DENVER – U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (CO-1) today issued the following statement regarding U.S. Senator Mark Udall’s announcement of a process to create wilderness designations in Colorado.

"As a fourth-generation Coloradoan, I know firsthand that Colorado’s beautiful lands are one of our state’s greatest resources. These special lands not only provide clean air, clean water and critical wildlife habitat, they help drive tourism as our state’s number one economic engine. Today is yet another exciting day for the protection of Colorado’s wild areas, as Senator Mark Udall announces his process to generate public discussion on the safeguarding of our state’s wilderness. It is critically important we preserve these remaining wild areas so that future generations have access to the same benefits we enjoy, and I am so pleased that the Senator has identified so many of the precious lands I've had the privilege of working to protect for many years.

“Over the past 12 years, as I’ve worked on wilderness protection efforts across the state, I’ve heard many different opinions from people across Colorado, but those opinions are most often rooted in a set of shared values. Coloradoans want to preserve their quality of life and their opportunities. With efforts in the U.S. House and now the U.S. Senate, our state’s precious lands are that much closer to being protected. I look forward to working with Senator Udall to set forth a balanced approach to protecting some of the last remaining wild places in Colorado.”