Local and state stakeholders would have greater control over national monument designations on federal lands and waters under a bill recently introduced by U.S. Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT).
The Improved National Monument Designation Process Act would require local input and state approval before the executive branch could designate national monuments on federal lands and waters.
“As a fifth generation Montanan and avid sportsman, I know how important it is for Montanans to play a strong role in the management of these precious parts of our state,” Daines said. “Any designation should be driven locally, not by out-of-state Washington, D.C. bureaucrats.”
Under the bill, national monument designations would have to be authorized by an act of Congress, designations would have to be approved by state legislatures within 100 miles of a monument, and certification of compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act would be required.
The Antiquities Act of 1906 provides the president with authority to create national monuments, but requires presidents reserve “the smallest area compatible with the proper care and management of the objects to be protected.”
Daines said in recent years, however, the Antiquities Act has been used to create massive conservation areas despite opposition from local residents.
The Obama administration has designated a total of 554 million acres, equal to an area five times the size of California, both onshore and offshore as national monuments.
“The Montana Stockgrowers Association thanks Sen. Daines for his strong support of the Improved National Monument Designation Process Act,” said Bryan Mussard, the president of the Montana Stockgrowers Association, which supports cattle-ranching families.
“Requiring public input and approval from both the state legislature and Congress will help reduce federal overreach and prevent land from being designated without sufficient state and local input,” he said.
The bill is sponsored by U.S. Sens. Roy Blunt (R-MO), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Pat Roberts (R-KS), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Roger Wicker (R-MS).