Hermosa Bill: Waiting for Congress

by Randy Scholfield

How does it happen that a bill that everyone supports in Colorado--creating the Hermosa Creek Watershed Protection Area--ends up stalled in Congress?  Check out this recent story in the Durango Herald about the current status of the bill, which would preserve this Durango area backcountry treasure for generations to come. The benefits are clear to everyone--there's no opposition--and the local stakeholders, everyone from anglers and hunters to ranchers and miners, have done what they should do: listen and cooperate and compromise. U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton, a Republican, and Sen. Michael Bennet, a Democrat, strongly support it.

This should be a slam-dunk in D.C. 

The problem is--surprise--Congressional gridlock and partisanship.

It's frustrating. But there's still a good chance that Colorado's bipartisan momentum on this bill will carry the day. TU's Ty Churchwell, who has been leading the campaign effort, told the Durango Herald that the bill is "moving at a snail's pace, but it's moving."

Let's get this one across the finish line. Contact Rep. Tipton's and Sen. Bennet's offices, and thank them for their support and push down the home stretch.

Randy Scholfield is communications director for TU's southwest region.