Glenwood Hot Springs Protection Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO]
- Committees
- Energy and Natural Resources Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Sep 16, 2026
Bottom line
The bill legislatively blocks any future expansion of the Mid-Continent Limestone Quarry on federal land near Glenwood Springs, Colorado, prioritizing environmental protection and local interests over mineral extraction.
What it actually does
This bill prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from processing or approving any applications for the expansion of existing mineral operations or for new mineral material sales contracts related to limestone extraction on specific Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land in Garfield County, Colorado. This effectively prevents any expansion of the Mid-Continent Limestone Quarry located near Glenwood Springs within the designated federal land.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill is essential for protecting the unique natural environment, water quality, and scenic beauty of the Glenwood Springs area, including its famous hot springs, from the adverse impacts of industrial expansion. They contend that preserving these natural assets is vital for the local tourism economy and the quality of life for residents, safeguarding public lands for recreation and conservation.
Opponents contend
Opponents, likely representing the mining industry or the quarry operator, would argue that this bill unduly restricts access to valuable mineral resources and interferes with legitimate economic activity and potential job creation in the mining sector. They might also contend that it sets a concerning precedent for federal intervention in local land use decisions, potentially impacting existing mineral rights and future resource development.
The bill is exceptionally brief and clearly written, making it very accessible for any reader to quickly grasp its core purpose and implications.
Section 2
Prohibition on Expansion of the Mid-Continent Limestone Quarry
This section explicitly forbids the Secretary of the Interior from approving any new applications for expanding existing mineral operations or entering into new mineral material sales contracts for limestone on specific Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands in Garfield County, Colorado. The designated lands include sections 4, T. 6 S., R. 89 W.; sections 25 and 36, T. 5 S., R. 89 W.; and sections 30 and 31, T. 5 S., R. 88 W., all within the sixth principal meridian. This legislative action directly prevents any future growth of the Mid-Continent Limestone Quarry within this federally managed area.
Supporters argue
Supporters assert that this prohibition is critical for safeguarding the ecological integrity, water quality, and scenic beauty of the Glenwood Springs area, which are fundamental to the local economy and residents' well-being. They emphasize the need to protect unique geological features, including the hot springs, from potential adverse impacts such as noise, dust, visual blight, and hydrological changes that quarry expansion could bring.
Critics contend
Opponents contend that this provision unduly restricts legitimate economic activity and interferes with existing mineral rights or the potential for future resource development. They argue it could lead to job losses in the mining sector, increase costs for construction materials, and set a problematic precedent for federal intervention in local land use decisions, potentially hindering regional economic growth.
Tradeoffs
This provision navigates the tension between environmental conservation and the economic benefits of mineral resource extraction. It prioritizes the protection of a specific, sensitive natural area and its associated tourism economy over the expansion of industrial mining operations, reflecting a legislative choice to limit resource development in favor of environmental and community values.