Residents urge county action on hydrogen-plant proposals and express concerns about Los Alamos activities
Loading...
Summary
Multiple public commenters told commissioners they oppose proposed hydrogen plants in Cuesta and elsewhere, citing noise, water use and community impacts; another speaker urged the county to adopt a resolution opposing increased plutonium 'pit' production at Los Alamos.
During the public‑comment portion of the April 7 meeting, several residents raised sustained concerns about proposed industrial projects and regional nuclear‑weapons production plans.
Morgan Gentry, a Cuesta resident and beekeeper, urged commissioners to reject the proposed hydrogen plant in Cuesta and similar projects, saying the community has not been adequately informed about magnitude, noise, 24‑hour operation and potential health and property‑value impacts. Gentry and other speakers said promises of short‑term construction jobs do not address long‑term community consequences.
Sola Peterson said three proposed hydrogen plants (Cuesta, Los Cordobas Ranchos and a third near Picorice Pueblo) are progressing with funding, and that water sourcing plans have shifted: where proponents initially described using wastewater or effluent, Peterson said the projects now intend to draw from the aquifer and from Chevron‑held well rights near Cuesta. She warned that one pilot plant is planned on or adjacent to an old tailings pond site and that the placement and scale are not fully understood by the public.
Separately, Susie Schwartz, a member of the Los Alamos Study Group board, urged the commission to consider a draft resolution opposing expanded industrial‑scale plutonium 'pit' production at Los Alamos National Laboratory, citing newly leaked NNSA guidance she said would streamline production by relaxing safety and environmental provisions. Schwartz provided a packet with a draft resolution and related materials and asked the commission to add the item to a future agenda.
Commissioners did not take immediate action on these requests during the meeting; they acknowledged the concerns and said staff will review materials and consider scheduling resolutions or future agenda items. Several commissioners and staff also encouraged continued community engagement and information sharing as the county assesses project proposals and permitting implications.
