Natural Resource Management
Bottom Line Up Front: We reject the false choice between environment and economy. Through effective management, Colorado’s natural resources can be both utilized and conserved, fueling our prosperity while preserving the natural beauty we cherish for generations to come.
a. Stewardship and Sustainable Use: We support a Natural Resource Management approach that responsibly utilizes Colorado’s abundant resources (water, minerals, forests, wildlife, public lands) for economic benefit while conserving them for future generations. We reject extreme "lock it up" preservation that prohibits use, as well as reckless exploitation that causes lasting harm. Our philosophy: these resources (from oil and gas to timber to scenic beauty) are part of our heritage and economy (see generational wealth). We should manage them guided by science and local input, not ideological bans. With wise management, we can have energy development, agriculture, and outdoor recreation thrive together. We emphasize multiple use of public lands (as per federal law: recreation, grazing, logging, mining, habitat all balanced). We will also defend Colorado’s say in resource decisions versus federal overreach and encourage innovation (like improved drilling tech or forest management practices) to reduce environmental impact. Essentially, we treat nature as a garden to be tended (Genesis 1 & 9 – Dominion Mandate), not a museum to be sealed off, nor a mine to be stripped bare.
b. Key Areas and Policies:
​
1. Oil & Gas Development: Under previous admin, SB19-181 overhauled Colorado Oil & Gas Conservation Commission to prioritize health and environment over production, leading to much stricter regs (larger setbacks, etc.) and a chill on drilling permits. We will recalibrate the regulatory climate to encourage responsible oil & gas development (which provides jobs and energy independence). That means revising overly burdensome rules: e.g., revisit the 2,000-foot setback if scientific review deems smaller distances safe with mitigation, expedite permit approvals (time is money; we’ll set deadlines for COGCC permit decisions). We’ll include industry experts and local voices on regulatory bodies for pragmatism.
2. We still care for health: require best practices for emissions control, water protection (like continue strong well casing rules, spill response), but not ban drilling on huge swaths via overregulation. Possibly allow more local say but ensure local bans can’t circumvent state policy (to avoid patchwork that effectively bans development in much of state). If necessary, support legislative tweaks to SB181 to clarify the state sees O&G as a valuable resource to be safely harnessed, not something to be phased out prematurely. We’ll also push back on federal limits (like if feds slow leasing on public lands, we might legally challenge if violating statutes).
​
3. Mining and Minerals: Colorado has important minerals (molybdenum, coal (though declining), uranium (which could feed nuclear revival), rare earths possibly, etc.). We favor permitting new mines with modern environmental safeguards rather than offshoring mining to countries with fewer regulations. For uranium, instead of stigma from past, we have tech like in-situ leach that is safer; given nuclear pivot, we want domestic supply. We’ll support exploration and processing of critical minerals (with careful water and land reclamation plans). Possibly expedite remediation of old mine sites by allowing mining companies to reopen them if they also clean legacy pollution (Good Samaritan policy support).
​
4. Forestry and Wildfire: Years of fire suppression and limited logging have left forests dense and prone to mega-fires. We advocate active forest management: increased thinning, controlled burns, and timber harvesting where appropriate. We’ll boost state funding for forest health projects and partner with US Forest Service to implement on federal lands in Colorado. Encourage a renewed timber industry (small sawmills, biomass energy from slash) to economically aid forest management – jobs in rural areas and reduced fire risk. Healthy forests protect watersheds too. So, streamline permitting for logging in overgrown areas, and perhaps allow contracts that give logging companies some profit in exchange for thinning more area at lower cost to state. Use prison crews or youth conservation corps more for clearing brush. Also invest in firefighting resources and forest roads (to quickly access fire starts). This is resource management because wood is resource; better to use some than let it all burn. This would also incentive homeowners insurance providers to provide lower cost insurance due to a lessened risk of wildfire.
​
5. Water Resource Management: Water is lifeblood of Colorado. We uphold our interstate compact obligations but will fiercely protect our share of water (especially vs. overuse by downstream states on the Colorado River). We support water storage projects (like expanding reservoirs) to capture more runoff in wet years for use in droughts – these have been slow due to permitting (e.g., NISP or Gross Reservoir expansion; we will push to complete those). Also encourage efficient irrigation (grants for farmers to upgrade tech, water-saving crops R&D). At the same time, avoid heavy-handed state water grabs for environment; instead, collaborate with farmers on voluntary conservation (like water leasing for environmental flows that compensates owners). Maintain prior appropriation while adding flexibility tools (like water banks or ATMs as in alternative transfer methods to lease water from ag to cities in drought instead of permanent sale – saving agriculture long-term).
