House Passes Rep. Polis's Bill to Protect Public Land

Press Release

Representative Jared Polis (D-Colo.) released the following statement regarding legislation that would protect the "wedge" of land between Rocky Mountain National Park and Arapaho National Forest. Earlier today, the House of Representatives passed The Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2016 (S.2012), which included Rep. Polis's Arapaho National Forest Boundary Adjustment Act of 2015. The Arapaho National Forest Boundary Adjustment Act of 2015 would incorporate ten new parcels of land into the Arapaho National Forest, which are currently undeveloped. The move enables the United States Forest Service to effectively protect and preserve an area were millions of people travel annually.

"In Colorado we're fortunate to have beautiful places like the "wedge,' in-between Rocky Mountain National Park and the Arapaho National Forest," Rep. Polis said. "To promote environmental vitality, we must protect the land and the Colorado River headwater from development and preserve the area for its millions of visitors and the local community. Although I could not support the entire Energy Policy Modernization Act because of its outdated energy policies and dangerous environmental assaults, I'm pleased that at the very least it included provisions to protect the "wedge' in Colorado."

The Forest Service currently owns seven of the ten lots that comprise the "wedge." The Forest Boundary has never been adjusted to include them within the Arapaho National Forest, as it requires legislative action.

Rep. Polis serves on the Committee of Natural Resources and voted against the Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2016, which passed the House with a vote of 241 - 178.

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