Washington, DC – Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet is pleased that the Department of Interior has completed a draft environmental assessment required by a court ruling to keep the Colowyo mine in operation, saving more than 200 jobs in Moffat County. By finishing the assessment before the court ordered deadline, OSM has ensured that the Colowyo mine will remain open, saving jobs and the economy in Northwest Colorado.
“Local leaders in Northwest Colorado passionately and effectively made their cases to Secretary Jewell and the Administration,” Bennet said. “The mine is a key economic driver for Moffatt and Rio Blanco counties and now that the assessment is complete residents there know the jobs at the mine are safe.”
In May, following the court ruling, Bennet wrote to Jewell, urging her to complete the assessment, petition for an extension if necessary, and to use any and all tools at her disposal to help save the more than 200 mining jobs. He also set up a meeting in Washington for local leaders with the White House’s Office of Management and Budget and other agencies and helped facilitate a meeting with Jewell and local officials in Colorado. Additionally, he joined Senator Gardner and Congressman Tipton on a letter to Jewell urging she provide assurances that the assessment would be complete on time.
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