Rep. Jeff Hurd’s Productive Public Lands Act, (H.R. 1997) stated goal is to “unlock resource development” on BLM lands in Colorado. Yet, the Resource Management Plans it seeks to overturn in Colorado – including those for Gunnison sage-grouse, big game, Eastern Colorado, Colorado River Valley and Grand Junction – are already products of extensive, collaborative processes. These plans, spanning multiple administrations, were developed with broad input from local land managers, county governments, conservationists, recreation advocates, and even the oil and gas industry.
Furthermore, the bill directly contradicts Rep. Hurd’s own stated principles. He champions moving the BLM headquarters to Grand Junction, asserting that “decisions should be made by local communities.” Yet, H.R. 1997 would discard local knowledge and public input in favor of a Washington, D.C.-driven agenda. This is not “common sense from Colorado.” It is a federal overreach that threatens our outdoor recreation industry, vital big game populations and the long-term sustainability of our region.
Rep. Hurd should truly embrace the spirit of local collaboration and balanced stewardship by withdrawing H.R. 1997 and supporting the Resource Management Plans that Coloradans have worked so hard to achieve.
Dan Parkinson
Durango
