In a time when many community programs are being cut, we should be doing everything in our power to get projects moving in Colorado.

For example, Gov. Hickenlooper said in his State of the State address that the $100 million property tax credit for seniors must be removed because of the state's finances, yet another reason why lawmakers should concentrate on attracting business.

But while Gov. Hickenlooper is giving a pep talk to elected officials to promote business, it seems that his speech fell on deaf ears when it came to energy projects on public lands. It seems that across the Western Slope, the Feds are working diligently to make development of our domestic resources as arduous as possible.

From the woefully inept draft Resource Management Plan for the BLM Colorado River Field Office, to the foot-dragging antics regarding the proposed expansion for the McClane Canyon Mine, to the “fresh look” at oil shale leasing and development, to the unbelievable roadblocks on the Roan Plateau, the BLM seems to have a chip on its shoulder when it comes to energy.

And it's too bad. Energy jobs pay much higher on average and allow employees and their families to have a better quality of life. In addition, local communities gain much from sound, sensible development of public lands in the way of taxes and royalty payments which go to pay for roads, schools and many community services. I really hope that the BLM's Western Slope field offices will take heed and support the businesses that support our communities.