NEW REPORT: The Kochs’ Rocky Mountain High

August 31, 2015

David and Charles Koch are turning states across the country into their own political playgrounds, using their billions to influence policy to suit their business and personal needs, and Colorado, where they own an Aspen mansion, is one of the most prolific examples. Together with their network of dark money groups, the Koch brothers are fighting to impose policies that fit their agenda while hurting middle-class Colorado families.

Today, Bridge Project is releasing a new report titled, “The Kochs’ Rocky Mountain High,” a comprehensive look at the impact of the Kochs’ operations in Colorado.

The Kochs treat Colorado as a personal, political, and business playground, but the games they play challenge the ability of Coloradans to govern their own state, put at risk the livelihoods of the state’s residents, and jeopardize the natural beauty that defines Colorado.

The report delves into:

  • The Kochs’ private donor retreats in Aspen and Vail, where they discussed the “threat” of unions, climate regulations, and financial regulations.
  • Koch Industries’ operations in Colorado, where they’ve clashed with the EPA for failing to register facilities, violating reporting requirements, and for not complying with emissions rules.
  • Koch-backed AFP’s deep involvement in Colorado politics, where they’ve pushed the Kochs’ self-enriching agenda on the state and local level.
  • The work of the Koch’s so-called Hispanic outreach group, the LIBRE Initiative, to integrate into the Hispanic community and attempt to hide their  true agenda that harms that Latino community.
  • Koch-backed Concerned Veterans for America’s vow to expand their efforts in Colorado, the place where they first called for privatizing the VA.
  • ALEC’s inroads into the Colorado legislature in an effort to take back public lands, which would lead to the Kochs’ ability to buy and profit from public lands.
  • The Koch network’s heavy spending in Colorado for candidates who back their agenda, including in the 2014 U.S. Senate race in support of Cory Gardner and 2014 Attorney General race in support of Cynthia Coffman.
  • Bill Koch’s alleged kidnapping of someone in Colorado (make sure to read until the end!).

Read the report here

RockyMountain

Paid for by American Bridge 21st Century Foundation