STATEMENT: Coloradan congressional leaders reintroduce federal bill to protect public lands

DENVER – Colorado’s U.S. Sens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper and Rep. Joe Neguse reintroduced the Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act (CORE Act) in their respective houses of Congress on Thursday. This legislation would federally protect more than 400,000 acres of public lands across Colorado, including areas near the Continental Divide, the San Juan Mountains, the Thompson Divide, and the Curecanti National Recreation Area. 

Since its initial introduction in 2019, the CORE Act has received widespread support from the many Coloradans across the political spectrum who value outdoor recreation, wildlife protection, and the preservation of Colorado’s natural beauty — including county commissioners, hunters and anglers, mayors, conservation nonprofits, veterans, business owners and Gov. Jared Polis.

In response, Environment Colorado Advocate Henry Stiles released the following statement:

“Colorado’s public lands are invaluable for recreation, wildlife, and our economy. The CORE Act is the fruit of years of collaboration between groups representing a wide array of Coloradans’ interest and their local communities. Now,it’s time for Congress to permanently protect these cherished landscapes.”