6. Wildlife and Land: Manage wildlife via science (CPW biologists input) and stakeholder involvement (hunters, ranchers, conservationists). For instance, the wolf reintroduction mandated by Prop 114 in 2020 – implement pragmatically (compensation for livestock losses, manage numbers to avoid excessive predation, consider local concerns). Possibly push to let Colorado manage wolves as we see fit rather than strict federal protections once population grows. Also support hunting and fishing as both tradition and management tool (it funds conservation via licenses). Resist any attempts to overly restrict hunting (like the 2020 push to ban big cat hunting – we opposed because CPW needs that to control mountain lion numbers, etc.). Also, encourage public access for outdoor recreation balanced with land health – e.g., expand state parks or trails but with good maintenance funding to prevent damage. We would and do support the removal of the newly reintroduced grey wolves into Colorado.
​
7. Renewables and Land Use: While boosting oil/gas, we also welcome renewables (wind, solar) – they are part of resource mix. But site them smartly (e.g., use already disturbed lands, avoid prime wildlife habitat overly). Large solar/wind farms are land-intensive; manage so that we minimize conflicts (like planning corridors for transmission that consolidate impacts). We’ll streamline permitting for renewables too, but not at expense of bulldozing concerns of rural communities – get local input to avoid backlash (some counties resisted giant wind/solar due to views or ag disruption; we find reasonable compromise sites). Renewable energy is a resource – sunlight and wind – we manage it by capturing it where sensible. Remove regulations restricting how many Kilowatt hours businesses and residences can return to the grid. This would significantly enhance available energy that could ultimately reduce cost for all consumers.
​
8. Public Land Access and Use: Ensure public lands remain open for multiple use – that includes grazing, recreation (hiking, off-roading in appropriate zones, hunting, etc.), energy extraction in others. Oppose broad federal closures or wilderness designations made without state concurrence (because they limit uses severely). Work with feds to maybe swap or designate lands logically – protect truly special areas as parks or wilderness, but don’t lock up land with resource potential. Encourage state trust land leases that allow revenue (for schools) while requiring land restoration post-use.
​
9. Climate Pragmatism not Climate Alarmism: Meaning plan water storage for more variable flows, manage forests expecting longer fire seasons, etc. But do so pragmatically: not shutting down fossil fuels entirely but making them cleaner (carbon capture R&D, etc.), diversifying energy as per Clean Affordable Energy plan (nuclear etc.). Resist ideological mandates that cripple resource industries (like banning new gas vehicles or gas stoves prematurely). Instead, innovate to reduce emissions gradually without sacrificing economic vitality (e.g., support carbon capture on power plants or improved methane capture in oil/gas fields). Colorado can cut emissions and still use its natural resources – these are not mutually exclusive with right tech (like capturing methane from coal mines or using coal plant sites for nuclear, etc.).
​
10. Local Voice: For state decisions on resource projects (mines, oil rigs), we’ll incorporate local government’s input but also guard against narrow local veto of regionally important projects. Perhaps create regional advisory councils for big projects to get buy-in and suggest mitigation measures to address local impacts (like road improvements, noise buffers). People trust processes more if heard and if company invests in community improvements. That fosters sustainable operations.
By championing Natural Resource Management, we commit to wise use not no use or misuse. We look at states like Wyoming or Texas that have energy economy and still open spaces – they manage it. Or our own history: the West was built by using resources (farming the plains, mining the mountains) and also setting aside national parks – a balance. We continue that tradition with modern knowledge to minimize environmental damage and quickly restore any that occurs (strong reclamation rules for mines/wells will be enforced – ‘polluter pays’ principle).
​
We’ll measure success by stable or increased output of resources (more energy production, logs, minerals) alongside healthy environment indicators (wildlife populations stable, water quality good). And by community benefits: new jobs in resource industries, preserved multi-generational ranches and mines, plus enjoyment of outdoors by citizens.