On January 10, 2019, Utah Senators Mike Lee & Mitt Romney introduced the Protect Utah’s Rural Economy (PURE) Act. The legislation would protect Utah from unilateral intrusion through the Antiquities Act.
After the Senate introduction of the legislation, Representatives Rob Bishop (UT-01), Chris Stewart (UT-02), and John Curtis (UT-03) released the following joint statement:
“We are pleased with our Senate colleagues for this gesture. For too long, Utah has been vulnerable to the whims of Washington. Decisions for Utah should be made by Utahns. Who best knows the state than those who depend on Utah lands for their livelihoods?
“For the past several decades, the Antiquities Act has been abused with some of the most egregious abuses happening in Utah. What was once a law passed to protect landmarks, has become a political weapon. Our state is still dealing with the ramifications of the Obama & Clinton abuses.
“In the House, we have been beating this drum for years and we stand ready to push companion legislation as soon as it passes the Senate.”
