy Cox, a member of the council, echoed these sentiments, stating that the pros and cons of the project had not been addressed objectively. She called for clearer communication and visual representations of the project to help residents understand its implications. Cox raised specific concerns about the project's location on watershed protection land and the potential environmental impacts of operating a pyrolysis plant near a vital creek.

Both the chairman and Cox stressed the need for the county to involve the local population in discussions about proposed projects, advocating for transparency and thorough vetting at regular council meetings. The meeting underscored the critical role of local expertise and community participation in shaping projects that affect their environment and quality of life.