Representative Paul Gosar (R-AZ) has introduced two pieces of legislation nullifying the declaration of two Arizona landmarks as national monuments, assuring they are preventing access to much-needed resources.
In June 2000, President Bill Clinton created the Ironwood Forest National Monument in Southern Arizona via executive order. The designation cuts off access to numerous minerals such as copper, gold, zinc, lead, and silver. Rep. Gosar alleges that the was politically motivated.
More recently, in August 2023, President Biden created the Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni-Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument, which similarly cuts off access to a uranium deposit in the designated area. However, the Grand Canyon Trust claims that the mine would not be profitable anyway.
Nevertheless, the Trump Administration, which has made energy independence part of its agenda, has signaled that it would consider overturning the establishment of these monuments and allowing for mining. Despite the support, no final decision has been made.
In a statement, Rep. Gosar commented that "the reckless declaration of vast national monuments has locked up thousands of acres of land, placing them off limits to responsible mining, energy development, and other multiple-use purposes that help fuel our economy and support American energy independence."
"The Antiquities Act was never intended to be a tool for radical environmentalists and their political cronies in Washington, D.C. to block access to America's abundant and much-needed resources," the Arizona Congressman continued, adding, "Thankfully, the Trump Administration is reconsidering both of these National Monuments as executive abuses under the Antiquities Act."
Gosar concluded by saying his two bills "reassert Congress's role and return to a balanced approach where conservation and economic development work in concert. Federal lands belong to the American people, not unelected bureaucrats or woke presidents who abuse executive authority to shut them off from productive use."
In July, the Arizona Congressman introduced a bill removing the Mexican wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) from the Endangered Species List, as the animal's population has fully recovered and now poses a problem to ranchers by attacking and killing livestock.
