I was exceptionally pleased to see the Herald endorse Gwen Lachelt for La Plata County commissioner. She has indeed won our support by exuding competence, listening skills and careful attention to multiple county issues – big and small. I believe Lachelt has the makings for Congress someday, but I am getting ahead of myself.
I wish more people from La Plata County were present last spring in Farmington when Lachelt professionally and knowledgeably spoke in front of an overflow regional crowd at a hearing for Bureau of Land Management staff regarding the new proposed methane rule; a new rule that could vastly improve La Plata County’s air quality and bring fewer emissions to BLM land in Colorado and our county.
The meeting also taught me that Colorado was already way out in front of New Mexico when it came to methane leak controls. We have folks like Lachelt to thank for healthier air, positive steps to addressing climate change challenges and some oil and gas companies retrieving valuable methane for their bottom lines.
Given that methane gas is 34 times more potent than carbon dioxide for greenhouse gas emissions (and the San Juan Basin is home to the biggest methane plume in the country), I am most grateful to have Lachelt in our county politics.
Yes, global methane is another issue, but right here in Southwest Colorado and the San Juan Basin, University of Michigan and NASA studies are pointing the finger specifically to our gas fields. Lachelt is also a big advocate for renewable energy, another topic whose time has finally come.
I first met Lachelt in an evening backyard gardening class soon after she was elected. She was there because of her interest in local food and to establish connections with growers and the agricultural community in our region.
She tackles issues in a comprehensive manner no matter what the subject and is a balanced, well-rounded steward for the entire county.
It is great to have such a wonderful local candidate when most of us are disenchanted with the national political scene.
Kristine Johnson
Durango
