Issue Position: Water and Natural Resources

Issue Position

Colorado's 3rd Congressional District is known for its vast plains, beautiful lakes and highest peaks. Preserving these natural wonders is essential if we want to keep our Colorado way of life.

In the West, we respect our natural resources and our wild places. The sustainability of our economy depends on how we balance the many uses of our land and the development of our resources. Our public lands must remain places where Colorado hunters, anglers, rafters and hikers can enjoy what's so unique about the 3rd Congressional District. Too often, special interests want to force a choice between the economy and protecting our environment. In Colorado, we must do both, and I will work to bridge those different views.

Home to the headwaters of the Colorado, Arkansas, and Rio Grande rivers, water is the livelihood of rural Colorado and the 3rd Congressional District. In southeastern Colorado we face a lot of the same concerns as those on the Western Slope about protecting water, agriculture and our natural heritage.

I have proactively sought, and passed legislation, that helps to protect our lands and clean our water. I passed a bill forming the Fountain Creek Watershed District to work on water quality, flood control and water quantity on the Fountain Creek. I sponsored legislation to require mitigation for environmental impacts when water is transferred. Additionally, I passed the Pinon Canyon Protection Act protecting private landowners, and their beautiful natural environment in Southeastern Colorado, from further intrusion by the federal government.

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