Bill · H.R. 3421· House(119-HR-3421)
Gunnison Outdoor Resources Protection Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 5/15/2025
- Last activity
- 5/15/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Sponsored by
- Jeff Hurd
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Gunnison Outdoor Resources Protection Act of 2025 designates several areas in Colorado as special management, wildlife conservation, protection, recreation management, and wilderness areas. It establishes specific management guidelines for these areas, including restrictions on vehicle and bicycle use. The bill also directs the Secretary to adopt winter travel management plans for certain portions of the designated land. Additionally, it implements an oil and gas withdrawal in Delta County and provides for land to be held in trust for the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. Finally, it amends existing wilderness designations and addresses various land management needs like vegetation and fire control.
Yes· 3 of 4
Would Native Americans be better off under this?+9
The bill provides for land to be taken into trust for the benefit of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and protects traditional uses.
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+8
The bill designates numerous areas for conservation, protection, and wildlife management to preserve natural resources.
Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests?+7
The bill establishes specific management guidelines for special management, wildlife conservation, and wilderness areas.
The opposite
Does this reduce how much oil, gas and coal is produced?-6
The bill implements an oil and gas withdrawal in Delta County, restricting mineral leasing.
Would business owners be better off under this?-4
The bill imposes restrictions on oil and gas development and commercial timber harvesting.
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?-3
The bill restricts off-highway vehicle use and oil/gas development in several areas.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Conservation of Natural Resources: The designation of Special Management Areas, Wildlife Conservation Areas, and Protection Areas is intended to conserve, protect, and enhance natural, scenic, scientific, cultural, watershed, recreation, and wildlife resources for present and future generations (Section 3(b), Section 4(b), and Section 5(b)).
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Support for Scientific Research: The creation of the Rocky Mountain Scientific Research and Education Area is designed to preserve conditions necessary for various types of natural science research and education (Section 7(b)).
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Tribal Land Ownership: The bill allows for approximately 19,080 acres of land to be taken into trust for the benefit of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe (Section 10(a)(1)).
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Recreation Management: The designation of Recreation Management Areas is intended to provide for and improve the management of recreation resources (Section 6(b)).
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Protection of Tribal Traditions: The act ensures that members of Indian Tribes can continue to use covered or wilderness areas for traditional ceremonies and as a source of traditional plants and materials (Section 11(m)(2)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Restrictions on Vehicle and Bicycle Use: The bill limits the use of off-highway vehicles and bicycles in many designated areas, permitting them only on specific roads or trails designated on the date of the Act's enactment (Section 3(c)(2)(B), Section 4(c)(2)(B), and Section 5(c)(2)(B)).
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Restrictions on Oil and Gas Development: Certain lands in Delta County are withdrawn from the operation of mineral leasing laws regarding oil and gas (Section 9(a)(1)), and other lands are subject to a no surface occupancy restriction (Section 9(b)).
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Limitations on Commercial Timber: No projects can be carried out in a covered area for the purpose of harvesting commercial timber (Section 11(g)(1)).
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Restrictions on Gaming: Land taken into trust for the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe is not eligible for or considered to have been taken into trust for any gaming activity (Section 10(a)(3)).
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+8Improves Public Land Management+7Reduces Fossil Fuel Production-6
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+5
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Native Americans+9Good For Business Owners-4Good For Rural Residents-3
- 7/16/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/15/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 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.
Joe NeguseDemocrat · Colorado