Congresswoman Boebert Calls on BLM to Reverse Colorado Land Grab
On Wednesday, Congresswoman Lauren Boebert along with several members of the Congressional Western Caucus sent a letter to Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Director Tracy Stone-Manning urging her to rescind the proposed withdrawal of 1.6 million acres in Colorado from future oil and gas leasing.
Congresswoman Lauren Boebert (CO-03) said, “Closing the door on over 1.6 million acres of vital public lands for energy development is not just an issue of economics; it's a threat to our nation's energy independence and security. This proposal goes beyond necessary environmental considerations and instead seeks to restrict access to promising resources, hindering the potential for economic growth and prosperity, particularly in the West Slope of Colorado. Rogue bureaucrats at the BLM shouldn’t be unilaterally locking up more land in Colorado. It's urgent that we block this overreach and prioritize responsible energy production that will help reduce gas prices during these challenging times.”
Background:
On August 4th, 2023, the Bureau of Land Management published a draft resource management plan (RMP) for the Colorado River Valley Field Office (CRVFO) and Grand Junction Field Office (GJFO). This plan could remove over 1.6 million acres of public lands in Colorado from future oil and gas leasing and establish nine different "Areas of Critical Environmental Concern" (ACECs) on over 100,000 acres of BLM land.
Signers of the letter include Reps. Lauren Boebert (CO-03), Chairman Dan Newhouse (WA-04) Ken Buck (CO-04), Doug Lamborn (CO-05) and Dan Crenshaw (TX-02). Groups supporting the letter include the Western Energy Alliance and the U.S. Oil and Gas Association.
Read the full letter below or click here:
The Honorable Tracy Stone-Manning
Director
Bureau of Land Management
1849 C Street NW
Washington, DC 20240
Director Stone-Manning,
We write to you to request that you rescind the new proposed draft resource management plan (RMP) for the Colorado River Valley Field Office (CRVFO) and Grand Junction Field Office (GJFO) published by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) On August 4, 2023 (88 FR51855). This proposal, which would remove more than 1.6 million acres of public lands in Colorado from future oil and gas leasing, would be detrimental to the nation’s energy independence. Additionally, this proposal includes the establishment of nine different “Areas of Critical Environmental Concern” (ACECs) on over 100,000 acres of BLM land.
If this proposal were to be finalized, the United States would lose access to vital energy resources, many more than the 600 fewer wells projected to be lost by 2043. The consequences will be felt far beyond the state of Colorado, where residents will lose their livelihoods and see increased energy prices. This is an issue of national security because a decrease in domestic energy production will lead to an increased reliance on foreign nations, often those who are unstable and are adversarial to our domestic interests.
The supplemental EIS is necessary to comply with judicial rulings on air quality and greenhouse gas (GHG) analysis. BLM is correct to update its GHG analysis, but has gone far beyond the rulings by proposing to close 73% of high potential oil and natural gas areas to leasing. Further, BLM is proposing to close all areas with “no-known, low, and moderate oil and gas development potential.” BLM is basing its analysis of the oil and gas potential on out-of-date information that does not take into consideration modem technology or a full assessment of the Mancos shale. Shales once considered low potential are now quite productive in other areas such as the Bakken in North Dakota and the Permian Basin of New Mexico and Texas. What was once medium- or low potential in these and other areas can turn out to be high potential. By reducing access to the promising Mancos shale, this administration hopes to ensure that it is not likewise explored, and its true potential revealed. It is a political play meant to further restrict access to the oil and natural gas development that could reinvigorate the economy of the West Slope of Colorado and help ensure energy security for all Americans.
Using wildlife preservation as the reasoning for this executive overreach is misleading. Further, the Coloradans are proud conservationists who have helped recover the state’s elk population to one of the healthiest in the country. Further, every species mentioned in the proposed RMP are experiencing an uptick in population in Colorado—a feat that should be rightfully celebrated. There are already stringent standards and requirements in place for oil and gas producers that aim at reducing environmental and cultural impacts. This proposed ruling is yet another blatant overreach designed to dismantle the fossil fuel industry and force a green transition. At a time when energy prices are at record highs, it is crucial that your agency rescind this proposal. Your prompt attention to this matter is appreciated.