Bill · S. 764· Senate(119-S-764)
Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act
- Introduced
- 2/27/2025
- Last activity
- 12/2/2025 — Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 119-237.
- Sponsored by
- Michael Bennet
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act," establishes several land designations across the State of Colorado. It designates various additions to the National Wilderness Preservation System and creates several Wildlife Conservation Areas within the White River National Forest. The legislation also establishes Special Management Areas in the San Juan Mountains and provides for the creation of the Curecanti National Recreation Area. Additionally, it creates a withdrawal and protection area at the Thompson Divide, which includes a pilot program to manage fugitive methane emissions. Finally, the bill addresses land transfers, boundary adjustments, and administrative provisions for these protected areas.
Yes· 3 of 6
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+8
The bill designates significant new wilderness areas and wildlife conservation areas to protect ecological resources.
Does this reduce how much oil, gas and coal is produced?+6
The bill withdraws several areas from mineral leasing and requires the relinquishment of existing oil and gas leases.
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 6
Would business owners be better off under this?-3
The bill restricts land use for mineral and resource-based businesses through withdrawals.
Does this make it easier to run a small business?-2
The bill restricts future mineral leasing and resource extraction which may impact local industry.
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?-1
The bill contains no provisions that specifically enhance benefits for veterans.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Wilderness Additions: The bill adds significant acreage to the National Wilderness Preservation System, including the Holy Cross, Hoosier Ridge, Tenmile, and Eagles Nest wilderness areas (Section 102). This protects these lands for future generations.
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Wildlife Conservation: The designation of the Porcupine Gulch, Williams Fork Mountains, and Spraddle Creek Wildlife Conservation Areas aims to conserve and protect wildlife migration corridors and ecological resources (Section s 104, 105, and 106).
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Special Management Areas: The creation of Special Management Areas in the San Juan Mountains is intended to protect geological, cultural, and natural resources (Section 203).
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Methane Management: The Greater Thompson Divide Fugitive Coal Mine Methane Use Pilot Program aims to reduce methane emissions, improve air quality, and promote economic development (Section 305).
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Curecanti National Recreation Area: The establishment of this area provides for the management of recreational activities like boating, hunting, and fishing (Section 402).
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Landowner Assistance: In the Curecanti area, the Secretary may work with private landowners to enhance long-term conservation through purchases, exchanges, or donations (Section 402).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Livestock Restrictions: While some grazing is permitted to continue, the Secretary has the authority to regulate livestock use on covered areas (Section 102) and may make determinations regarding livestock use on certain vacant allotments in potential wilderness areas (Section 103).
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Limited Transportation and Recreation: In several designated Wildlife Conservation Areas, the use of motorized vehicles and mechanized transport is prohibited, which may limit certain types of access (Section 104 and 105).
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Lease Relinquishment: Under the Thompson Divide provisions, leaseholders are required to relinquish certain oil or gas leases in exchange for credits (Section 304).
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Land Withdrawals: The bill withdraws certain lands from mineral leasing, mining laws, and other public land laws, which restricts future resource extraction and land entry (Section 103, 205, 303, and 402).
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 Fossil Fuel Production+6Reduces Carbon Emissions+5Improves Rural Development+2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support-2
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits-1
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Affordable Housing-1
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Native Americans+3Good For Rural Residents+2Good For Business Owners-3Good For Immigrants-1Good For Low Income Households-1
- 12/2/2025
- Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 119-237.
- 2/27/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
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.
John HickenlooperDemocrat · Colorado