Haaland, Bennet visit Carbondale to celebrate Thompson Divide protections

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland gathered with federal, state, and community leaders at Sopris Park in Carbondale on Monday to celebrate the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts to protect the Thompson Divide. This region is renowned for its ranching heritage, pristine grazing lands, vital wildlife habitats, recreational opportunities, and clean water sources.

Key speakers included Pitkin County Commissioner Greg Poschman, Sen. Michael Bennet, Haaland, ranchers, and other local and state agency leaders. The event marked a significant milestone: the implementation of Public Land Order 7939, signed by Haaland in April, which withdraws approximately 221,000 acres of public lands from mining, mineral, and geothermal leasing for the next 20 years.

“I have spent eight years working on the Thompson Divide,” said Poschman. “We have a long line of people who made this happen. This was a challenge, and we finally have good news.” 

He emphasized the importance of protecting high-value woodlands and wildlife while accommodating the population’s needs and urged leaders to help federal agencies meet their climate goals.

This order is part of the Department of the Interior’s broader vision, leading the charge in President Joe Biden’s America the Beautiful initiative, also known as 30 by 30. This ambitious 10-year plan aims to conserve and restore at least 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030.

Bennet thanked everyone for their efforts, noting the long journey to get the withdrawl signed. 

“Allies and adversaries have hung in there to make this happen,” he said. “We have this amazing legacy of protecting public lands in the West, and I am looking forward to continuing that effort.”

Haaland echoed the sentiments of gratitude and congratulation but declined to comment on potential legal challenges from oil and gas companies or public officials following the recent Supreme Court decision to strike down the Chevron Deference. This legal precedent had previously allowed federal agencies to interpret laws needing further clarification, a power now returned to the courts.

The Garfield County Board of County Commissioners have gone back and forth over the years about allowing access to mining, oil, and gas leasing in the Thompson Divide but appear to ultimately support the initiative. The commissioners could not be reached for comment for this story. Lawsuits are expected to challenge the Department of the Interior’s authority on a wide range of regulatory matters.

Westley Crouch covers the City of Aspen and general reporting for The Aspen Times. He can be reached at 970-384-9124 or wcrouch@aspentimes.com.