Weiser’s plan strengthens Colorado’s future while contrasting with Bennet’s votes for Trump cabinet officials who are weakening it
Contact:
Katie Farnan
(720) 383-7269
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Denver, CO – NOV 6, 2025 – Today, Attorney General and candidate for Colorado governor Phil Weiser released a new set of policy proposals in his campaign for Governor. These comprehensive plans will protect the state’s land, air, water, energy, and communities for generations to come, all recognizing the importance of building a resilient Colorado.
Resiliency is more than a policy framework; it’s the spirit that defines Colorado. From our mountain towns to our cities, Coloradans have always found ways to adapt, build, and protect what matters, and to make a good life affordable along the way. Weiser’s plan carries that spirit forward, strengthening Colorado’s foundation by lowering costs for families so they can keep more of their hard-earned money, and investing in reliable energy and infrastructure.
By contrast, Senator Michael Bennet’s votes to confirm Trump cabinet members—including Chris Wright, Doug Burgum, and Brooke Rollins—supported an agenda that is harming our state’s land, air, and water, transition to a clean-energy economy, and our public lands. As part of Weiser’s roadmap, he addresses how to respond to the threats posed by these agency heads and to ensure Colorado’s resilience is built here at home, not left to chance in Washington, D.C..
“Our state’s strength comes from our ability to adapt, persevere, and lead, even when Washington fails us,” Weiser said. “While Donald Trump and his allies deny science, sell off our public lands, and defund the infrastructure that keeps our communities safe, Colorado can and will do better. We’ll embrace innovation, work to power our economy with clean energy, protect our outdoors, and invest in the people and systems that make our state resilient.”
“Colorado depends on our natural resources for our future; during this time of serious drought, we need our next Governor to bring seasoned and proven leadership on how to manage and protect Colorado’s water,” said former Republican Speaker of the Colorado House Russell George. “There’s no one better to serve as our next Governor, safeguard our agriculture and rural communities, and ensure that Colorado is protected by our interstate compacts than Phil Weiser. As someone who has served in the cabinet of two Governors, as speaker of the House, and a leader protecting Colorado’s water, I know that Phil will show up for all of us, truly listen, and develop creative solutions that serve Colorado.”
“Phil Weiser has always made the tough calls to protect what makes Colorado special: our clean air, our water, and our way of life,” said Alice Madden, former Colorado House Majority Leader and former Executive Director of the University of Colorado’s Center for Energy and Environmental Security. “He understands that protecting our land, air, and water isn’t just about natural beauty, it’s about affordability, safety, and opportunity for every family in our state.”
Weiser’s resiliency plans include:
Leading Our Energy Future. Weiser’s plan commits to a clean, affordable, and reliable energy future driven by science, innovation, local partnerships, and data-based decision making. His plan will drive solar and wind expansion, strengthen grid reliability through battery storage, and promote new frontiers like geothermal energy that create jobs and opportunities across rural Colorado, all while recommitting to Colorado’s existing renewable energy timelines and targets. Weiser’s approach to energy resiliency ensures that communities dependent on traditional fuels are supported through retraining, that the grid can withstand demand surges, and that new large-scale energy users like data centers pay their fair share and don’t drive up energy costs for hard-working Coloradans. https://philforcolorado.com/energy-and-climate-leading-our-energy-future/
Protecting Our Land, Air, and Water in the Face of Climate Change. As Trump and his administration roll back climate protections and gut the EPA, Colorado must step up. Weiser will create a Chief Resilience Officer and cabinet-level task force to coordinate state and local efforts on climate change, wildfire mitigation, and extreme weather preparedness. He will enforce clean air and water standards, ensure accountability for polluters, and fill the federal void left by the Trump administration’s failure to protect our environment.
