Representatives from multiple federal agencies will visit Yuma County on Tuesday, Jan. 27, to participate in a Regulatory Fairness Hearing focused on federal air quality requirements affecting the region. The hearing will provide an official, on-the-record opportunity for local stakeholders to share firsthand experiences, impacts, and concerns directly with federal decision-makers.

The hearing will take place 9 a.m. to noon that day at the Yuma County Board of Supervisors Auditorium, 197 S. Main St. in Yuma. Vice Chairman Jonathan Lines will preside and host a panel of federal agency representatives, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Small Business Administration, and U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The discussion will focus on Yuma County’s PM10 non-attainment designation and what it means for the community’s ability to grow and develop. The designation can result in additional rules and approval processes that affect building projects, farming operations, infrastructure improvements, defense-related activities, and business expansion. County leaders want to ensure federal agencies understand how these requirements play out on the ground in Yuma County, given the region’s natural conditions and unique environmental and cross-border factors.

Lines emphasized that the purpose of the session is to ensure local, operational, and economic realities are fully reflected in the official record, particularly for sectors such as agriculture, construction, defense, and small businesses that are central to Yuma County’s economy.

Individuals or organizations interested in providing oral testimony or submitting written comments should confirm their interest by noon Friday, Jan. 23 by emailing Alejandro.Figueroa@yumacountyaz.gov. Members of the public who do not wish to provide testimony are welcome to attend and observe the hearing.

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