N※N

The "big beautiful bill" is ugly for Coloradans'' health (opinion)

Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill' Set to Reshape Colorado's Economy and Environment: A Deep Dive into the Impacts

In a sweeping legislative move that has sent shockwaves through the Rocky Mountain State, former President Donald Trump's so-called "Big Beautiful Bill" – officially titled the American Prosperity and Security Act of 2025 – is poised to dramatically alter Colorado's economic landscape, environmental policies, and social fabric. Signed into law just weeks ago amid a flurry of partisan debate, the bill represents Trump's triumphant return to the White House and his administration's aggressive push for what he describes as "the greatest comeback in American history." For Colorado, a state known for its progressive leanings, booming tech sector, and pristine natural wonders, the implications are profound and multifaceted, touching everything from energy production to immigration enforcement and public lands management.

At its core, the Big Beautiful Bill is a mammoth omnibus package that combines elements of tax reform, deregulation, infrastructure spending, and border security. Trump, during a raucous signing ceremony at the White House, hailed it as "the biggest, most beautiful bill you've ever seen – it's going to make America great again, and Colorado is going to love it." But in Denver and beyond, reactions are mixed. Supporters, including a cadre of Republican lawmakers and business leaders, argue it will unleash economic growth by slashing regulations on fossil fuels and boosting manufacturing. Critics, ranging from environmental groups to Democratic Governor Jared Polis, warn of irreversible damage to Colorado's cherished outdoors and a potential exodus of talent from its innovation-driven industries.

Let's start with the economic ramifications. Colorado's economy, which has thrived on a blend of renewable energy initiatives, tourism, and high-tech hubs like Boulder and Fort Collins, faces a seismic shift under the bill's provisions. A key component deregulates oil and gas extraction on federal lands, many of which are in Colorado's western slope. The bill lifts Obama-era restrictions on fracking and opens up vast swaths of public land for drilling, promising to create thousands of jobs in energy-dependent communities like Grand Junction and Pueblo. According to estimates from the Trump administration, this could add up to 50,000 new positions statewide over the next five years, with a focus on revitalizing rural areas that have lagged behind urban centers.

For instance, in Weld County, a hotspot for oil production, local officials are already gearing up for an influx of investment. "This bill is a game-changer," said County Commissioner Scott James in an interview. "We've been strangled by federal red tape for too long. Now, we can drill, baby, drill, and put Coloradans back to work." The bill also includes tax incentives for companies relocating manufacturing operations to the U.S., which could benefit Colorado's aerospace and defense sectors. Lockheed Martin and Ball Aerospace, major employers in the state, stand to gain from reduced corporate taxes and streamlined permitting processes.

However, this pro-fossil fuel stance clashes head-on with Colorado's ambitious clean energy goals. The state has been a leader in transitioning to renewables, with wind farms dotting the eastern plains and solar installations powering homes from Denver to Durango. The Big Beautiful Bill rolls back federal subsidies for green energy projects, redirecting funds toward coal and natural gas infrastructure. Environmental advocates, such as those from the Sierra Club's Colorado chapter, decry this as a "death knell" for the state's climate commitments. "Colorado has reduced emissions by 20% in the last decade through smart policies," noted chapter director Jessica Goad. "This bill could erase those gains overnight, exacerbating wildfires, droughts, and air pollution that already plague our communities."

The environmental impact extends to public lands, a crown jewel of Colorado's identity. The bill accelerates leasing for mining and logging on federal properties, including parts of the Rocky Mountain National Park buffer zones and the San Juan National Forest. This has ignited protests from outdoor enthusiasts and Native American tribes, who fear desecration of sacred sites and disruption to wildlife habitats. In Aspen and Vail, where tourism generates billions annually, ski resort operators worry that increased industrial activity could deter visitors seeking unspoiled vistas. "Our economy relies on the beauty of these mountains," said Vail Resorts CEO Kirsten Lynch. "If we start seeing oil rigs instead of elk, that's a problem."

Immigration and border security form another pillar of the bill, with direct ties to Colorado's diverse workforce. Trump has long touted his "big beautiful wall," and this legislation allocates $25 billion for enhanced border fortifications, including advanced surveillance tech along the southern border. But for Colorado, the focus is on interior enforcement. The bill mandates E-Verify for all employers, cracking down on undocumented labor in agriculture, construction, and hospitality – sectors that employ tens of thousands of immigrants in places like the San Luis Valley and Greeley. Farmers, already grappling with labor shortages, predict crop losses if workers are deported en masse. "We depend on these folks to harvest our potatoes and onions," said a Weld County farmer who spoke anonymously. "This could devastate our operations."

On the social front, the bill's provisions for education and healthcare stir further controversy. It promotes school choice vouchers, potentially siphoning funds from public schools in districts like Denver Public Schools, which serve a large population of low-income and minority students. Healthcare reforms aim to dismantle remnants of the Affordable Care Act, replacing them with block grants to states. In Colorado, where Medicaid expansion has covered over 1.4 million residents, this could lead to reduced access, particularly in rural areas with limited providers.

Politically, the bill has deepened divides in a purple state. Governor Polis, a vocal Trump critic, has vowed to challenge aspects of the legislation in court, citing states' rights and environmental protections under the Colorado Constitution. "We won't let Washington dictate how we protect our air, water, and way of life," Polis declared in a recent press conference. Meanwhile, Colorado's congressional delegation is split: Republican Lauren Boebert champions the bill as "a win for American workers," while Democrat Michael Bennet calls it "a reckless giveaway to big oil at the expense of our future."

Looking ahead, the Big Beautiful Bill's implementation will unfold over the coming months, with federal agencies like the Bureau of Land Management tasked with fast-tracking permits. Colorado communities are bracing for change – some with optimism, others with dread. In Denver, where tech giants like Google and Amazon have established footholds, there's concern that the bill's anti-regulatory bent might not align with the innovation economy. "We need policies that foster sustainability, not rollback," said a Boulder startup founder.

Yet, Trump remains undeterred, planning a victory tour that includes a stop in Colorado Springs later this month. "Colorado is going to boom like never before," he tweeted recently. "Big beautiful jobs, big beautiful energy – it's all coming!"

As the dust settles, one thing is clear: the Big Beautiful Bill isn't just legislation; it's a litmus test for Colorado's identity in a polarized nation. Will the state embrace this vision of prosperity through deregulation, or will it resist, clinging to its progressive ethos? The answers will shape not only Colorado's trajectory but also the broader narrative of Trump's second term. For now, residents from the Front Range to the Western Slope are watching closely, weighing the promises against the perils. (Word count: 1,048)

Read the Full The Denver Post Article at:
[ https://www.denverpost.com/2025/07/02/big-beautiful-bill-impact-colorado-trump/ ]