APRIL 16, 2021 (Golden, COLORADO) — It’s official. Colorado’s Congressman Joe Neguse is the #1 Representative in Congress for Legislating on Public Lands, as recognized by the nonpartisan Center for Effective Lawmaking. In even further recognition of his work, the Center also ranked Congressman Neguse as one of the top 10 most effective lawmakers in the country.
This week, several groups have added to his commendation with digital ad buys starting Tuesday, April 20th, in the Summit Daily and the Boulder Daily Camera that call attention to Rep. Neguse’s work in Congress.
Congressman Neguse just led the effort to pass the Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy (CORE) Act through the U.S. House of Representatives. CDTC thanks the Congressman for passing this bill not just once, but three times through the House, just in the past two years. We now look to the U.S. Senate to pass this important piece of legislation for future generations of Coloradoans.
In addition, six of the nine bills Congressman Neguse enacted into law in the 116th Congress protect and invest in public lands in Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District which he represents, including two bills that expand the boundaries of Rocky Mountain National Park, one of the top 5 most visited national parks in 2020. In all, Neguse introduced 54 bills, three times as many as the average freshman.
“Joe Neguse’s leadership role in land and water conservation is an outstanding contribution to the experience enjoyed by recreationists and outdoor lovers of all kinds, and a lifeline for the livelihood of gateway communities who serve them along the Continental Divide Trail and other public lands,” said Teresa Martinez, Executive Director of the Continental Divide Trail Coalition, an organization dedicated to completing and protecting the 3,100-mile Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. “Congressman Neguse truly makes the connection between the health benefits of protected greenspaces and the powerful economic engine that pulses as we all enjoy Colorado’s outdoor quality of life. As this accolade points out, when it comes to effective public lands legislation, he gets it.”
In 2019, Congressman Neguse sponsored and secured passage of the Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy Act (CORE Act) through the House with bipartisan support, a bill that would preserve roughly 400,000 acres of public lands encompassing the Continental Divide; Camp Hale, the historic home of the Tenth Mountain Division; the Thompson Divide; wilderness in the San Juan Mountains; and define the boundaries of the Curecanti National Recreation Area. The CORE Act, which will grow Colorado’s important outdoor recreation economy, has now passed the House three times, and awaits Senate passage.
Neguse is also the newly appointed chair of the National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands subcommittee of the House Natural Resources Committee. He is the first Coloradoan and first African American to serve in that capacity. In addition, he serves as a member of the House Judiciary Committee and the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis.
Congressman Neguse recently unveiled his plan for “Restoring Our Lands and Communities,” and as Chair in his first hearing, discussed a new vision for the 21st Century Conservation Corps, a historic investment in the natural resources workforce, and efforts to bolster the upcoming Build Back Better infrastructure plan. Neguse’s plan includes strengthening our dedication to conservation and supporting Colorado’s outdoor recreation economy through legislation such as the CORE Act.
In addition, Congressman Neguse has also been an avid supporter of the 30×30 Initiative, which will endeavor to protect 30 percent of the U.S.’s land and water by 2030 to help address the impacts of climate change. Rep. Neguse recently participated in a series of listening forums hosted by The Wilderness Society to give Coloradoans an opportunity to share local conservation efforts happening on the ground and to advocate for local protections that not only work toward the 30×30 goal but also make sense for those communities that stand to feel the most impact from more land and water protections.
“From Day 1, Joe Neguse has had his eye on public lands policies that best serve all Coloradans and the nation. His view is not ‘either/or’ but ‘both/and’ and that’s what makes him a recognized effective lawmaker,” said Martinez. “CDTC looks forward to continuing our work with Congressman Neguse to invest in our state’s outdoor recreation economy, protect the invaluable Continental Divide Trail, and preserve our state’s natural treasures in a way that will make future generations look back at us with appreciation.”
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Our hearts are with the community of Boulder, CO, and the ten victims and their families, following the devastating shooting that occurred. CDTC applauds the leadership demonstrated by Congressman Neguse and his office during this trying time in his district and in our nation.
About the Continental Divide Trail
The CDT is one of the world’s premiere long-distance trails, stretching 3,100 miles from Mexico to Canada along the Continental Divide. Designated by Congress in 1978, the CDT is the highest, most challenging and most remote of the 11 National Scenic Trails. It provides recreational opportunities ranging from hiking to horseback riding to hunting for thousands of visitors each year. While 95% of the CDT is located on public land, approximately 150 miles are still in need of protection.
About the Continental Divide Trail Coalition
The CDTC was founded in 2012 by volunteers and recreationists hoping to provide a unified voice for the Trail. Working hand-in-hand with the U.S. Forest Service and other federal land management agencies, the CDTC is a non-profit partner supporting stewardship of the CDT. The mission of the CDTC is to complete, promote and protect the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, a world-class national resource. For more information, please visit continentaldividetrail.org.
