U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton scored a major victory in committee assignments this session by reclaiming a seat on the House Natural Resources Committee while keeping his powerful position on the Financial Services Committee.

It took a special waiver, but these are special times and Tipton worked hard to make that happen.

Tipton was keeping an active role in the policy direction by serving as vice chair of the Western Caucus.

However, in light of unrelenting attacks on public lands to shut down energy development, limit recreation, water wars, creeping endangered species restrictions, and let’s not forget the assault by the EPA on the Animas River, he felt it necessary to reclaim a role in oversight and legislating.

This is a huge victory for the Western Slope and sprawling 3rd Congressional District, and we look forward to Tipton taking the lead on these issues.