This bill would require congressional approval for the establishment or expansion of national monuments, taking away the president's power. It is called the "Ending Presidential Overreach on Public Lands Act."
Celeste Maloy
Representative
UT-2
The "Ending Presidential Overreach on Public Lands Act" requires congressional approval for the creation or expansion of any national monument. This bill aims to limit the President's authority over public lands by ensuring that any designation or expansion of national monuments is subject to congressional oversight and approval.
New Bill Demands Congress, Not President, Approve National Monuments: 'Ending Presidential Overreach on Public Lands Act' Shifts Power
The 'Ending Presidential Overreach on Public Lands Act' lives up to its name. This bill requires Congress to greenlight any new national monument or expansion of an existing one. Currently, the President can designate national monuments unilaterally – this bill flips the script, putting that power squarely in the hands of Congress (SEC. 2).
Shifting Sands: From Executive to Legislative
The core change here is all about who gets to decide what land becomes a national monument. Instead of the President acting alone, this bill makes it a group project – requiring a full vote from Congress. This could mean a much slower process, potentially impacting everything from environmental conservation to local economies that rely on tourism drawn to these sites. For example, if a quick-moving wildfire threatened an area of significant ecological importance, the delay in securing Congressional approval could put that area at greater risk, compared to a faster Presidential designation.
Real-World Ripple Effects
This shift could have practical implications for various folks. Imagine a local outdoor recreation business that benefits from increased tourism near a newly designated national monument. Under this bill, that designation – and the economic boost – could be delayed or even blocked entirely. Conversely, a rancher who grazes cattle on public lands might welcome the change, hoping for more local input and potentially less restrictive land-use rules with Congressional oversight. The bill doesn’t automatically favor one group, but it definitely changes the playing field and raises the stakes in land-use decisions.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Changes
One of the main challenges with this bill is the potential for political gridlock. Getting anything through Congress can be tough, and national monument designations could become another bargaining chip in broader political battles. It also raises a question about existing laws like the Antiquities Act, which currently gives the President this authority. This bill doesn't repeal that act, but it certainly adds a significant layer of complexity to the process.