Dear Friend,

Making Land and Water Conservation Funding Permanent

Last week I had the privilege to speak at a Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) press conference to express the importance of permanent funding of this program to preserve our country’s natural lands and water resources. For years, the LWCF has protected our national lands and the natural resources they provide. This program is vital to preserving the breathtaking landscapes that Coloradan’s so deeply cherish. Colorado relies on the LWCF to ensure these lands will remain protected for years to come. 

Link to view my remarks here.

Flying Unauthorized Drones Over Wildfires Risks Public Safety

After hearing firsthand how problematic the use of unauthorized drones are to the brave men and women fighting Colorado fires, I have joined my colleagues Senator Michael Bennet and Representative Scott Tipton in introducing the Securing Airspace For Emergency Responders (SAFER) Act. This legislation would make it a federal felony to fly an unauthorized Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) over a wildfire. The safety of firefighting personnel, as well as the overall public, is jeopardized when drones are flown overhead by causing the grounding of aerial firefighting assets since the airspace over the fire is not secure. These UAS pose a real danger to the firefighting efforts taking place in Colorado and it is the goal of the SAFER Act to put a stop to these dangerous practices.

To view my statement click here.

Surveying 416 Fire

Recently, I visited Durango with Senator Michael Bennet, Governor John Hickenlooper, and Representative Scott Tipton. We came together to survey the damage of the 416 fire that has swept across southwest Colorado. I was fortunate to meet the truly incredible men and women who are working around the clock to contain the fire. I cannot thank these brave, hardworking individuals enough. 

The Bipartisan STATES Act

I recently introduced Strengthening the Tenth Amendment Through Entrusting States (STATES) Act with my colleagues U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass), U.S. Representatives David Joyce (R-OH) and Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore). This bill allows states to decide how they approach the issue of the legalization of marijuana without the shadow of the federal government.

Forty-six states, including Colorado who legalized marijuana in 2012, have either decriminalized the substance or have laws permitting it. This legislation gives power to the states to approach marijuana in a way that correlates with how the people have voted. The STATES Act is crucial to the people of Colorado, as well as the other states, which is why I am proud to have introduced this bill.

To read the full text of the bill, click here.

View a fact sheet about the STATES Act here.

Meeting with Coloradans

Last week, I met with many Coloradans to discuss a variety of issues, including touring the new STAQ Pharma location in Denver, meeting with the Future Farmers of America in Washington, DC, and having the privilege of receiving the 2018 Champion of Health Care Innovation Award.

Below are a few pictures from this week's meetings. 

Need Help with a Federal Agency? 

My staff is available to assist you with finding out the status of a case and requesting additional information from a federal agency. I have offices in Denver, Durango, Pueblo, Grand Junction, Fort Collins, Greeley, Yuma, and Colorado Springs. Learn more about how we can help here. 

Thank you for taking the time to read my weekly update. If I can be of any assistance to you, please contact my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 224-5941.

Sincerely,

Cory Gardner

United States Senator

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