Cheers to Representatives Salazar and Udall for their dedication to preserving one of Colorado's treasures, the Roan Plateau. In their letter to the editor in the Denver Post, Salazar and Udall expressed their desire to ban drilling atop the plateau. They agreed that drilling should be allowed at the base and on private lands. This allows the oil to be drilled without sacrificing the beauty and the inherent natural value of the plateau.
Representatives Salazar and Udall recently added an amendment to an energy bill that would prohibit the Bureau of Land Management from allowing surface disturbance from oil and gas development on the public lands on top of the Roan Plateau. Representative Salazar also helped the efforts in negotiating the 120 day review and comment extension for the State of Colorado on the BLM's recently issued Roan plan, which will allow Governor Ritter the opportunity to officially weigh in on a topic that is important to so many Coloradoans.
Some energy lobbyists say that banning drilling will cost Colorado billions of dollars in lost revenues. However, the country could only run on the oil from the Roan Plateau for 5.8 hours. And the oil gained from drilling will not help the economy; it will only benefit the oil and gas companies. Investing in clean, renewable energy is a much better investment. Colorado has an environment amenable to renewable energy, and it would fuel the economy to become a leader in renewable energy resources.
Furthermore, protecting the Roan Plateau will safeguard economic diversity and sustainability in local communities. It will allow for recreation and quality of life as generations to come enjoy this natural area. Protecting the Plateau means protecting the habitat of fish and wildlife.
Governor Ritter and Representatives Salazar and Udall value this land and are committed to preserving Colorado's pristine beauty for generations to come.