Rep. Chris Stewart (R-Utah) joined President Trump for the signing of an Executive Order asking for a review of all of the National Monuments created in the last 21 years. This includes a review of Utah’s Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments.
Following the signing of the Executive Order, Rep. Stewart issued the following statement:
“Over the years, the original intent of the Antiquities Act has morphed well beyond the original intent of the Act, which was to preserve the “smallest area compatible with proper care and management of the objects to be protected”. These land grabs occur with no input from Congress or the local communities most impacted by the designations. It’s an emotional issue to communities around the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments, as it affects and threatens their ways of life. That’s why I believe this Executive Order asking for a review of National Monuments is both a healthy and necessary process.”
“Utahns deserve a collaborative land management process that ensures local residents have a seat at the table.”
As the Vice Chair of the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, Stewart has been working to limit the use of the Antiquities Act. Last year he passed several key provisions in the House Interior Appropriations Bill, and has been the sponsor of the Utah Land Sovereignty Act.
