I moved to Colorado almost 30 years ago, and like many residents, I was attracted by the natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, the clean air, sunshine and blue skies.
I have learned that most Coloradans also value and protect these things. However, I am alarmed at the voting record of Rep. Scott Tipton on all environmental issues. How can a boy who grew up in Cortez not recognize that opening up federal lands for gas, oil, uranium and so on development will ruin these beautiful protected places?
Once they’re sold off, we the people cannot get them back. And for what or whom do we citizens lose the precious resources? So that fossil fuel industries and those that profit from them can make even more money. Major donors to Mr. Tipton stand to profit handsomely. Our public lands should directly benefit Coloradans, not large corporations.
The outdoor recreation and tourism industries created 158,000 jobs, far more than the 58,000 from oil, gas and mining. Keep profits in small, local businesses that benefit from all things that tourists buy. Don’t destroy our public lands.
Joan MacEachen
Durango
