GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX)— United States Representative Joe Neguse (D), Senators Michael Bennet (D) and John Hickenlooper (D) are making a second push to pass the CORE Act which would protect more than 400,000 acres of land in Western Colorado.

Last year President Joe Biden made Camp Hale, where the first mountain divisions in the US Army trained for World War 2, a National Monument. That ratified a major piece of the CORE Act, but now Colorado lawmakers want to finish the job. If passed the CORE Act would protect land in the San Juan Mountains, Thompson Divide, Curecanti National Recreation Area, and Continental Divide.

Every provision in this bill reflects thoughful collaboration among County Commissioners, businesses, ranchers, sportsmen and conservationists.

Michael Bennet, (D) Senator

Senator Bennet said seven counties, 16 towns, and multiple Native American Tribes support the CORE Act. You can see every person and organization who supports the CORE Act here.

The CORE Act would need to pass both the Senate and House of Representatives, which has proved to be challenging for the bill. Previously, the pending legislation has passed the House 5 separate times but is yet to pass in the Senate.

KREX will be following this story closely.