Governor Polis Appoints Northern Colorado Residents to State Boards Overseeing Air Quality, Energy Policy
Governor Jared Polis announced October 13 appointments to state boards and commissions, naming several Northern Colorado residents to oversight positions affecting environmental policy, public safety, and community services across Larimer and Weld counties.
The appointments include multiple Larimer County residents to boards governing building energy efficiency, air quality management, emergency services funding, and senior citizen programs, according to the Governor's Office announcement.
Mike Truitt of Fort Collins received appointment to the Building Decarbonization Enterprise Board of Directors for a term expiring September 1, 2028. The board oversees implementation of Colorado's building decarbonization fee program, which collects fees from commercial, multifamily, and public buildings larger than 50,000 square feet to fund energy efficiency improvements.
The Building Decarbonization Enterprise was established through legislation signed July 6, 2021, and began collecting fees from covered building owners in 2023, according to Colorado Energy Office records. Building owners pay an annual fee of $0.002 per gross square foot, meaning a 100,000 square foot building pays approximately $200 annually.
Air Quality Board Sees Multiple Northern Colorado Appointments
Kristin Stephens of Fort Collins received reappointment to the Regional Air Quality Council, where she represents the North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization for a term expiring April 30, 2028.
The Regional Air Quality Council serves as the lead air quality planning agency for the Denver Metropolitan and North Front Range regions, with jurisdiction covering all of Larimer and Weld counties. The council was established in 1989 and develops strategies to meet federal air quality standards for ozone and other pollutants.
Both Larimer and Weld counties remain in nonattainment for the federal 8-hour ozone standard of 70 parts per billion, with persistent summer exceedances driven by vehicle emissions, oil and gas activity, and meteorological conditions, according to Environmental Protection Agency designations.
Doran Azari of Greeley received appointment to the Regional Air Quality Council as a representative of local government in Weld County, also for a term expiring April 30, 2028. Shantanu Jathar of Fort Collins was appointed to the council as a member representing public interest through the same term.
The North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization, which Stephens represents, was established in April 1988 and covers Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, Evans, Windsor, Timnath, Severance, Eaton, Berthoud, Milliken, Johnstown, and LaSalle, along with Larimer and Weld county governments.
Additional Larimer and Weld County Appointments
Heather O'Hayre of Fort Collins received appointment to the Child Support Commission for a term expiring July 1, 2029. She will serve as a director of a county department of human or social services. The commission reviews child support guidelines and issues reports every four years to the Governor and General Assembly.
Alexander Pittman of Fort Collins was appointed to the History, Culture, Social Contributions and Civil Government in Education Commission for a term expiring August 1, 2029, representing the African American community. The commission makes recommendations to the State Board of Education regarding education standards that accurately reflect the contributions of diverse communities.
Alvina Earnhart of Milliken received appointment to the same commission representing the American Indian community, also for a term expiring August 1, 2029.
Loren Sharp of Fort Morgan received reappointment to the Law Enforcement Community Services Committee, representing a statewide organization of chiefs of police. The committee reviews grant applications for law enforcement agencies and community organizations improving policing, drug intervention, and treatment services. Sharp's term expires October 13, 2029.
Danial Ashbaugh of Loveland was appointed to the Statewide Independent Living Council for a term expiring October 1, 2028, serving as an individual with a disability. The council partners with Colorado Rehabilitation Services to plan independent living programs statewide as required by federal law.
Statewide Appointments Span Multiple Policy Areas
The October 13 announcement included appointments to 24 different boards and commissions covering environmental policy, public health, public safety, tourism, disabilities services, historic preservation, and other policy areas.
Other notable appointments included members to the Cherry Creek Basin Water Quality Authority, Colorado Tourism Office Board of Directors, Environmental Justice Advisory Board, Prescription Drug Affordability Review Board, and Peace Officers Standards and Training Board.
All board and commission positions are volunteer roles with terms ranging from one to four years depending on the specific body. Members serve at the pleasure of the Governor and must meet eligibility requirements established in statute or administrative rule for their respective boards.
The appointments take effect immediately unless otherwise specified in the announcement. Several positions filled resignations or expired terms from previous appointees.