Washington, D.C. – President Barack Obama is expected to sign a proclamation creating five new national monuments across the country on Monday, including protection of 240,000 acres of land in Rio Grande del Norte, New Mexico. In response, Center for American Progress Chair and former White House Chief of Staff John Podesta released the following statement:
I commend President Obama’s action to create five new national monuments across the country. This is a victory for conservation and for all Americans. The last Congress was the most antienvironmental in history, so President Obama is right to respond to the calls of local communities that want their public lands protected for the environmental, cultural, and economic benefits they provide. This marks a significant development where President Obama has begun to put his mark on protecting the national treasure of America for future generations.
To speak with a CAP expert on this topic, contact Anne Shoup at [email protected] or 202.481.7146.
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