The Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the State of Colorado Environmental Commission met to address concerns and provide updates during their regional meeting, hosted at the Tribe’s EPD Conference Rm. in Ignacio, Tuesday, Oct. 22. The Commission convenes regularly each year to share updates on environmental policies and enforcement practices, many of which correlate directly to the Tribe’s sovereign status.

New employees with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s Environmental Programs Division were introduced as the first order of business. Christopher Franco accepted the position as Air Quality Analyst back in August. Ambrish Sharma also with Air Quality Program, is an Air Quality Analyst working under the Minor Source Program; both of these positions operate under AQP Manager, Danny Powers.

The Commission meeting came just ahead of the Four Corners Air Quality Group Meeting, where Air Quality Technical Manager, Oakley Hayes presented the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s monitoring update and Minor Source Program, 2017 Emission Inventory details in Durango, Colo. on Wednesday, Oct. 23 at the Durango Public Library.

Lisa Devore, Planning and Policy Program for the Colorado Air Pollution Control Division, gave a thorough presentation to the commission regarding Colorado’s 2019 Legislation on air quality, in addition to Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) rule making updates.

Chairman Rolfe Spiegel was voted in as the newest Chairman for the Environmental Commission by the board members, replacing Demi Morishige.