There has been much to-do in the last week about a draft bill recently released by U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton and said to have been based on language largely written by an energy company. But if, as has been suggested, there is something scandalous about this, it will be in the final details of an actual bill, not in the origins of the draft.
At issue is Thompson Divide, west and northwest of Aspen. It encompasses an area roughly defined by Glenwood Springs, McLure Pass and the Crystal River that flows through Carbondale.
Thompson Divide covers an area of more than 220,000 acres in the White River National Forest, with parts of it in five Colorado counties. Hunting, fishing and other outdoors recreation, along with ranching, contribute an estimated 300 jobs and $30 in revenue to nearby communities. It includes some of the largest roadless areas remaining outside designated wilderness.
And of course, energy companies want to drill there. There are now more than 60 active leases in Thompson Divide on more than 100,000 acres. Half are in roadless areas.
The result, of course, is a multi-level, multi-year fight involving energy interests, environmental groups, nearby residents, several federal agencies, local economic interests and politicians – including Tipton.
Tipton’s proposal would allow gas and oil companies with holdings in the Thompson Divide area to trade them for plots elsewhere in Colorado. And in general, that comports with what local leaders and environmental groups would like to see.
But the difference between an agreement in principle and agreement on the specifics can be night and day. And with that, the uproar over the fact that an energy company produced the draft of Tipton’s proposal is a distraction. Accepting draft language from industry or other outside groups is common practice. Letting others do the drudge work of initial drafts is expedient. As Tipton has said, “This was a starting point.”
There are other proposals in play, and that the draft comes from one of Tipton’s biggest financial supporters raises eyebrows. But for now, take him at his word – and focus on the details.
