Sens. Michael Crapo (R-Idaho), James Risch (R-Idaho) and David Vitter (R-La.) have introduced S. 228, the National Monument Designation Transparency and Accountability Act of 2015.
The legislation would amend the American Antiquities Act of 1906 to require congressional approval and National Environmental Policy Act compliance for the designation of new national monuments.
Please click the “Take Action” button, fill out the form at the bottom of the page and click the red “Submit” button to ask your Senators to support S. 228 today.
The AMA believes this would be an important step toward ensuring all affected stakeholders have an opportunity to be heard before these important designations are made. It would also require public input before management changes are made to designated areas.
The designation of a National Monument is significant for recreational opportunities and local economies. While there are cultural and historical landmarks that deserve the designation of National Monument, the AMA believes Congress and the public must be consulted before any action is taken.
The American Motorcyclist Association opposes unilateral executive declarations that do not allow full public debate about the disposition of public lands. Indeed, every designation deserves to be considered individually to allow time for thoughtful deliberation and input from all affected user groups, local and state elected officials and Congress. Without this careful local consultation, a new land use designation can create negative economic and social effects, such as reduced tourism and fewer open areas on which to recreate.
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