DeGette Statement On Roan Lawsuit

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO), Vice Chair of the HouseCommittee on Energy and Commerce, released the following statementregarding the lawsuit introduced today requesting an injunction on oiland gas leasing on Colorado's Roan Plateau:

"It is importantto have environmentally responsible oil and gas drilling to power oureconomy while we push for the speedy development of clean, renewableenergy resources," said DeGette. "However, I believe we can all agreethat there are certain places that are spectacular enough to warrantprotection from drilling. The Roan Plateau is one of those places, oneof Colorado's crown jewels in fact, and I hope the court grants aninjunction before the drill rigs start rolling in."

Rep. DeGette is the author of H.R. 3756, the Colorado Wilderness Act,legislation she has introduced every year since 1999 that woulddesignate the Roan Plateau as federally protected wilderness. Underher bill, the Roan Plateau and 61 other areas in the state would bepermanently safeguarded from oil and gas drilling. In September, Rep.DeGette will tour the Roan Plateau with members of Congress from theNatural Resources Committee where her bill is pending, includingChairman Nick Rahall (D-WV).