Biden to expand 2 Utah national monuments downsized under Trump
President Biden is reversing former President Donald Trump's decision to reduce the size of the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments in Utah.
Under Trump, Bears Ears — which former President Barack Obama made a national monument in 2016, at the request of Indigenous peoples — was cut by 85 percent and Grand Staircase-Escalante was cut by almost 50 percent. This opened up the land for possible coal mining and oil and gas drilling where it was previously prohibited, The Guardian reports.
Environmental activists, Indigenous leaders, and Democratic lawmakers applauded Biden. Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.) said the move showed the administration is committed to "conserving our public lands and respecting the voices of Indigenous peoples. It's time to put Trump's cynical actions in the rearview mirror."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox (R) felt differently, saying he was saddened by the decision and wanted to work with Biden on legislative action. "The president's decision to enlarge the monuments again is a tragic missed opportunity," Cox said in a statement. "It fails to provide certainty as well as the funding for law enforcement, research, and other protections which the monuments need and which only congressional action can offer."
In April, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland visited the Utah monuments, and recommended they return to their original size. It's not yet clear if Biden will do a full restoration; he's expected to make the official announcement soon.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Catherine Garcia is night editor for TheWeek.com. Her writing and reporting has appeared in Entertainment Weekly and EW.com, The New York Times, The Book of Jezebel, and other publications. A Southern California native, Catherine is a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
-
What is cloud seeding and did it cause Dubai's severe rainfall?
The Explainer The future is flooded
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
American Airlines pilots are warning of a 'significant spike' in safety issues
In the Spotlight The pilot's union listed 'problematic trends' they say are affecting the airline's fleet
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
6 star-spangled presidential libraries to visit
The Week Recommends These institutions provide insight into American leaders
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
'Voters know Biden and Trump all too well'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
Who will win the 2024 presidential election?
In Depth Election year is here. Who are pollsters and experts predicting to win the White House?
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
'Elevating Earth Day into a national holiday is not radical — it's practical'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
Ukraine cheers House approval of military aid
Speed Read Following a lengthy struggle, the House has approved $95 billion in aid for Ukraine and Israel
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Myanmar: the Spring Revolution and the downfall of the generals
Talking Point An armed protest movement has swept across the country since the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi was overthrown in 2021
By The Week Staff Published
-
'Republicans want to silence Israel's opponents'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
Poland, Germany nab alleged anti-Ukraine spies
Speed Read A man was arrested over a supposed Russian plot to kill Ukrainian President Zelenskyy
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Israel hits Iran with retaliatory airstrike
Speed Read The attack comes after Iran's drone and missile barrage last weekend
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published