Michael Bennet (D-CO)
Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act
A Democratic bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 119-237.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act," establishes several land designations across the State of Colorado. It designates various additions to the National Wilderness Preservation System and creates several Wildlife Conservation Areas within the White River National Forest. The legislation also establishes Special Management Areas in the San Juan Mountains and provides for the creation of the Curecanti National Recreation Area. Additionally, it creates a withdrawal and protection area at the Thompson Divide, which includes a pilot program to manage fugitive methane emissions. Finally, the bill addresses land transfers, boundary adjustments, and administrative provisions for these protected areas.
Yes· 3 of 6
- Scored +8
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
The bill designates significant new wilderness areas and wildlife conservation areas to protect ecological resources.
- Scored +6
Does this reduce how much oil, gas and coal is produced?
The bill withdraws several areas from mineral leasing and requires the relinquishment of existing oil and gas leases.
- Scored +5
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?
The bill establishes a pilot program to capture and mitigate fugitive methane emissions.
The opposite· 3 of 6
- Scored -3
Would business owners be better off under this?
The bill restricts land use for mineral and resource-based businesses through withdrawals.
- Scored -2
Does this make it easier to run a small business?
The bill restricts future mineral leasing and resource extraction which may impact local industry.
- Scored -1
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?
The bill contains no provisions that specifically enhance benefits for veterans.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Wilderness Additions: The bill adds significant acreage to the National Wilderness Preservation System, including the Holy Cross, Hoosier Ridge, Tenmile, and Eagles Nest wilderness areas (Section 102). This protects these lands for future generations.
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Wildlife Conservation: The designation of the Porcupine Gulch, Williams Fork Mountains, and Spraddle Creek Wildlife Conservation Areas aims to conserve and protect wildlife migration corridors and ecological resources (Section s 104, 105, and 106).
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Special Management Areas: The creation of Special Management Areas in the San Juan Mountains is intended to protect geological, cultural, and natural resources (Section 203).
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Methane Management: The Greater Thompson Divide Fugitive Coal Mine Methane Use Pilot Program aims to reduce methane emissions, improve air quality, and promote economic development (Section 305).
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Curecanti National Recreation Area: The establishment of this area provides for the management of recreational activities like boating, hunting, and fishing (Section 402).
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Landowner Assistance: In the Curecanti area, the Secretary may work with private landowners to enhance long-term conservation through purchases, exchanges, or donations (Section 402).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Livestock Restrictions: While some grazing is permitted to continue, the Secretary has the authority to regulate livestock use on covered areas (Section 102) and may make determinations regarding livestock use on certain vacant allotments in potential wilderness areas (Section 103).
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Limited Transportation and Recreation: In several designated Wildlife Conservation Areas, the use of motorized vehicles and mechanized transport is prohibited, which may limit certain types of access (Section 104 and 105).
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Lease Relinquishment: Under the Thompson Divide provisions, leaseholders are required to relinquish certain oil or gas leases in exchange for credits (Section 304).
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Land Withdrawals: The bill withdraws certain lands from mineral leasing, mining laws, and other public land laws, which restricts future resource extraction and land entry (Section 103, 205, 303, and 402).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The bill designates significant new wilderness areas and wildlife conservation areas to protect ecological resources. Does this reduce how much oil, gas and coal is produced? — The bill withdraws several areas from mineral leasing and requires the relinquishment of existing oil and gas leases. Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change? — The bill establishes a pilot program to capture and mitigate fugitive methane emissions. Does this invest in rural communities? — The methane pilot program includes provisions intended to promote economic development in rural areas.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The bill restricts future mineral leasing and resource extraction which may impact local industry.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — The bill contains no provisions that specifically enhance benefits for veterans.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this make housing cost less? — The bill focuses on land conservation and does not provide provisions to lower housing costs.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would Native Americans be better off under this? — The bill explicitly protects the rights of Indian Tribes to continue traditional ceremonies and use of plants/materials. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — The bill provides for recreational opportunities and economic development through methane management in rural counties. Would business owners be better off under this? — The bill restricts land use for mineral and resource-based businesses through withdrawals. Would immigrants be better off under this? — The bill does not address immigration policy or benefits. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill focuses on land management and does not contain direct economic aid for low-income families.
- 12/2/2025
- Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 119-237.
- 2/27/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
John HickenlooperDemocrat · Colorado