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McCollum Statement on Trump Order Threatening National Monuments

April 26, 2017

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.), Ranking Member of the House Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, released the following statement on President Donald Trump's executive order undermining the Antiquities Act:

"For more than a century, the Antiquities Act has served as the bedrock of our nation's commitment to protecting and preserving our natural and cultural legacy. From early designations of the Grand Canyon and the Statue of Liberty to President Obama's protection of the ancient and sacred sites of Bears Ears, the Antiquities Act has safeguarded iconic places for all Americans to enjoy.

"President Donald Trump's order is an attack on our public lands and national heritage. A review of the Antiquities Act and national monument designations is nothing but a pretext to remove protections from millions of acres of America's public lands and expose them to exploitation by private interests. Eliminating or shrinking National Monuments revokes a commitment to the American people and threatens local economies. By taking this unprecedented step, President Trump is also opening the door for future Presidents to undo protections for iconic sites like Muir Woods, Pearl Harbor, or Minnesota's own Pipestone and Grand Portage Monuments.

"In the coming months, I am committed to working with my colleagues, conservation groups, and local stakeholders to stand up for our national monuments and to strongly oppose any attempts by President Trump and Congressional Republican leaders to tear away protections for places Americans hold dear."