Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet released the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of Interior’s announcement that it will continue to support research and development of oil shale technologies prior to pursuing commercial-scale development on Colorado’s public lands:

“In Colorado, we have seen what can happen when we rush into oil shale development.  We need to be certain we can do this in an environmentally sound, socially responsible and economically viable way-- particularly with regard to water, which is critical to farmers, ranchers and the economies of western communities.

“Secretary Salazar’s announcement marks a balanced and prudent next step in our efforts to ensure that any commercial oil shale development is done in a thoughtful manner. An emphasis on continued research is entirely appropriate in advance of crafting any commercial development guidelines that continue to protect our natural resources and provide a fair return to American taxpayers in the process.”