Resolutions proposed by the Emery County Commission caused quite a stir at the recent commission meeting on Tuesday. Commissioner Keven Jensen proposed a resolution dealing with the import of sheep into the U.S. because of the damage it causes sheep ranchers. The resolution in relevant part reads:
THEREFOR, We, the _____________ County Commissioners, urge Governor ____________, U.S. Senators ________________ and _________________, and U.S. Representatives ___________________ to urge the Administration and Congress to halt the ongoing injury to the U.S. sheep industry caused by excessive imports and urge the establishment of tariffs and a tariff rate quota system, or some other form of quantity controls that will ensure the viability and competitiveness of the domestic sheep industry.
The public expressed concern that it was self-serving of Commissioner Jensen as a sheep rancher and did not protect similar industries. Commissioner Jordan Leonard expressed concern for other industries, and Commissioner Leonard and Commissioner Lynn Sitterud moved to table the item.
Commissioner Jensen then proposed a resolution limiting Emery County funding for new energy technologies. The resolution in relevant part reads:
WHEREAS, PacifiCorp has gotten a tax reduction of millions of dollars, which has shifted the burden to the Emery County Citizens.
THEREFORE, We, the Emery County Commission, fully support PacifiCorp to use its time, effort, and resources to explore, pursue, and apply new Energy Technologies that will produce energy in Emery County, Utah.
THEREFORE, the Emery County Commission believes in not spending County Resources on this effort.
There were no public comments in support of this resolution, and the public was very concerned with the county commission even looking at such a resolution. Laren Huntsman of PacifiCorp clarified that the entity has fully paid all taxes due and that any reduction was because of property valuation adjustments.
Huntsman stated in regards to the potential shift in energy technology, “I would strongly urge the commissioners to not approve this because the commission would be tying Emery County’s hand…to expend any effort in preparing yourself, and spending money preparing the county.”
Emery County Attorney Mike Olsen explained that the resolution might prohibit the county employees from even talking about the coal industry or replacement energy technologies. He further questioned the legality of the resolution.
Neal Peacock stated, “You as commissioners need to stop worrying about the past and deal with the present and the future. There are two ways for you to gain more tax revenue. . . you can bring more industry in or you can cut spending.”
Peacock then questioned, “Are we putting enough effort into bringing more industry in?” He also questioned why a resolution was proposed supporting a few sheep farmers in the area while attacking the future employment of hundreds of families in the energy industry.
Kent Wilson explained that much of Emery County’s infrastructure was purchased from taxes from industry. He stated, “I want us as Emery County to do everything to help them transition into future energy, whatever that might be, but industry gets to decide what that is…we ought to be helpful and send the message that we want them in the county.”
Commissioner Sitterud moved to withdraw the resolution and Commissioner Leonard also supported the withdrawal of the resolution. A competing resolution drafted by Commissioner Sitterud and Emery County Attorney Olsen supporting the power industry was presented by Commissioner Sitterud. The resolution in relevant part reads:
Now, Therefore, Be it Resolved, the County has an economic interest to support the energy industry to aid local economic development efforts to diversify the economy of our County and more particularly, the County supports nuclear power coming to Emery County.
Chairman Jensen refused any public comment on the item. Commissioner Sitterud made the motion to approve the resolution and commissioner Leonard supported it. Commissioner Jensen voted against the motion, but the motion passed.
Commissioner Sitterud stated, “It is not that I don’t support coal and want coal to be here as long as I can, but if you look at the world out there and the pressures being put on us, we are going to be derelict in our duties as commissioners if we don’t have something to take the place of coal in the event that it does get killed.”
Commissioner Jensen has also expressed concern about Pacific Corp being allowed to expand into future energy technologies because of possible federal funding tied to Diversity Equity & Inclusion (DEI) policies. President Biden issued an Executive Order in June 2021, which instructed each agency to make DEI policies and to implement the Administration’s DEI Plan. This was to promote a welcoming, diverse, and discrimination and harassment free workplace for Americans. Commissioner Jensen has expressed fears that such policies will actually change the culture of the area.
It was clear from the public comments that the community appreciates the jobs, tax base and economy that the energy industry has provided for the area. The resolution supported by Commissioner Sitterud, Commissioner Leonard and County Attorney Olsen supports the continuation of the energy industry in Emery County.