“Land use decisions are never easy as they directly affect neighborhoods, their citizens’ livelihoods, environments, and the economic future of communities. They can upend local economies or promote significant growth; they can limit recreational access or ensure widespread sustainable enjoyment of the land. These policies can protect the environment, support effective land management, and safeguard native land use. The complexity and lasting effect of these decisions is why they are best made collaboratively, through local consultation. Yet, the Antiquities Act requires no such coordination prior to the creation of a national monument. The broad discretion the Antiquities Act grants presidents has led to its abuse.
“No president has seriously revisited the modern, expansive use of the Antiquities Act. We urge you to keep all remedies on the table as you consider how to correct past abuses of the Antiquities Act and work with Congress to ensure a more measured approach is taken and required in the future.”
The letter was signed by Senators Orrin Hatch (R-UT), James Lankford (R-OK), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Thad Cochran (R-MS), Luther Strange (R-AL), Steve Daines (R-MT), Pat Roberts (R-KS), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Mike Crapo (R-ID), John Barrasso (R-WY), James Risch (R-ID), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Dean Heller (R-NV), John Kennedy (R-LA), Jeff Flake (R-AZ), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Richard Shelby (R-AL), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Michael Enzi (R-WY), and James Inhofe (R-OK).