Hickenlooper TeethHey Colorado, Hickenlooper was for you, before he was against you.

He told Western Slope folks he would side with them against an environmentalist action that threatens to shut down coal operations that fuel Craig’s electricity plant.

Yet days later, Hick offered up Colorado to join the EPA’s plot to essentially shut down coal mine operations in the questionable quest of reducing CO2 emissions.

So, Hick’s particular location at the moment defines who and what he is for: On the Western Slope, he stands with Craig, but when he’s back in Denver, he plans to destroy jobs in Craig.

Meanwhile, U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner is drafting a letter to Interior Secretary Sally Jewell urging her agency to file the necessary court appeal to keep the mine open.

The Craig Daily Press has the letter, which asks Jewell to deploy the manpower and resources necessary to complete the court-required action within the 120-day window.

“We write to urge you to take all necessary and appropriate action to ensure the continued operation of the Colowyo Coal Mine, which is a critical component of Northwest Colorado’s regional economy and has responsibly operated in the eight years since the mine plan approval was issued by your office.”

The lawsuit by WildEarth Guardians complained to the federal court that Interior Department officials in the Office of Surface Mining (OSM) did not comply with the law 20 freaking years ago when it approved the mining plan.

U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton has also pledged to work on Craig’s behalf, but in a statement expressed doubt that the federal government will question the judge’s ruling “with a radical environmentalist group notorious for filing lawsuits at the expense of taxpayers who often end up footing their litigation bill, to restrict access to public lands and block development and energy production – regardless of how responsibly it’s done.”

“The OSM is not appealing the decision as it complements the administration’s overall attacks on affordable energy production that have cost hundreds of jobs in the 3rd District alone,” Tipton said.

Attacks like the EPA’s sham rules for CO2, which now boasts Hick as a pretender-in-chief helping to lead the charge against the coal industry, and affordable electricity rates for consumers.

With friends like these, Craig doesn’t need any enemies.