Support Legislation to Limit the President’s Authority to Designate Massive National Monuments

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However, we would like to keep you apprised of how ARRA has been involved on this issue by providing the text of the original action alert that was sent to our members. If you have not already done so, please join ARRA to receive any updates on this issue that may occur as well as other important action alerts.

Original Action Alert:

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chairman Reintroduces Legislation to Prevent Unilateral Executive Decisions on Monument Designations!

The Obama Administration designated nearly 600 million acres, an area five times the size of California, onshore and offshore as national monuments.  These include multiple inappropriately massive designations on public lands that will negatively impact access for all sorts of multiple uses including recreation.  While ARRA and others will continue to work to protect access in those areas already designated, especially the Monuments created in the last few days of Obama’s Presidency, it remains important to curb the unilateral authority to make designations that has been abused by previous Administrations.

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chairman Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) has reintroduced legislation, S. 33, the Improved National Monument Designation Process Act, a bill to facilitate greater local input and require state approval before National Monuments can be designated on federal lands and waters.  The legislation requires a specific authorization by an Act of Congress, approval by the state legislature, and certification of compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act before any National Monument can be declared on public land.

While ARRA has asked you to engage on this issue many times over the past few years, it is of particular importance to keep this issue at the forefront right now.  There is momentum gathering and the new Congress and Administration need to hear from you early and often that you believe it is finally time for a change.  There are plenty of reasons for optimism, including the fact that 25 Senators have already cosponsored S. 33 which was only just introduced on January 5, 2017.


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