Did you know Colorado residents lost a major right when Congress passed the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill?” But thankfully, now, Senator Ben Lujan and Representative Joe Neguse have introduced a solution: the Local Input Act.
“Coloradans know and treasure their public lands. Our hunters, anglers, ranchers, landowners and stakeholders in the outdoor economy have helped the BLM make data-driven decisions and balance the multiple uses mandated by law for decades. But changes to laws and rules have cut out our local voices when it comes to oil and gas drilling on public lands, and we’re already seeing the consequences: the largest sales to oil and gas companies in Colorado’s modern history, with over 100 parcels in the Elk Hunting Capital of the World. The LOCAL Act offers a balanced, targeted fix that would restore the role of locals and the government’s ability to respond. I am grateful to Representative Neguse for protecting the voice of Colorado communities, and I hope to see Congress swiftly pass this legislation and bring back balance to our public lands management.”
— Dr. Barbara Vasquez, Western Colorado Alliance Board Member
For decades, you — as a neighbor, hunter, angler, rancher, local official, or outdoor recreationist — had a right to speak up about where and when oil and gas leasing happens on our public lands.
Your comments mattered. But that right was just stripped away.
The onshore oil and gas leasing mandate passed last year as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act effectively muted the public’s voice. It stripped the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) of the authority to reject inappropriate drilling proposals — even when local communities raise serious concerns.
Now, oil and gas companies can dictate where, when, and how over 200 million acres of public lands (plus up to 57 million acres of private lands with federally owned resources) are leased for drilling.
That means parcels next to national parks, vital water sources, wildlife habitat, hunting and fishing access, and cultural sites can be leased without meaningful public input.
Landowners who don’t want their lands leased? They have no ability to object. Local officials, hunters, and ranchers? Sidelined.
The Local Input Act would fix that.
The Local Input Act is a common-sense, focused solution that restores balance and accountability. It does not take a side for or against oil and gas development. Instead, it guarantees a simple, bipartisan principle: The American people deserve a meaningful voice in the management of our shared public lands. Because we believe the federal government should be answerable to the people and local communities it serves — not just to industry nominations.
Please share this message with any friends who are hunters, ranchers, or who have any stake in Colorado’s public lands! Our Alliance thanks Senator Ben Lujan and Representative Joe Neguse for leading on this issue.
