Washington, D.C. — Today, President Donald Trump announced plans to eliminate protections on more than 1.1 million acres of Bears Ears National Monument and more than 876,000 acres of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. In response, Neera Tanden, president and CEO of the Center for American Progress, issued the following statement:
President Trump and Interior Secretary Zinke today wrote themselves into the history books for a disgraceful and illegal attempt to break Teddy Roosevelt’s promise that America’s conservation protections are forever. Their actions reflect a shameful disrespect for Native American nations whose sacred sites they are selling out for mining and drilling.
President Trump has also made clear that this is only the first phase of his attack on America’s national monuments and protected areas. All those who cherish America’s natural heritage—from the coastal communities of New England and the Pacific to outdoor enthusiasts and businesses in Oregon, California, Nevada, and New Mexico—must fight to stop President Trump and Secretary Zinke from selling out the lands and waters that belong to all of us.
For more information or to speak to an expert, please contact Sam Hananel at 202.478.6327 or [email protected].