New Bill Demands Congress, Not the President, OK National Monuments: 'Ending Presidential Overreach on Public Lands Act' Shifts Power

The "Ending Presidential Overreach on Public Lands Act" would flip the script on how national monuments are created. Instead of the President having the power to designate these protected areas, Congress would need to give the thumbs-up for any new national monument or expansion of an existing one (SEC. 2). This is a major change from the current system, where presidents can act unilaterally.

Monumental Changes

This bill is all about shifting who calls the shots on protecting public lands. Right now, the President can establish national monuments to preserve areas of natural, cultural, or historical significance. This bill, however, puts that power squarely in the hands of Congress. It's a direct challenge to executive authority, requiring lawmakers to sign off on any decisions about new or expanded monuments.

Real-World Rollout

Imagine a local artisan who creates unique crafts using sustainably harvested materials from an area being considered for national monument status. Under the current system, the President could protect that area relatively quickly. With this bill, that protection now depends on Congressional approval—a process that could take significantly longer, or not happen at all. Or consider a small-town restaurant owner whose business relies on tourism. If a nearby area is being considered as a national monument, the delay caused by requiring Congressional action could significantly impact their business, creating uncertainty about future tourism revenue.

The Hurdles Ahead

Requiring Congressional approval could introduce significant delays and political wrangling into the process of protecting public lands. Getting a bill through Congress can be a long and complex process, subject to debates, amendments, and potential gridlock. This could slow down or even prevent the designation of new monuments, potentially leaving vulnerable areas open to development or resource extraction.

The Big Picture

This bill represents a fundamental change in how the U.S. has historically managed its public lands and protected its natural and cultural heritage. It's a move away from the executive branch's ability to act quickly and decisively on conservation, and towards a more deliberative, but potentially much slower, process in Congress. This shift could have long-term impacts on the balance between conservation and development, and on how the nation preserves its most treasured landscapes and historical sites.