The Torrance County Commission is concerned about the impact cannabis farms have on communities and the lack of local control.
The commission passed a resolution Wednesday on a unanimous vote supporting legislation that would allow counties to petition for a moratorium on cannabis production licenses and associated water permits.
This resolution comes a few months after dozens of residents showed up at a Torrance County Commission meeting to urge the commissioners to pause the increase in commercial cannabis greenhouses.
State Sen. Liz Stefanics, D-Cerillos, plans on introducing the legislation this session.
The legislation would allow counties like Torrance to petition the Cannabis Control Division and the Office of the State Engineer for a moratorium on new cannabis licenses and associated water permits.
County Manager Jordan Barela said the legislation would allow Torrance County to request a two-year moratorium on new cannabis licenses. That moratorium would last from July 1 of this year until June 30, 2027.
Barela said that there needs to be a more comprehensive look at some of the concerns regarding cannabis operations and he described the legislation as a stop-gap measure.
Commissioner Kevin McCall said he appreciates that Stefanics has heard Torrance County’s concerns.
In past meetings, residents have expressed concerns about light pollution, odors and impacts on the depleting water resources in an area of the state where wells are running dry.
“(Stefanics and other legislators) heard us loud and clear,” McCall said. “This commission’s been struggling with what to do and how to do it.”
McCall said he appreciates that, should the legislation pass, local governments will have a little bit more say when it comes to cannabis licenses.
New chairman, vice chair chosen
In other news, the commission appointed McCall to serve as vice chair and Ryan Schwebach will once again serve as commission chairman. Both appointments were done without discussion and with a unanimous vote.
Schwebach said he hopes to continue work on projects that are currently underway such as the fair grounds and the administrative building. He also plans to focus on the ongoing problem of conditions on roads that are not maintained by the county. Schewbach said he is also looking at planning and zoning in Torrance County.
“We’re at a turning point where we have to focus on economic development,” he said. “This county’s declining in population and job availability. If we don’t address it, there’s no point in having a county.”