Resident group urges county to prioritize renewables; commissioners approve invitation of federal energy officials to local symposium

A representative of 350 Colorado told the Garfield County Board of County Commissioners that the county should consider long‑term environmental implications before promoting expanded fossil fuel production, then commissioners approved a letter inviting federal energy and interior officials to the county’s 2026 Energy and Environment Symposium.

Steve Kirschner, who identified himself as the Roaring Fork Valley coordinator for 350 Colorado, spoke during the public comment period. Kirschner asked the county to “consider the long term environmental and economic benefits of transitioning to cleaner energy solutions” and urged the county to “invest in renewable energy technologies” and “prioritiz[e] conservation efforts” rather than emphasizing expanded natural‑gas production and LNG export opportunities.

The nut graf: Kirschner framed the concern as environmental and economic, noting greenhouse‑gas emissions from natural gas, methane impacts, risks to federally managed lands, and boom‑and‑bust economic cycles that can harm rural communities.

After public comment, during consent‑agenda discussion one commissioner praised the draft invitation letter and said the symposium’s focus on energy security and public lands was important. That commissioner said he “could go on and on” in support of energy independence and moved approval of the consent agenda that included extending invitations to federal energy and interior officials. Another commissioner replied to Kirschner’s remarks by referencing the Department of Energy’s latest work and suggested Garfield Clean Energy as a point of contact for those wanting to work on alternatives.

The board approved the consent agenda, which contained the invitation letter, by voice vote. The meeting record shows both support for expanding energy production and recognition that others raised environmental concerns during public comment.