Text of the Petition
I support the National Monument Designation Transparency and Accountability Act H.R. 758 & S. 407
The National Monument Designation Transparency and Accountability Act would end the abuse of, and bring needed reforms to, the Antiquities Act. The legislation will ensure public involvement and Congressional oversight over any future Presidential National Monument designation.
All across the nation, citizens are concerned that unilateral National Monument designations willresult in overly restrictive management of our Nation's public lands. In the past, huge National Monuments have been created without any notice given to the public or even the State's elected
officials. The U.S. Congress, which has oversight responsibilities for our nation's public lands, was similarly left in the dark.
The National Monument Designation Transparency and Accountability Act of 2010 would reduce the amount of land the President can designate as a national monument. Specifically, it would only allow the President to designate "the smallest area essential to ensure the proper care and management of the objects to be protected."
The law would provide for Congressional review by requiring the President to provide details of any proposed National Monument to Congress, the Governor and local governments at least 30 days prior to designation. The bill would require the Secretary of the Interior to hold at least one public hearing, within the boundaries of the monument and within 90 days of the proclamation. And unless approved by an Act of Congress within two years, a national monument designation proclamation shall cease to be effective.
When new management plans are developed for national monuments federal agencies often impose very burdensome regulations on recreation, both motorized and non-motorized. Past National Monuments have resulted in tens of thousands of miles of roads and trails and even campsites being closed to the public.
Given the past abuses of the Antiquities Act, I believe this legislation is necessary.
Sign the petition at:
http://www.sharetrails.org/S407IT TAKES 30 SECONDS!!!
