Even as I write this, the House of Representatives has just passed a very bad bill put forth by Representative Lauren Boebert of Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District. Rep. Boebert is trying to prevent the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) from finalizing long-overdue updates that would rightfully require oil and gas companies to pay the full costs to clean up wells they drill on public lands to ensure taxpayers aren’t stuck with the billion-dollar bill. 

Among other bad effects, Rep. Boebert’s bill would also prevent the BLM from taking important steps to limit the wasteful practice of speculative leasing that interferes with other important uses of public land. 

And even worse — Boebert’s legislation would prohibit the BLM from proposing ANY rule containing similar reforms in the future, effectively gutting the agency’s ability to manage public lands for anything other than maximizing industry profits.

What Rep. Boebert apparently doesn’t understand is that this flies in the face of what Colorado residents actually want. The BLM received more than 260,000 comments on the proposed rule, and 99% of those who commented were supportive of the new rule. Rep. Boebert would thwart the wishes of her own constituents in service to reckless development. Additionally, over a hundred locally elected officials have urged Congress to reject Rep. Boebert’s legislation and support the proposed rule.

Rep. Boebert’s bill must now pass through the Senate. We are confident Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper will fight this dangerous and misguided legislation, but its passage in the House underscores the importance of making ourselves heard.

We ask you to add your voice to those who are saying: We have waited long enough. It is time for the BLM to finalize their proposed oil & gas rule, and ensure that Western Colorado residents can use their public lands for hunting, fishing, outdoor recreation, and other important uses threatened by the ugly and dangerous abandoned well sites left by an industry unwilling to clean up after itself.