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The Biden administration has finalized a mineral withdrawal protecting more than 200,000 acres of national public land in Colorado’s Thompson Divide. The 20-year mineral withdrawal will prevent new mining or oil and gas activity in the area, but will not impact existing active leases within the withdrawal boundaries. The withdrawal is supported by a coalition of ranchers, hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and environmentalists that has been advocating for limiting extractive activities in the Thompson Divide area for over a decade. Over 73,500 public comments were submitted in support of a mineral withdrawal in the Thompson Divide. Public lands surrounding Mount Emmons, the site of a decades-long effort to protect the area from mining, are also included in the withdrawal.
"Today’s mineral withdrawal concludes a process that began when President Biden protected Camp Hale-Continental Divide National Monument, and it wouldn’t have happened without the leadership of Senator Michael Bennet, Senator John Hickenlooper, and hundreds of elected and community leaders across the state," Center for Western Priorities Executive Director Jennifer Rokala said in a statement. "This is a proud day for Colorado."
New poll highlights importance of access to nature, outdoor recreation
A new poll from the Colorado Polling Institute shows just how important the state's natural amenities and outdoor recreation are to growing the state's economy. When residents who have lived in the state for less than 20 years were asked why they moved to Colorado, after family and job opportunities, access to nature and outdoor recreation were the next most commonly mentioned reasons.
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Thank you, President Biden, for listening to Colorado voters and protecting the Thompson Divide. Some places are too important and too fragile to drill.”
