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Aspen Journalism: When oil and gas trump other uses
By Elizabeth Stewart-Severy Follow at Aspen Times
· July 14, 2026
· 1 min read
Colorado’s Roan Plateau, a favorite backcountry zone for hunters, anglers and hikers because of its high-quality wildlife habitat, is once being proposed for oil and gas development. The Bureau of Land Management, in accordance with direction from the Trump administration’s One Big Beautiful Bill...
Key takeaway The Bureau of Land Management, in accordance with direction from the Trump administration’s One Big Beautiful Bill...
Why this matters in Aspen News
The proposed oil and gas development on the Roan Plateau has significant implications for Pitkin County residents who value the area's wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities. As a popular destination for hunters, anglers, and hikers, the Roan Plateau's high-quality habitat supports a diverse range of wildlife, including species that migrate through or reside in the Elk Mountains surrounding Aspen . The potential for oil and gas development on the plateau could disrupt these ecosystems and impact the local economy, which relies heavily on tourism and outdoor recreation. Furthermore, the fact that the Bureau of Land Management is moving forward with lease sales despite concerns from conservation groups and local stakeholders raises questions about the balance between energy development and environmental protection in the region. As the proposal moves forward, Aspen residents will be watching closely to see how the BLM weighs the competing interests of energy development, conservation, and recreation on the Roan Plateau.
About this story
Original reporting by Aspen Times . Aspen News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Aspen Times . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 14, 2026 ·
Source: Aspen Times ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Colorado’s Roan Plateau, a favorite backcountry zone for hunters, anglers and hikers because of its high-quality wildlife habitat, is once being proposed for oil and gas development. The Bureau of Land Management, in accordance with direction from the Trump administration’s One Big Beautiful Bill...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 14, 2026 by Aspen Times and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Elizabeth Stewart-Severy Follow at Aspen Times. To learn more about how Aspen News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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