While the “Pinon Canyon controversy” is often characterized as fight between ranchers and the Army, in reality opposition to the Pinon Canyon expansion comes from individuals and groups representing the entire political spectrum. Opponents include conservatives and liberals, property-rights organizations, and environmental groups. They include groups representing peace and justice advocates and veterans. Opposition to expansion has been stated in the local and/or state platforms of both the Republican and Democratic parties, and has been expressed by candidates from both parties. Expansion has been opposed by all levels of government, from county commissions and cities to regional councils and our state legislature, and both house of the U.S. Congress. Historical preservation groups and agricultural organizations have weighed in on the issue.
Obviously these diverse groups object to the expansion on the basis of differing interests. That is why the Pinon Canyon Expansion Opposition Coalition, PCEOC, calls itself a coalition. We believe that the fact that expansion is opposed from so many different is perspectives is why Colorado has been so successful in standing against this threat. Ever since our organization began, almost four years ago we have endeavored to be inclusive and non-partisan, focusing on just one issue; stopping the Army’s plan to turn the Southeastern corner of Colorado into a huge, 6.9 million-acre, live-fire range.
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