U.S. House to vote on Colorado lawmakers’ act to preserve 400,000 acres of public lands

The Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act, also known as the CORE Act, which would preserve approximately 400,000 acres of public land in Colorado, was scheduled for a vote by the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday.

If approved, it would be the first statewide Colorado wilderness legislation to pass Congress in over a decade.

“I’m incredibly pleased with the momentum we have seen for this legislation, it is a true testament to Colorado’s commitment to investing in our treasured public lands and outdoor recreation economy,” Rep. Joe Neguse, who introduced the bill earlier this year along with Sen. Michael Bennet, wrote in a statement. “From Gunnison to Carbondale, to Eagle and Summit counties, and so many other communities across our state, Coloradans have been waiting for over 10 years for Congress to act to preserve the lands they love. I’m excited to lead on this legislation on the House floor that was written by Coloradans to conserve Colorado and look forward to next week’s floor proceedings.”

Specifically, the CORE Act will preserve 100,000 acres in White River National Forest and areas across the Continental Divide in Summit and Eagle counties, preserve 80,000 acres of new recreation and conservation management areas throughout the state, and prohibit future oil and gas development on over 200,000 acres in the Thompson Divide.

The Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act, also known as the CORE Act, which would preserve approximately 400,000 acres of public land in Colorado, was scheduled for a vote by the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday.

If approved, it would be the first statewide Colorado wilderness legislation to pass Congress in over a decade.

“I’m incredibly pleased with the momentum we have seen for this legislation, it is a true testament to Colorado’s commitment to investing in our treasured public lands and outdoor recreation economy,” Rep. Joe Neguse, who introduced the bill earlier this year along with Sen. Michael Bennet, wrote in a statement. “From Gunnison to Carbondale, to Eagle and Summit counties, and so many other communities across our state, Coloradans have been waiting for over 10 years for Congress to act to preserve the lands they love. I’m excited to lead on this legislation on the House floor that was written by Coloradans to conserve Colorado and look forward to next week’s floor proceedings.”

Specifically, the CORE Act will preserve 100,000 acres in White River National Forest and areas across the Continental Divide in Summit and Eagle counties, preserve 80,000 acres of new recreation and conservation management areas throughout the state, and prohibit future oil and gas development on over 200,000 acres in the Thompson Divide.