PITKIN COUNTY, COLO. (July, 17, 2024) - Commissioner Patti Clapper of Pitkin County recently attended the National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference, held in Hillsborough County, FL. This gathering brought together elected officials from over 3,000 counties across the United States to discuss federal policies affecting counties, exchange best practices, and influence NACo's advocacy efforts.
At the conference, Commissioner Clapper actively participated in NACo’s policy resolution process. She successfully advocated for the association to support county-owned airports utilizing their aeronautical revenues for offsite climate initiatives. The resolution was unanimously approved by NACo’s Transportation Policy Steering Committee, helping to elevate the work of the Airport Vision Committee at a national level.
“While Pitkin County has been the tip of the spear when it comes to advocating for reductions in air pollution and carbon emissions tied to aviation, with the support of NACo, we now have a louder and stronger voice to advance our priorities,” said Commissioner Clapper.
Pitkin County’s Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) has been at the forefront of advocating for environmental responsibility and adopting aggressive greenhouse gas emissions targets. The county has been exploring alternative energy sources, including sustainable aviation fuels, to achieve its emissions reduction goals related to the airport. However, due to geographical constraints of the airport property, the county is limited in what it can implement directly onsite. The ability to use aeronautical revenues offsite would enable Pitkin County to pursue climate-driven initiatives that benefit both the airport and the local community.
Commissioner Clapper’s participation in the NACo Annual Conference underscores Pitkin County’s commitment to advancing the community’s climate goals and reducing the harmful effects of carbon emissions. By leveraging NACo’s platform, Commissioner Clapper and the BOCC aim to influence federal policies that support local efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainability.
Media contact: Patti Clapper, patti.clapper@pitkincounty.com.
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