DeGette Statement On Department Of Interior's Roan Decision

WASHINGTON – Chief Deputy Whip Diana DeGette (D-CO) today released thefollowing statement regarding the Department of Interior's Roan Plateaudecision:

"I strongly oppose the decision by the Department of Interior to moveforward with their plan of drilling the top of the Roan Plateau. TheRoan Plateau represents the best of Colorado – it is a prominent sitewith unique wildlife, recreation, and wilderness resources.

"The imminent drilling of the Roan Plateau should sound the alarm forall Coloradoans who care about our few remaining special and wildplaces. The Bush Administration has been solely focused on drillingwhile refusing to protect wilderness areas on our public land.

"The Colorado Wilderness Act,which I reintroduced last year, would not only protect the RoanPlateau, but would also provide federal protection for over 60 separatewild places throughout Colorado safeguarding them from oil and gasdevelopment. It is possible to cherish and protect these special placeswhile spurring economic development."