Bennet Asks Coloradans to Comment on Draft Thompson Divide Bill

Bennet Asks Coloradans to Comment on Draft Thompson Divide Bill

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Bennet%20Asks%20Coloradans%20to%20Comment%20on%20Draft%20Thompson%20Divide%20Bill Colorado U S Senator Michael Bennet is asking for Coloradans rsquo feedback on his website on a draft bill for the management of Thompson Divide nbsp Bennet rsquo s draft bill offers a middle ground solution to the ongoing conversation about Thompson Divide rsquo s future It presents an option that would withdraw unleased public minerals in the area from future oil and gas development while also preserving existing private property rights for current leaseholders The bill also creates an opportunity for existing leases to be retired should they be donated or sold by willing owners The legislation was drafted at the request of local governments and followinga series of conversations Bennet held with leaseholders elected officials and community leaders ldquo We rsquo ve had several productive conversations with local residents ranchers advocacy groups and leaseholders that have been focused on finding a way forward that works for everyone involved rdquo Bennet said ldquo This draft bill is a result of those conversations It rsquo s a start and now listening to the input from Coloradans is critical I look forward to seeing community members rsquo comments and to continuing to work closely with them rdquo Garfield County Commissioner John Martin said ldquo We support legislative initiatives to protect these special areas from energy development in a manner that respects existing rights of leaseholders rdquo Glenwood Springs City CouncilorLeo McKinney said ldquo Glenwood Springs City Council has twice shown support for preserving the Thompson Divide rdquo Carbondale Mayor Stacey Bernot said ldquo Thompson Divide is a critical area that warrants further collaboration and thoughtful long term solutions for everyone s future We support legislative measures that will enable protection of this pristine habitat rdquo Pitkin County Commissioner George Newman said ldquo On behalf of the Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners we applaud and support Senator Bennet s

You can read the rest of this article at: http://www.bennet.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/?id=7b1fb713-a90f-4f80-89bf-31e1fe40f173