Commission advances ordinances on solar modules and turbine blades; declines no‑cost Schneider Electric evaluation

Roosevelt County commissioners on April 7 approved Notices of Intent to Adopt two ordinances aimed at restricting disposal of certain energy‑related waste, and chose not to proceed with a proposed no‑cost facility evaluation from Schneider Electric.

Commissioner Malin Parker moved to approve a Notice of Intent to Adopt Ordinance 2026‑04, which would prohibit disposal of solar photovoltaic modules and certain rechargeable batteries in county solid waste facilities and set handling requirements; the motion passed 5–0. The board also approved Notice of Intent to Adopt Ordinance 2026‑05, prohibiting the disposal of wind turbine blades within Roosevelt County, by unanimous roll call (5–0).

Separately, County Manager Meadow Forget presented a Schneider Electric letter of interest that would have allowed the company to conduct a no‑cost evaluation of county facilities for energy efficiency and to identify grant opportunities (the detention center was identified as a favorable location for potential solar). Commissioner Roy Lee Criswell moved to send the letter, seconded by Commissioner Fabian Munoz; the motion failed on roll call (Criswell and Munoz Yes; Grider, Dixon and Parker No).

Commissioners discussed that some solar or electrical projects would require engineered drawings and permits that could increase project cost and complexity. Manager Forget noted there is no immediate rush on non‑solar projects, but that a quick turnaround could be available if the county chose to pursue grant funding for a solar project. Items 8c–8e (ordinances on dirt/topsoil on roadways, rights of way permitting, and road ordinance amendments) had been removed from the agenda and will be considered at a future meeting.