Owners of Janus Enterprises and representatives of American Energy US presented a proposal at the July 17 Pueblo County BOCC work session for a 2,000‑barrel‑per‑day used motor oil recycling facility in Pueblo and asked the county to consider issuing an industrial revenue bond (IRB) to support the project.

Asia Wells and Robert Esser of Janus Enterprises and Robert Thoreau, CEO of American Energy US, outlined the project and presented a four‑minute video describing the plant’s technology and claimed benefits, including a presold offtake market, long‑term supply contracts and community economic gains. Paul Canton, introduced as a 40‑year company founder and IRB expert, explained the legal and financing structure for an industrial revenue bond under Colorado law.

Why it matters: The presenters said the plant would convert waste motor oil into marine gas oil and base oils, create more than 100 local jobs with average wages the company estimated at about $60,000 per year, and generate lease and revenue‑sharing payments the company said could amount up to $2 million per year to the county. The company asked the county to consider issuing an IRB, a municipal instrument Canton described as a “limited obligation” that, under Colorado law, limits county liability to the project’s assets and revenues rather than county general revenues.

Project details and claims: Company materials shown during the meeting said the plant would handle 2,000 barrels per day, that used‑oil supply and fuel buyers are committed under letters of intent for 10 years, and that estimated project cost is about $100 million. The presenters said the facility could produce targets including marine gas oil and base oil blends.

Safety, oversight and location questions: Commissioners asked about site requirements and safety. The presenters said they seek 13–15 acres with on‑site rail access, and suggested PuebloPlex or sites near the Comanche plant as possibilities. Company engineers said equipment would meet ASME standards, include fire‑control systems and annual pressure‑vessel inspections, and that operators perform regular preventive maintenance. The technical lead said used motor oil is less volatile than refinery feedstocks and that industry standard fire and safety systems would be installed.

Claims about environmental health: The company video linked used‑oil contamination to a range of health problems and asserted lab results showing certain chemicals exceed safe limits in Pueblo’s water. Company presenters framed the plant as both an economic and public‑health solution. Commissioners and staff did not endorse or refute those scientific claims during the meeting; they asked technical and financial questions and requested follow‑up information.

Discussion vs. decision: The BOCC did not vote or take formal action on the IRB or project. Presenters left materials and asked the county to continue discussions; commissioners and staff indicated interest in additional briefings and further review of legal and financial analyses.

What’s next: Company representatives said they will follow up with county staff on site selection, technical data and bond/financing details; county staff said they will assess feasibility and legal implications before any formal BOCC consideration of an IRB.