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Adams County seeks BOCC endorsement to press state on air‑toxics permitting needs assessment
Summary
County air‑quality staff asked the board to endorse engagement with CDPHE and legislators about the state’s air‑toxics needs assessment, saying the draft focuses on new sources, omits cumulative risk and lacks adequate protections for disproportionately impacted communities; staff will prepare legislative engagement materials for early January hearings.
Adams County air‑quality staff asked the Board of County Commissioners to endorse early engagement with state regulators and legislators over the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s needs assessment for a prospective air‑toxics permitting program.
Staff said the needs assessment, conducted under HB‑22‑1244, did not sufficiently evaluate existing sources or cumulative exposures, did not reflect community and stakeholder feedback adequately, and lacked sufficient protections for disproportionately impacted communities. The county has participated in state conversations and submitted comments but staff said those interactions did not yield the changes they sought.
Because the needs assessment will be presented at an upcoming Smart Act hearing for CDPHE in early January, staff asked the board for support to coordinate pre‑session strategy and outreach. Commissioners voiced support for careful engagement and asked staff to continue collaborating with regional partners to ensure Adams County impacts are included in state deliberations. Staff said they will return with more detailed messaging and strategy as the Smart Act schedule firmed.
