Governor Polis Statement on BLM Decision to Keep and Grow Western Headquarters in Colorado

GRAND JUNCTION - Colorado Governor Jared Polis released a statement on Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and the Biden administration’s decision to keep and grow the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) headquarters in Grand Junction as one of two official headquarters, while also maintaining a headquarters in Washington, D.C. for select leadership staff and to provide clarity to existing staff. Governor Polis has advocated for the BLM to remain in Colorado and urged President Biden to keep and expand that headquarters. 

“The bottom line is that more senior BLM officials and decision-makers moving to the Grand Junction office is a good thing for Colorado and our country. The initial presence was far too small and now I’m finally hopeful that the office will grow,” said Governor Jared Polis. “Today’s announcement that the BLM National Headquarters in Grand Junction will be growing is great news for Mesa County, our thriving outdoor economy, our treasured public lands, and everyone who loves them. Our vast great public lands enhance our Colorado way of life, support jobs, and are a refuge for wildlife and Coloradans. The BLM has committed to growing this headquarters, and we look forward to many more BLM staff joining those already in Grand Junction which is a natural home for the BLM. There is great value in being physically close to the lands under management and where decisions have impacts on the lives of Coloradans and our environment. I am glad President Biden, Secretary Haaland, and the administration are focused on the conservation and economic opportunities the Colorado growing presence of the BLM represents.”

This July, Governor Polis discussed the importance of having those who work in public land management immersed in the communities they serve with Secretary Haaland. Governor Polis serves as vice-chair of the Western Governors Association.