Should Congress protect 660,000 acres of Colorado wilderness?
Bill Summary
H.R. 803, The Colorado Wilderness Act, would permanently protect nearly 660,000 acres of Colorado wilderness by designating it as conservation land. The bill would place the land under the management of the National Wilderness Preservation System, prohibiting development while leaving it open for recreational use. While much of the land is already treated as conservation land, the bill hopes to ensure protection in perpetuity.
Sponsor: Representative Diana DeGette (Democrat, Colorado, District 1)
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Opponents say
• “DeGette isn’t wrong to push for wilderness – the designation makes sense for some beautiful and truly inaccessible places around here. But her approach is way off. Wilderness legislation should address local concerns and reflect cooperation among the state’s congressional delegation."
Source: The Daily Sentinel Editorial Board
• “This land grab by Denver’s liberals is a perfect example [of] why rural Colorado so desperately needs a strong voice fighting for them in Washington, D.C." Source: Representative Lauren Boebert (Republican, Colorado, District 3)
• “This land grab by Denver’s liberals is a perfect example [of] why rural Colorado so desperately needs a strong voice fighting for them in Washington, D.C." Source: Representative Lauren Boebert (Republican, Colorado, District 3)
Proponents say
• “Colorado’s majestic landscapes and vast wilderness areas are what make our state so special, and it’s why millions of outdoor adventurers come here each year to visit. It’s up to us, like those before us, to protect these precious lands for future generations to enjoy just as we’ve been able to do.”
Source: Representative Diana DeGette (Democrat, Colorado, District 1)
• "Passing this legislation means Colorado - and states beyond - will be better equipped to combat climate change, safeguard our water supplies, and pass down these special places to future generations.” Source: The Sierra Club of Colorado
• "Passing this legislation means Colorado - and states beyond - will be better equipped to combat climate change, safeguard our water supplies, and pass down these special places to future generations.” Source: The Sierra Club of Colorado
- DeGette reintroduces plan to protect 660,000 acres of Colorado wilderness (Press Release)
- Colorado land bill up for action by house as part of a package (The Daily Sentinel)
- Colorado Land Bill reintroduced Amide Higher Hopes of Passage (The Daily Sentinel)
- Two public land bills would protect areas in roaring fork Valley (The Aspen Times)
