Review of National Monuments Options

[ASTROBLEME]

President Trump just ordered the Department of Interior to produce a report within 45 days that will provide recommendations for actions to be taken on National Monuments. Perhaps the abuse of the 1906 Antiquities Act is about to end.

ASTROBLEME

[johnnybravo300]

That would be awesome if he could do something but lots of resistance from the socialists and sellouts so far on everything he's tried. The name of the game with the establishment is total control so that won't be easy.

[MikeS]

I seen this news today and I am happy that the administration is taking a look at this issue.

[DiggingDad32]

I am certainly not looking to get into a political discussion, but what benefits would come from this? I am genuinely asking and not being sarcastic.

[ASTROBLEME]

I am certainly not looking to get into a political discussion, but what benefits would come from this? I am genuinely asking and not being sarcastic.

Dear DiggingDad32,

I hope I can help you better understand this matter, from my point of view anyway. Others may have a different opinion and I encourage them to join in as well.

It is a shame that politics has gotten so involved now rather than the government just following already well established law. The Antiquities Act of 1906 basically allows for a President to designate land as a National Monument for special protection. Rather than setting aside the minimum amount of land that would allow for proper protection, the government now takes as much land as they can during the designation process. This has been the practice over the past several administrations. This Federal designation of land for inclusion into a National Monument status prohibits mineral mining, timber harvest, grazing access, energy development, etc etc...all to the detriment of local control and regional job creation opportunities. When consideration is given for the additional costs of maintaining such large areas contained within the overreaching land grabs, it is harder and harder for the government to properly fund required maintenance for the critical area that actually has the important features needing Federal protection.

Congress can take actions to abolish a National Monument but, as I understand it, a President has the authority to change the boundaries of previously established monument designations. If one were to lump all the designated monuments together the land coverage is almost the size of Texas! Surely there are parcels of lands that do not deserve this special designation and as such, should be re-opened immediately.

ASTROBLEME