Statement on COMPETES Act

Sen. Hickenlooper’s Public Lands Oil and Gas Leasing Reform Bill

For Immediate Release

October 07, 2021

It’s long past time to reform the public lands oil and gas leasing program, and Senator John Hickenlooper’s bill to end the century-old loophole known as noncompetitive leasing is an important move in that direction. This legislation will at least help ensure taxpayers are not ripped-off by speculators and land-grabbers who--under the current system--can lock up our best recreation and wildlife lands, critical watersheds and important natural wonders for less than $2 an acre. 

These lands safeguard the water supplies for our most important agricultural areas and include vital wildlife migration corridors as well as habitat for big game and sensitive species. They provide the Colorado beauty that drives our recreation and agritourism industries, the backdrop to our wineries and ranches, awe-inspiring aspen groves now in their autumn splendor, and critical carbon sinks that help to mitigate the causes of and impacts from climate change. 

So we thank Sen. Hickenlooper for his leadership in introducing this bill. It is time to end noncompetitive oil and gas leasing and put taxpayers and the health of our lands back on top.  As the U.S. Senate considers the budget reconciliation process, ending this outdated 100-year-old backroom giveaway to frackers and fossil fuel corporations must be a priority.

###