In one of several stops on the western slope of Colorado yesterday Gov. John Hickenlooper spoke on behalf of the Thompson Divide and the discussion of letting oil and gas leases expire. Articles done by the Denver Post and the Aspen Times both quote him speaking directly to the beauty of the landscape within the Thompson Divide.

“I have driven out around and looked out over the Thompson Creek Divide and that whole area, and I get it,” Hickenlooper said. “That's a beautiful landscape that shouldn't be developed.

“If the local community is willing to raise $21⁄2 million, maybe the state government should match it,” the governor said. “So therefore you have a real offer on the table, and now (with) that pressure maybe you get a transaction. And I think that's a legitimate way to be partners with all the work that you guys are doing.”

To read the full articles head over to The Denver Post website and the Aspen Times website.