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Thank Congressmen Salazar and Udall for Supporting Roan Plateau
Congressman John Salazar and Congressman Mark Udall recently added an amendment to the balanced energy bill that passed overwhemingly in the US House of Representatives on August 4th. The Salazar/Udall amendment would stop the proliferation of drill rigs on the public lands on top of the Roan Plateau. We would like to acknowledge the leadership and commitment of our Congressmen on this important issue! We would also like to acknowledge Senator Ken Salazar's efforts in negotiating the 120 day review and comment extension for the State of
Dear [ Decision Maker ] , Thank you for your leadership in proposing measures to help protect the top of Roan Plateau. As one of your constituents I appreciate your commitment to protecting this Colorado treasure through legislation to halt the development of one of our most important places for wildlife. The overwhelming support over the past five years for protection of the Roan Plateau by local area governments, thousands of citizens, and wildlife, recreation, and conservation groups have reflected my sentiment that we need to protect Roan Plateau for future generations. This was the right thing to do and I applaud your courage and vision in finding a balanced solution in Western Colorado. Your commitment to protecting this irreplaceable landscape reflects the leadership we need to protect our cherished resources in Colorado.
Sincerely, |
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| Background Information |
We are in the middle of a massive industrialization of our public lands, as drilling in Colorado is occurring at unprecedented rates. It is absolutely essential to the continued livelihood of our communities to protect our most sensitive and important places – places like the Roan Plateau -- for their traditional uses, for their remarkable backcountry and undeveloped recreational settings, and for their wildlife and the healthy watersheds they sustain.
The BLM has issued their official Record of Decision (ROD) on its management plan for Roan Plateau, which will govern all uses for 15 years or more. This decision will lease the public lands in the planning area for oil and gas development, and would lead to drill rigs, well pads, roads, dusty truck traffic, and noisy compressors stations scattered across much of this pristine landscape.
The public lands on the top and the cliffs of the Roan Plateau remain mostly undeveloped. These lands provide an oasis of natural land in a landscape of expanding gas development. Keeping it that way would be a balanced approach that respects environmental and sustainable economic values while still allowing for reasonable resource extraction.
