Bennet, Hickenlooper, Hurd Introduce Legislation to Protect Glenwood Hot Springs Amid Renewed Gravel Mining Threats

Jul 23, 2026 | Press Releases

Washington, D.C. - Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper and Colorado U.S. Congressman Jeff Hurd led the introduction of the Glenwood Hot Springs Protection Act. This legislation would prevent the Department of the Interior (DOI) from expanding the Mid-Continent Limestone Quarry, protecting the Glenwood hot springs, a defining natural resource that supports the local economy and makes the community a key destination for visitors.

Earlier this month, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced that the Rocky Mountain Industrials, Inc. (RMI) proposal to expand the Mid-Continent Limestone Quarry is complete, bringing the company one step closer to restarting operations and tripling the size of the quarry. These mining efforts have faced substantial pushback from local communities because the project could affect the hot springs' geothermal groundwater network, harming the Glenwood hot springs and the local economy.

"Putting the Glenwood hot springs, a Colorado landmark and a one-of-a-kind resource, at risk would be shortsighted and irresponsible," said Bennet. "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."

"On a June 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," said Hickenlooper. "We stand with the Glenwood Springs community and are committed to doing everything we can to stop the quarry expansion."

"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," said Hurd. "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."

Since 2018, RMI has proposed to expand the Mid-Continent Limestone Quarry near Glenwood Springs. The original proposal would have expanded the quarry permit from about 16 acres to more than 400 acres under the 1872 General Mining Law that is typically employed for mining high-value minerals. The quarry site and RMI's mining claims are on public lands managed by the BLM.

In 2024, the BLM's 2024 Determination of Common Variety found that the quarry was mining and selling common gravel rather than a high-quality limestone product that could be permitted under the General Mining Law. Unlike hardrock mines, common-variety materials require stricter environmental review and sales contracts with the BLM. In January 2025, the DOI confirmed this with an official decision requiring the quarry operator to either prove that an actual market exists for high-quality limestone uses, or propose a mineral material sales contract to mine for construction materials. This came about as the result of years of litigation brought by Garfield County and the Glenwood Springs Citizens Alliance to compel BLM to enforce its regulations.

In June, the BLM announced that RMI had completed its application materials for a new plan of operations that would triple the size of the quarry permit from 16 to 56 acres. The local community has raised major concerns with the proposal around safety, increased truck traffic, and damage to the area's hot springs and cultural resources.

"The Southern Ute Indian Tribe strongly supports the Glenwood Hot Springs Protection Act. 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. We thank Congressman Jeff Hurd, Senator Michael Bennet, Senator John Hickenlooper, and all those supporting this legislation for their leadership in safeguarding this irreplaceable resource," said Chairman Marvin Pinnecoose of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe.

"This legislation is an important step in recognizing the bi-partisan, united opposition to expanding the Mid-Continent limestone quarry. Rocky Mountain Industrials' proposals are simply too dangerous to risk our hot springs and tourism economic engines, valued by locals and visitors alike. We thank Representative Hurd and Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper for their leadership on this critical issue for our community," said Glenwood Springs Mayor Pro-tem Erin Zalinski.

"The Glenwood Springs Citizens' Alliance appreciates Representative Jeff Hurd and Senator Michael Bennet recognizing the importance of this issue to our community and working together to introduce bipartisan legislation. 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," said Jeff Peterson, President, Glenwood Springs Citizens' Alliance.

"The Glenwood Springs Chamber fully supports the bipartisan Hot Springs Protection Act and sincerely thanks Congressman Jeff Hurd and Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper for their leadership and support. 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," said Angie Anderson, President and CEO, Glenwood Springs Chamber

"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," said Douglas Hayes, Chief Executive Officer, Glenwood Hot Springs Resort.

"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. We are grateful to Senator Bennet, Rep. Hurd, and Senator Hickenlooper for driving this forward," said Aaron McCallister, General Manager, Iron Mountain Hot Springs.

Bennet has supported the Glenwood Springs community in opposing the quarry for years. Earlier this year, Bennet requested language in the FY27 Senate Interior Appropriations bill that would prohibit the use of federal funds to approve the required mining permits at the Mid-Continent Limestone Quarry, either on the existing or the expanded footprint and requested an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act to prohibit the approval of applications for the expansion. In 2023, he cheered the designation of the Glenwood hot springs as a National Natural Landmark, and he visited the area, committing to continue to support the community's fight against the quarry. In 2019, he worked with former Rep. Tipton and former Senator Cory Gardner to push back against the original quarry expansion proposal.

The text of the bill is available HERE. A summary of the bill is available HERE. A recording of a press call on this legislation is available HERE.

###