WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (CO-1) issued the following statement today after the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals denied a request for a rehearing that sought to overturn the Clinton Era Roadless Rule. The appellants – the State of Wyoming and the Colorado Mining Association – now have 90 days to file a petition for certiorari to the U.S. Supreme Court.

“Today’s ruling once again affirms the legality of the 2001 Roadless Rule and finally paves the way for the rule’s implementation after more than a decade of legal uncertainty. As a fourth generation Coloradoan I am acutely aware of the critical importance our natural environment has for both our identity and our economy. With the 2001 Rule the law of the land, we can help ensure future generations will have the same access to our country’s pristine outdoors that we enjoy today. I applaud the 10th circuit for once again upholding the legality of this rule, and look forward to its full implementation.”