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Citizens press Carter County for a resolution opposing Snowy River CO2 project; commissioners weigh public meetings and legal risks
Summary
Save the Range representatives urged the county to supply a letter or resolution opposing the Snowy River CO2 sequestration project ahead of an EPA regional meeting; commissioners debated public input, petitions and the risk of compromising cooperating-agency status while the county pursues a formal appeal to BLM.
Representatives of the Save the Range group told Carter County commissioners on Sept. 18 that they have filed an appeal with the Interior Board (IVLA/BLM) related to cooperating-agency status for the Snowy River CO2 project and asked the commission for a formal letter or resolution opposing the project to strengthen their case before an upcoming meeting with the EPA regional administrator in Sheridan on Oct. 27.
One organizer summarized the request: "The bold statement opposing this project," and said a written resolution or signed petition would make the group more credible in meetings with federal officials. Commissioners and staff discussed process and legal risks: county legal counsel and outside advisers had cautioned that the county taking a formal position could compromise its ability to serve as a cooperating agency in ongoing administrative processes. A county staff member reported having spoken with Wally (an Interior consultant) and advised caution about county signatures on an opposition letter while an appeal is pending.
The commissioners did not immediately adopt an opposition letter but agreed on steps to give the public a fair opportunity: they asked Save the Range to organize county petitions and public meetings (north and south ends) prior to a Thursday agenda discussion, and scheduled a Teams meeting with BLM staff (Nathan Nichemaker and Wally) for more information. Panelists emphasized that resident signatures and addresses increase the weight of petitions to federal officials.
In related action, the commission unanimously adopted a resolution appointing a special deputy county attorney with specialty training to assist the county on the Snowy River appeal and related administrative matters. Commissioner (speaker 2) moved for the resolution, the chair seconded it, and the board approved the appointment by voice vote. The resolution authorizes the attorney to represent the county in administrative and advisory roles as needed for the appeal and possible hearings.
Next steps: Save the Range will assemble petition language and meeting dates; county staff will clarify the difference between a formal county resolution and a letter of support and seek counsel guidance about timing so as not to jeopardize cooperating-agency status while the legal appeal proceeds.