Preserving Colorado’s Open Spaces and Outdoor Recreation. Colorado’s outdoors define who we are, but they are under attack from climate change and a federal government trying to sell them to the highest bidder. Weiser will fight to protect Colorado’s public lands, forests, and wildlife for the people who live here, not for wealthy out-of-state interests. His plan includes proactive forest management to reduce wildfire risk, access to the best technology and protective gear for wildland firefighters, and stronger partnerships with local governments and tribes. It also recognizes the economic power of the outdoor recreation industry—employing over 400,000 Coloradans—and calls for removing bureaucratic barriers that stifle small outdoor businesses. Weiser will also expand outdoor learning opportunities for students, helping address youth mental health challenges and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. https://philforcolorado.com/open-space-and-outdoor-rec-preserving-colorados-open-spaces-and-outdoor-recreation/
Preserving Colorado’s Water. Weiser’s plan to protect Colorado’s water is practical, collaborative, and built on respect for those who depend on it most. As Attorney General, Weiser fought to stop Nebraska’s attempt to seize Colorado land and water, and challenged reckless schemes that threatened the Colorado River. As governor, he will continue that fight, reestablishing the role of Chief Water Policy Coordinator for the state and prioritizing long-term, collaborative water management, and proactive infrastructure investment. Weiser will push for full funding of the Colorado Water Plan, prevent destructive “buy-and-dry” schemes that drain rural economies, and promote win-win solutions that strengthen agriculture, outdoor recreation, and urban growth alike.
21st Century Transportation Serving All of Colorado. A modern, resilient transportation system is critical to Colorado’s economy and quality of life. Weiser’s plan invests in repairing and maintaining existing roads and bridges, expanding multimodal transit options, and making roads and bike lanes safer. He will advance projects that reduce congestion and pollution, expand electric vehicle infrastructure, and make good on long-overdue promises like Front Range rail. Weiser will also prioritize environmental justice in transportation decisions, ensuring cleaner air and safer streets for families who live near highways and standing up for schools and neighborhoods near airports suffering from noise pollution and leaded fuel harms. When the Trump Administration tried to illegally withhold transportation funds from Colorado, Weiser fought back. As governor, he’ll continue fighting for every dollar Colorado deserves, and ensure those dollars are invested wisely.
Public Safety: Safe Communities for All. Weiser’s vision for public safety starts with trust, data, and prevention. His plan will strengthen recruitment and training for law enforcement, expand mental health and addiction services, and invest in proven diversion programs that reduce recidivism. As Attorney General, Weiser helped recover nearly $900 million for Colorado communities from opioid companies—funds now being used for treatment and recovery programs statewide. As governor, he will continue those efforts while supporting responsible gun safety laws that save lives and protect children. He will also create an Office for Safe Communities to coordinate local and state agencies, improve communication, and ensure data-driven crime prevention.
“In this moment, we need leaders who will fight for Colorado’s future with urgency and optimism,” Weiser said. “I believe in this state, I believe in our people, and I believe we can build a Colorado that is more just and more resilient than ever.”
Bennet’s Cabinet Secretary Votes That Undermined Colorado’s Resilience
- Chris Wright, Trump’s Energy Secretary Bennet voted to confirm Wright, who has dismissed climate science. Once in office, Wright slashed more than $7 billion in green-energy investments, shut down 24 clean-energy projects, and laid off more than 100 scientists at Colorado’s National Renewable Energy Lab, gutting one of the state’s most important innovation engines.
- Doug Burgum, Trump’s Interior Secretary Bennet voted to confirm Burgum, who led the Trump administration’s effort to sell off public lands, remove protections for national monuments, and open millions of acres for drilling—including in Colorado. Burgum also reversed climate and environmental justice rules and fired full-time staff at Rocky Mountain National Park following budget cuts to the National Park Service.
- Brooke Rollins, Trump’s Agriculture Secretary Bennet voted to confirm Rollins despite her record of hostility to support for health care and support for farmers. Once confirmed, Rollins fired 90 Colorado Forest Service workers – many of which were critical to wildfire prevention. She has also played political games with SNAP benefits, only following the law requiring emergency support after Weiser and other State AGs took her to court.
Last month, Weiser released a summary of his comprehensive vision for Colorado’s future in The Colorado Blueprint, available on the campaign website at philforcolorado.com/the-colorado-blueprint. This release is one of several the campaign is sharing over the coming weeks to provide a comprehensive vision for Colorado’s future.
Weiser launched his campaign in January 2025. Since then, he has earned endorsements from over 160 Colorado current and former elected officials, including Colorado trailblazers former Denver Mayor Federico Peña and former Governor Roy Romer, and from national elected leaders like Governor Josh Shapiro (D-PA), Governor Maura Healey (D-MA), Governor Josh Stein (D-NC), and Governor Bob Ferguson (D-WA). For more information, please visit https://philforcolorado.com/.
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