WASHINGTON – Chief Deputy Whip Diana DeGette (D-CO) today released the following statement regarding the Department of Interior’s Roan Plateau decision:

“I strongly oppose the decision by the Department of Interior to move forward with their plan of drilling the top of the Roan Plateau.  The Roan Plateau represents the best of Colorado – it is a prominent site with unique wildlife, recreation, and wilderness resources. 

“The imminent drilling of the Roan Plateau should sound the alarm for all Coloradoans who care about our few remaining special and wild places.   The Bush Administration has been solely focused on drilling while refusing to protect wilderness areas on our public land. 

“The Colorado Wilderness Act, which I reintroduced last year, would not only protect the Roan Plateau, but would also provide federal protection for over 60 separate wild places throughout Colorado safeguarding them from oil and gas development. It is possible to cherish and protect these special places while spurring economic development.”