Seven members of the Congressional Western Caucus convened in Colorado Springs over the weekend for a field tour and policy discussion focused on energy development, responsible mining, and land management in the West.
Among the participants was Alaska Congressman Nick Begich, who has been a vocal advocate for domestic mining and energy production.
The event, hosted by the Congressional Western Caucus Foundation, brought together key lawmakers and local leaders to examine the region’s diverse energy mix and its historical and ongoing contributions to US mining. Along with Begich, the delegation included Caucus Chairman Doug LaMalfa of California, Vice Chairs Harriet Hageman of Wyoming and Pete Stauber of Minnesota, Jeff Crank of Colorado, Troy Balderson of Ohio, and Lauren Boebert of Colorado.
“Leadership at the Cripple Creek & Victor Gold Mine provided members of Congress with a clear depiction of how we are securing America’s critical mineral future,” said Congressman Begich. “America first starts with American mining and American energy development.”
The field tour gave members a close-up look at mining operations and energy infrastructure, while policy discussions focused on active forest management to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires and address the growing threat of gray wolf populations to livestock in the West. Begich also visited the US Air Force Academy while in Colorado Springs. In his role in Congress, he nominates Alaskans to the Air Force Academy every year.
Begich, who has consistently pushed for expanded domestic mineral production as a cornerstone of national security and energy independence, engaged with stakeholders across the region during the visit.
While former Alaska Rep. Mary Peltola had briefly joined the Congressional Western Caucus during her time in Congress, she was not an active participant, never attending a single meeting.
In contrast, Begich has emerged as a committed and engaged member, participating in field tours and contributing to policy formation.
The Congressional Western Caucus brings together lawmakers from across the country with a shared focus on issues facing rural and resource-rich regions, including public lands, agriculture, mining, and energy. This weekend’s gathering in Colorado Springs was part of the caucus’s ongoing efforts to inform federal policy with boots-on-the-ground insights from local communities.