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For Immediate Release Tuesday, January 8, 2007 |
CONTACTS: Stephanie Valencia (Salazar) – 202-224-5852 Cody Wertz (Sen. Salazar) 303-350-0032 Tara Trujillo (Rep. Udall) 202-225-2161 Eric Wortman (Rep. Salazar) 202-225-4761 |
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U.S. Representatives John Salazar, Mark Udall and Senator
Ken Salazar Propose Legislation to Protect West Slope and Ensure State
Receives Fair Share From Oil and Gas Development “It is in our nation’s best interest to strike a balance between energy development and preserving our public lands. No where in the country is this more important than on Colorado’s Western Slope,” Rep. John Salazar said. “The people of the 3rd District rely on the vast natural resources of the area to make their livings. As home to our nation’s greatest land and water resources, agriculture and tourism drive local economies. I will continue to fight to ensure that the government will not squander the resources that belong to the people of Colorado and that the government act responsibly on the land it develops.” "The Governor's proposal for the best way to protect the Roan will still need action by Congress since these lands are public lands,” Rep. Mark Udall said. “I am looking forward to working with the Colorado Congressional Delegation to pass legislation that will secure Colorado's share of the revenues from energy development and excess clean-up funds and preserve more of the surface of this special area that has unique importance to the West Slope. I believe we can craft a bill that will have bipartisan support in the delegation, and look forward to working with the delegation and Governor Ritter." “I will not allow the West Slope to become the sacrificial zone for unimpeded oil and gas development that degrades the long-term economies and natural wonders of the Western Slope,” Senator Ken Salazar said. “On the West Slope, tourists, hunters, anglers, and skiers are a keystone to the economy. The agriculture, tourism and recreation economies will only thrive if we sustain the unique natural character of the area. That is why I will sponsor legislation that will protect the unique landscape and wildlife of the West Slope and reinvests in the future protection of the natural resources and beauty that make the Western Slope and Colorado the envy of the Nation.” Specifically, the Salazar-Udall-Salazar federal legislation will do the following:
Representatives Salazar, Udall and Senator Salazar are committed to the proposition that the development of oil and gas and oil shale resources on federal lands on the West Slope not be conducted in a way that damages the long-term sustainability of those lands. They believe it is of critical importance that the area’s agriculture, wildlife habitat and water resources are protected.
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