New federal bills would prohibit mine expansion

Bi-partisan effort led by Rep. Hurd, Sens. Bennet and Hickenlooper

On July 22, 2026, Third District Congressman Jeff Hurd and Colorado’s two U.S. senators, Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, introduced companion bills in Congress to flat-out prohibit the expansion of what’s officially known as the Mid-Continent limestone quarry.

This bold action by our congressman and senators comes as the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is conducting a technical review of a recently accepted mine expansion proposal from Rocky Mountain Industrials.

Stacked on that is the message delivered from BLM officials to a City of Glenwood Springs delegation in June that the White House is pressuring BLM to approve the mine expansion.

Rocky Mountain Industrials (RMI) is seeking an expansion from its current permit area of 16 acres to 56 acres, growth that would allow the company to mine upslope hundreds of feet. RMI also seeks a sales contract to mine and sell limestone for purposes such as road base, boulders, aggregate, cement and chicken grit. It’s not the company’s 2018 application for a 447-acre mine expansion, but could serve as a foot in the door for that plan.

The House and Senate bills are both titled “Glenwood Hot Springs Protection Act,” and summarized as “To prohibit the Secretary of Interior from taking any action to expand the Mid-Continent Limestone Quarry located near Glenwood Springs, Colorado.”

The identical bills are clear, direct and pointed solely at this proposed mine expansion. Section 2 states:

“The Secretary of Interior shall not process or approve any application for the expansion of existing mineral operations located on any mining or mill site claim located under the general mining laws, or for any mineral material sales contract … for limestone on land managed by the Bureau of Land Management that is located in whole or in part within the land described in subsection (b).”

Subsection (b) lists the five sections of land where the present quarry sits and where more of the company’s mining claims extend upslope.

Bills announced in press conference

Sen. Bennet organized a press conference on Thursday, July 23, so that he, Sen. Hickenlooper and Rep. Hurd could jointly announce the introduction of their bills. The compelling rationale for their bills focused on the risk mining poses to the delicate groundwater network that feeds the community’s hot springs, and the economy based on that natural resource.

Rep. Jeff Hurd: “The Glenwood Hot Springs are one of Colorado’s great treasures and an important part of what makes the Western Slope such a special place to live, work, and visit. They support local jobs, small businesses, and a tourism economy that benefits the entire community. We can support responsible resource development while also recognizing that not every location is appropriate for expansion.

“This isn’t about stopping mining—it’s about protecting an irreplaceable resource from the expansion of a gravel quarry onto adjacent federal lands. That’s a common-sense approach that preserves the hot springs, respects the community’s concerns, and helps ensure future generations can enjoy this Colorado landmark.”

Sen. Michael Bennet: “Putting the Glenwood hot springs, a Colorado landmark and a one-of-a-kind resource, at risk would be shortsighted and irresponsible. Our legislation would protect Glenwood Springs’ economic future, an important cultural site for the Ute Tribes since time immemorial, and the quality of life of local residents.”

Sen. John Hickenlooper: “On a July visit to Glenwood Springs, we heard firsthand from community members and city officials about their concerns over a potential expansion of the Mid-Continent Limestone Quarry, which could hurt water resources and local tourism. We stand with the Glenwood Springs community and are committed to doing everything we can to stop the quarry expansion.”

Southern Ute chairman and Glenwood Springs leaders praise legislation

In the press conference, Rep. Hurd and Sens. Bennet and Hickenlooper were joined by speakers from the Southern Ute Tribe, the Citizens’ Alliance, the City of Glenwood Springs, the Glenwood Springs Chamber, and two of the community’s hot springs resorts.

Each speaker expressed gratitude to the three members of Congress for their leadership in introducing the legislation.

Southern Ute Tribal Chairman Marvin Pinnecoose: “As the oldest stewards of Colorado, we recognize these hot springs as a place of healing, renewal, and deep cultural significance. Protecting these sacred waters ensures they remain a source of wellness and connection for generations to come.”

Glenwood Springs Mayor Pro-tem Erin Zalinski: “This legislation is an important step in recognizing the bi-partisan, united opposition to expanding the Mid-Continent limestone quarry. [RMI’s] proposals are simply too dangerous to risk our hot springs and tourism economic engines, valued by locals and visitors alike.”

Jeff Peterson, President, Glenwood Springs Citizens’ Alliance: “This bill will help protect our water supply, preserve the character of our community, and ensure that Glenwood Springs continues to thrive as both a place to live and a world-class visitor destination.”

Angie Anderson, President and CEO, Glenwood Springs Chamber: “This legislation reflects our community’s longstanding commitment to protecting the natural resources that define Glenwood Springs and support our thriving tourism economy, outdoor recreation, and quality of life for generations to come.”

Douglas Hayes, CEO, Glenwood Hot Springs Resort: “Since 1888, the hot springs pool has been a place of wellness and recreation. As one of the oldest standing businesses in Colorado, the pool is gravely concerned about a mining company potentially harming this fragile resource. There are too many unknowns to risk destroying the historic and natural beauty of Glenwood Springs.”

Aaron McCallister, General Manager, Iron Mountain Hot Springs: “The Glenwood Hot Springs Protection Act is essential to safeguarding the geothermal waters that sustain our resort, our local economy, and the character of our community. Protecting this irreplaceable resource will help ensure Colorado’s hot springs remain healthy and accessible for generations to come.”

The press conference yielded excellent media coverage in local and state newspapers.

What’s next for the legislation and the BLM review process

With Congress beginning its month-long August recess, Sen. Bennet acknowledged that the bills may not move through Congress until later in the fall. The stop-work directive stated in the bills would not take effect until they have passed Congress and been signed by the president.

Meanwhile, BLM staff at the Colorado River Valley Field Office in Silt continue their work to take a closer look at RMI’s proposed Modified Plan of Operations, in what is being called a technical review. BLM officials have been tight-lipped about what that review entails.

However, Field Manager Lisa Dawson has repeatedly stated the agency’s intent to conduct a public review process once the in-house technical review is complete. Timing for these steps is uncertain, she has noted, because the technical review will involve some back-and-forth with the mining company.

Love Glenwood Springs

Glenwood Springs Citizens' Alliance

Love Glenwood Springs

Glenwood Springs Citizens' Alliance

New federal bills would prohibit mine expansion