Today, Donald Trump signed an executive order launching a review of all National Monuments over 100,000 acres that have been designated in the last 21 years. (21 years is a conveniently long cutoff designed to include the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in Southern Utah).

This review is a dangerous attack on our National Parks, Public Lands, and Oceans, as well as the neighboring communities that rely on them to support their recreation economies. These monuments were designated by the Antiquities Act, which was signed by Teddy Roosevelt, and designed to protect our nation’s historical, cultural, and natural heritage. It is a powerful conservation tool that has been used by 16 different presidents, from both ends of the political spectrum to create more than 150 National Monuments and protect public lands.

Trump’s review lays disastrous groundwork for future attacks on our public lands. Here at CHC, we are especially concerned about this executive order because of the importance of public lands here in the North Fork Valley. An attack on one national monument is an attack on all national monuments, and an attack on national monuments is an attack on all public lands. We can’t afford or allow a chipping away of our public lands and long-term environmental protections for the short-term benefit of a few energy companies and the risk of long-term irreparable harm.

Senator Bennet has already come out in opposition to this Executive Order.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please also thank Senator Bennet for standing up for our public lands.

Washington: (202) 224-5852

Denver: (303) 455-7600

Facebook: @senbennetco