Sec. 2. Findings and purposes
181 words·~1 min read·
/bill/115/s/481/is/section-2A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
Congress finds that— the Thompson Divide in western Colorado provides rural character, a robust agriculture-based economy, and outstanding recreational and sporting opportunities to the public; the Thompson Divide— provides important spring and summer grazing land for historical ranching operations; and was described by President Theodore Roosevelt as a great, wild country ; the Interior Board of Land Appeals has determined that certain mineral leases previously issued within the Thompson Divide are legally deficient; the remedy to the deficiencies described in paragraph
(3)may result in protracted legal action and uncertainty for surrounding communities and industry; and the communities affected by the leases have requested a solution that— addresses the leasing controversy; and provides long-term certainty for management of Federal land within the Thompson Divide and the surrounding landscape. The purposes of this Act are— to provide for the cancellation of certain Federal mineral leases in the Thompson Divide; subject to valid existing rights, to withdraw certain Federal land in the Thompson Divide area from future mineral and other disposal laws; and to provide a market-based form of reimbursement for cancelled leases.