Representative Wayne Norviel Aspinall

Wayne Norviel Aspinall served as a Representative from Colorado in the United States Congress from 1949 to 1973. A member of the Democratic Party, Wayne Norviel Aspinall contributed to the legislative process during 12 terms in office.

Wayne Norviel Aspinall’s service in Congress occurred during a significant period in American history. As a member of the House of Representatives, Wayne Norviel Aspinall participated in the democratic process and represented the interests of constituents.

Wayne Norviel Aspinall (April 3, 1896 – October 9, 1983) was an American lawyer and politician from Colorado. He is largely known for his tenure in the United States House of Representatives, serving 12 terms as a Democrat from 1949 to 1973 from Colorado’s 4th congressional district. Aspinall became known for his direction of the House Interior and Insular Affairs Committee, of which he was the chairman from 1959 to 1973. Aspinall focused the majority of his efforts on Western land and water issues. His actions supporting resource development often drew the ire of the increasingly powerful environmental lobby in the 1960s. David Brower, a prominent executive director of the Sierra Club, said that the environmental movement had seen “dream after dream dashed on the stony continents of Wayne Aspinall.” The congressman returned the animosity, calling environmentalists “over-indulged zealots” and “aristocrats” to whom “balance means nothing.” This battle shaped Aspinall’s congressional career.