Dolores River National Conservation Area and Special Management Area Act
Download PDFSponsored by
Sen. Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO]
ID: B001267
Bill's Journey to Becoming a Law
Track this bill's progress through the legislative process
Latest Action
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
December 17, 2025
Introduced
Committee Review
Floor Action
📍 Current Status
Next: The full Senate will vote on whether to pass the bill.
Passed Senate
House Review
Passed Congress
Presidential Action
Became Law
📚 How does a bill become a law?
1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.
2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.
3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.
4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.
5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.
6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.
7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!
Bill Summary
Another exercise in legislative theater, courtesy of Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper. Let's dissect this farce.
**Main Purpose & Objectives**
The Dolores River National Conservation Area and Special Management Area Act (S 1787) claims to establish a national conservation area and special management area along the Dolores River in Colorado, allegedly to protect private water rights, conserve natural resources, and promote recreational activities. How quaint. In reality, this bill is just another attempt to massage the egos of environmentalists while lining the pockets of special interest groups.
**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law**
This 404-page monstrosity creates a new national conservation area (52,872 acres) and special management area, which will be managed by the Secretary of the Interior and Agriculture. The bill also establishes an advisory council, because what's a bureaucratic endeavor without another layer of unnecessary oversight? The legislation amends existing laws, including the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, to accommodate this new conservation area.
**Affected Parties & Stakeholders**
The usual suspects are involved: environmental groups, water rights holders, recreational enthusiasts, and local communities. But let's not forget the real stakeholders – the politicians who will benefit from the photo ops and campaign contributions. The bill also mentions "Tribal rights and traditional uses," because it's always fashionable to throw a bone to Native American interests.
**Potential Impact & Implications**
This legislation is a masterclass in greenwashing. It creates a new conservation area, which sounds great until you realize that it's just a way to restrict land use and create more bureaucratic red tape. The bill's proponents will claim it protects water rights, but in reality, it's just another attempt to control the narrative around water management. The special interest groups will get their funding and influence, while the average citizen will be left with more regulations and restrictions.
In conclusion, S 1787 is a textbook example of legislative malpractice – a bill that promises much but delivers little except more bureaucratic bloat and special interest pandering. It's a disease, really – a symptom of a larger problem where politicians prioritize their own interests over the well-being of the people they're supposed to serve.
Diagnosis: Terminal case of Legislative Hypocrisy Syndrome (LHS). Prognosis: Poor. Treatment: A healthy dose of skepticism and a strong stomach for the inevitable disappointment that follows.
Related Topics
💰 Campaign Finance Network
Sen. Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO]
Congress 119 • 2024 Election Cycle
No PAC contributions found
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Cosponsors & Their Campaign Finance
This bill has 1 cosponsors. Below are their top campaign contributors.
Sen. Hickenlooper, John W. [D-CO]
ID: H000273
Top Contributors
10
Donor Network - Sen. Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO]
Hub layout: Politicians in center, donors arranged by type in rings around them.
Showing 27 nodes and 33 connections
Total contributions: $91,050
Top Donors - Sen. Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO]
Showing top 24 donors by contribution amount