“Coloradans Need A Senator Who Will Stand Up For Public Lands”
In advance of next week’s vote in the House of Representatives, John Hickenlooper announced his support for the Colorado Outdoor Recreation & Economy (CORE) Act and called on Senator Cory Gardner to join him, most of the Colorado congressional delegation, outdoor recreation groups, sportsmen, conservationists, businesses, and others in supporting it. This legislation would strengthen Colorado’s outdoor economy and protect 400,000 acres of public land, including designation of 73,000 new wilderness acres across Colorado.
The CORE Act was created by a broad cross-section of Coloradans as bipartisan stakeholders from across the state worked with Senator Bennet and Congressman Neguse to craft this legislation to strengthen Colorado’s outdoor economy and protect its natural resources.
The CORE Act is supported by elected officials from across the state of both parties, business leaders, hunters, anglers, environmentalists, veterans, ranchers, conservationists, cyclists, and many others—yet Senator Gardner has so far refused their pleas to support this needed bill.
“This bill was created by Coloradans, and Coloradans need a senator who will stand up for public lands and listen to local communities when they tell Washington what they need,” said John Hickenlooper. “As I travel across the state of Colorado, I hear from local elected officials and business leaders—Republicans and Democrats alike—that the CORE Act will help grow our outdoor recreation economy and protect our state’s invaluable public lands and natural resources. It’s time for Senator Cory Gardner to join the effort to pass this important bill.”
Gardner is the first Colorado Senator of either party in over 50 years not to sponsor legislation to expand the state’s wilderness areas. He has a lifetime League of Conservation Voters score of 10%.
John Hickenlooper has long been a champion for Colorado’s outdoor recreation economy and public lands. As Governor, he helped grow the state’s outdoor economy that supports 229,000 jobs and generates billions in economic activity. He created the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office and Inter-Agency Trails and Recreation Council and opposed the privatization of public lands. In the United States Senate, he will be a steadfast advocate for Colorado’s unique natural assets and work to continue growing its outdoor economy. The House of Representatives is expected to vote on the CORE Act next week.
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