Colorado Lawmakers Pass Bipartisan Resolution Protecting Public Lands

In a rare display of bipartisan unity, Colorado lawmakers have passed Senate Joint Resolution 25-009 earlier this month, reaffirming the state’s commitment to preserving more than 22 million acres of public lands. The unanimous vote reflects growing concerns over proposals that could privatize these lands, an action seen as detrimental to both the environment and local economies.

The resolution, titled “Protection of Colorado’s Public Lands,” was sponsored by both Democratic and Republican legislators — including Sen. Roberts, Sen. Catlin, Speaker McCluskie, and Rep. Taggart — and passed unanimously in the Senate. Lawmakers emphasized the bipartisan consensus that public lands are vital for all Coloradans by preserving the natural resources, recreational opportunities, and economic stability that these lands provide. The resolution was passed with strong legislative support in both the House and Senate, signaling a clear mandate from Colorado’s lawmakers.

The resolution comes at a time of great uncertainty facing public lands, as mass layoffs and budget cuts threaten the department’s ability to properly maintain and care for these areas. Photo via KSUT Public Radio

Governor Polis highlighted the significance of these lands, stating, “In Colorado protecting and celebrating our iconic public lands and waters is a bipartisan value. We’re known for our world-class outdoors and recreation that attract millions of visitors, support good-paying jobs, drive local economies, and sustain wildlife. I am thrilled to celebrate this bipartisan resolution to say clearly: we will always fight to keep our public lands open for all Coloradans to enjoy.” His remarks underscored the shared commitment across party lines to preserve an essential element of Colorado’s identity.

Economic Impact

Colorado’s public lands contribute significantly to the state’s economy. With the outdoor recreation industry having generated over $17 billion and supported approximately 132,500 jobs in 2023 alone, any shift toward privatization could have profound economic repercussions. The resolution reflects widespread concern that federal proposals favoring privatization would erode environmental protections, leaving rural and low-income communities particularly vulnerable.

Lawmakers argued that maintaining federal stewardship not only protects natural resources but also sustains economic opportunities. Representative Taggart noted the importance of these lands for local businesses, from outfitters and guides to family-owned restaurants, which are crucial to Colorado’s rural economy. “This resolution shows we value the entrepreneurs, small businesses and thriving local economies that depend on these lands. Protecting them is an investment in the economic well-being of rural Colorado,” he says.

Conservation Impact

Colorado’s public lands have long been a cornerstone of the state’s natural and cultural heritage. Recent public opinion polls have demonstrated overwhelming support for keeping these lands in public hands, with more than two-thirds of Coloradans opposing any sell-off and 84% backing the creation of additional national parks, monuments, and wildlife refuges.

Sen. Catlin, drawing on his firsthand experience from Western Colorado, stressed the role public lands play in sustaining water resources and agricultural practices. “Protecting these lands is essential for the long-term health of our watersheds and our communities,” he remarked, linking environmental stewardship directly with Colorado’s economic and social well-being.

Thousands protested the layoffs across the nation’s National Parks, with hundreds gathering in Rocky Mountain National Park to show their support for public lands and park rangers. Photo via Sky-Hi News

The resolution has been lauded by conservation groups such as Conservation Colorado, which view the bipartisan vote as a testament to the enduring value placed on public lands by Coloradans. As the debate over land privatization continues at the federal level, Colorado’s legislators have set a precedent that could influence national policy discussions on environmental and economic sustainability.

Political Impact

The passage of Senate Joint Resolution 25-009 marks a significant moment in Colorado’s political landscape, showcasing a united front in defense of public lands. As lawmakers continue to navigate the complex interplay between federal proposals and state priorities, the resolution serves as both a protective measure for Colorado’s natural resources and a clear signal of the state’s long-term commitment to its outdoor heritage. With environmental protection and economic stability at the forefront, Colorado’s bipartisan stand may well shape future policy debates on public land management.