Bill · H.R. 1728· House(119-HR-1728)
Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act
- Introduced
- 2/27/2025
- Last activity
- 2/27/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Sponsored by
- Joe Neguse
- Cosponsors
- - 3 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act," seeks to designate various wilderness areas, recreation management areas, and conservation areas throughout the State of Colorado. It establishes specific protections for lands in the Continental Divide, San Juan Mountains, and Thompson Divide regions. Additionally, it creates the Curecanti National Recreation Area as a unit of the National Park System. The legislation includes provisions for land acquisitions, boundary adjustments, and a pilot program to manage fugitive methane emissions. Various administrative rules are set to govern livestock grazing, motorized transport, and water rights across these areas.
Yes· 3 of 4
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+8
The bill designates numerous wilderness and wildlife conservation areas to protect natural resources.
Would Native Americans be better off under this?+6
The bill explicitly protects traditional tribal uses for ceremonies and plant/material gathering.
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?+5
The bill establishes a pilot program to capture and mitigate fugitive methane emissions.
The opposite· 3 of 4
Does this reduce how much oil, gas and coal is produced?-6
The bill withdraws several areas from mineral and geothermal leasing.
Would business owners be better off under this?-4
The bill restricts commercial timber harvesting and mineral leasing in several areas.
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?-3
The bill restricts resource extraction and motorized access which are often key to rural economies.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Wilderness Designations: The bill adds several areas to the Colorado Wilderness Act of 1993, including the Holy Cross, Hoosier Ridge, Tenmile, and Eagles Nest wilderness additions (Section 102). This provides permanent protection for these specific lands.
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Wildlife Protection: The designation of the Porcupine Gulch, Williams Fork Mountains, and Spraddle Creek Wildlife Conservation Areas aims to conserve wildlife migration corridors and ecological resources (Section 104, Section 105, Section 106).
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Methane Emission Reduction: The Greater Thompson Divide Fugitive Coal Mine Methane Use Pilot Program is designed to reduce methane emissions, improve air quality, and enhance public safety (Section 305).
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Recreation and Conservation: The establishment of the Curecanti National Recreation Area is intended to protect geological, cultural, and scenic resources for the enjoyment of present and future generations (Section 203, Section 402).
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Support for Traditional Uses: The bill ensures that members of Indian Tribes can continue using designated areas for traditional ceremonies and as a source of traditional plants and materials (Section 110, Section 205).
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Economic/Lease Credits: Leaseholders in the Thompson Divide may receive credits for relinquishing certain oil or gas leases, which can be used for payments on other Federal oil or gas leases (Section 304).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Restrictions on Motorized Use: Various sections of the bill prohibit or strictly limit the use of motorized vehicles, mechanized transport, and new roads in several designated wildlife conservation areas and special management areas (Section 104, Section 105, Section 203).
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Restrictions on Commercial Timber: The bill prohibits projects carried out for the purpose of harvesting commercial timber in the Porcupine Gulch, Williams Fork Mountains, and Spraddle Creek Wildlife Conservation Areas (Section 104, Section 105, Section 106).
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Land Withdrawal: Large portions of land in the Thompson Divide and San Juan Mountains are withdrawn from entry, appropriation, disposal, and mineral/geothermal leasing (Section 303, Section 202).
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Livestock Management Changes: While some grazing is permitted to continue, the Secretary is authorized to determine whether to authorize grazing on vacant allotments in the Williams Fork Mountains potential wilderness (Section 103).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+8Reduces Carbon Emissions+5Reduces Fossil Fuel Production-6
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Native Americans+6Good For Business Owners-4Good For Rural Residents-3Good For Farmers-2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+1
- 2/27/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Jason CrowDemocrat · Colorado
Diana DeGetteDemocrat · Colorado
Brittany PettersenDemocrat · Colorado