As we’ve told you in recent weeks, Senator Steve Daines has introduced the alarming Supporting Made in America Energy Act in Congress. This bill would expand oil and gas leasing on public lands. It would repeal fiscal reforms and make it possible once again for oil and gas companies to purchase leases non- competitively for as little as $1.50 per acre. It would force the Department of the Interior to offer all industry-nominated parcels for lease. And it would end the restriction on new leasing in areas that local communities worked hard for years to protect, like the Thompson Divide in Western Colorado.

This bill is a slap in the face to local businesses, clean water, and hardworking taxpayers who collectively own our public lands. If Daines and his supporters get their way, those public lands (including the wildlife that lives there and the recreational hot-spots we all love) could be effectively sold to oil and gas CEOs. Schools, churches, cemeteries, campgrounds — our most important community spaces and public lands are at risk of having toxin-spewing oil and gas wells drilled right next door. 

Western Colorado residents need leaders in Congress to do the right thing and make sure our lands benefit everyone — not just reckless oil and gas companies. 

We need our public lands champions to stop this bill in the bill in the Senate before it advances any further. We hope you’ll take this opportunity to reach out to Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper and urge them to protect our public lands!