Rep. Lamborn Highlights the Growing Problem of Illegal Marijuana on Federal Land
March 19, 2018
Washington, D.C. – In response to questioning by Representative Doug Lamborn (CO-05), U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke testified before the Natural Resources Committee last week that marijuana growing operations on federal land is a big problem in Colorado. Sec. Zinke made clear that the chemicals have wreaked havoc on watersheds, and as a result he is engaging a number of law enforcement agencies within the Department to eradicate illegal growing on federal land.
"Legalizing marijuana has undeniably had severe negative consequences to our region and Colorado as a whole." Rep. Lamborn said. "In particular, our area's federal lands have been exploited by drug cartels who use the land for illegal marijuana grows. These are large-scale operations that illegally divert stream water and dump tons of illegal toxins onto our lands. Not only is this damaging precious natural resources and harming wildlife, it is invading our communities and neighborhoods. These sites are often protected by heavily armed cartel members who pose a serious safety risk to those who utilize our public lands for recreational activities as well as for Forest Service and BLM staff. This is a big problem for Colorado and I am calling on my colleagues in the Colorado delegation to help solve this problem. Our communities and national parks are at stake."
Please find more specific information about Colorado's illegal marijuana grows here.