In a tense atmosphere at the Yellowstone County Commissioner Meeting on April 2, 2024, community members voiced their concerns over the controversial growth management plan linked to Northwest Energy's industrial project near Laurel. The meeting, held in the county's administrative building, became a platform for residents to express their frustrations regarding perceived mismanagement and lack of transparency in the planning process.

The discussions centered around Northwest Energy's construction of a methane gas plant on agricultural land, which many residents argue was initiated without proper zoning changes from local authorities. Critics highlighted that the company had previously withdrawn its request for a zone change from Laurel, raising questions about the legality of its operations. "Why is this being rushed through in such a short period of time?" one resident asked, emphasizing the community's unease over the rapid progression of the growth policy amid ongoing health concerns related to the plant.

Residents pointed out significant gaps in the planning process, noting that public meetings were infrequent and often lacked proper documentation. "No minutes or quorum to reflect any of these meetings," one speaker lamented, suggesting that the planning board's actions were not only hasty but potentially unconstitutional. The absence of public input during crucial discussions further fueled suspicions that the board was favoring Northwest Energy's interests over those of the community.

Karen Jerussi, a local resident, expressed her belief that the board was biased in favor of the energy company, citing past interactions with commissioners that left her feeling unheard. "It seems to me like the objectivity of this board is really suspect," she stated, calling for a more transparent and inclusive planning process. Jerussi and others urged the commissioners to reconsider the growth policy, arguing that it could lead to adverse impacts on public health and the environment.

As the meeting progressed, the tension escalated, with residents demanding clarity on the rationale behind the proposed zoning changes and the confusing array of maps presented during the planning sessions. Many voiced their desire for a thorough review of the growth policy, advocating for a delay until 2025 when a new policy is statutorily required.

The commissioners listened intently, but the outcome of the meeting remains uncertain. With community members firmly opposing the current trajectory of the growth management plan, the future of zoning around Laurel hangs in the balance, leaving residents anxious about the implications for their health, safety, and the environment. As the meeting concluded, the call for transparency and community involvement echoed through the hall, a reminder of the ongoing struggle between local governance and corporate interests.