Obama administration announces controversial Utah and Nevada national monuments

Source: Washington Examiner | December 28, 2016 | Kyle Feldscher

The Obama administration designated 1.6 million acres of Utah and Nevada as national monuments Wednesday, including one controversial area of Utah that is rankling congressional Republicans.

The White House announced the 1.35 million-acre Bear Ears National Monument in southeastern Utah and the 300,000-acre Gold Butte National Monument just outside of Las Vegas. The two desert monuments have long been discussed as possible monument designations, and President Obama said it was time to protect important Native American spaces and natural wonders.

He said the areas contain cultural artifacts, including rock art and archeological sites, and lands that Native Americans consider sacred.

….

The designation was made under the Antiquities Act, which allows the president to designate areas to be placed under federal protection. Administration officials said it’s unlikely President-elect Trump could bow to Republican lawmakers and undo the designation when he takes office — the Antiquities Act doesn’t explicitly grant the president the authority to undo monument designations — but Congress could.

Utah Sen. Mike Lee, a Republican, immediately signaled his intention to work against the new monument designations.

“This arrogant act by a lame duck president will not stand,” Lee tweeted Wednesday. “I will work tirelessly with Congress & incoming Trump administration to honor the will of Utahns and undo this monument designation.”

….

Viewing 2 posts - 1 through 2 (of 2 total)
Viewing 2 posts - 1 through 2 (of 2 total)

You must be logged in to reply to this topic.