Ian Brickey, ian.brickey@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Biden Administration announced new protections for critical public lands in Colorado. An order issued by Interior Secretary Deb Haaland protects more than 200,000 acres of Colorado landscapes known as the Thompson Divide from oil and gas development and other extraction for 20 years. It also follows through on a commitment President Biden made when he designated Camp Hale-Continental Divide National Monument in 2022.
The mineral withdrawal is the culmination of years of grassroots efforts to protect public lands in the Centennial State, and featured more than a year of public engagement with local communities and collaboration with Tribes and cooperating agencies.
In response, Sierra Club Conservation Campaign Director Dan Ritzman released the following statement:
“Today’s announcement fulfills a promise President Biden made nearly two years ago, and continues this Administration’s commitment to protecting our important lands and waters. This landscape will be preserved for the next generation.
“The lands and waters of the Thompson Divide are special for many reasons: they contain important watersheds, they are critical habitat for wildlife, and they are gateways to nature for local communities. This announcement ensures those connections will endure.
“This is a victory for those who have called for protections for so long, and it is a reminder that we need more action to protect public lands from fossil fuel development.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.