John Hansen: “Since September 18, 1996, the Utah delegation, the Committee on Resources and many other Members of Congress have tried…”

“Since September 18, 1996, the Utah delegation, the Committee on Resources and many other Members of Congress have tried to figure out a way to both preserve the President's authority to designate national monuments in emergency situations but prevent the type of abuses the Clinton administration pulled last September in Utah. After much discussion in committee and with other Members, since then I have agreed on a compromise proposal that addresses these many concerns. My amendment allows the President to unilaterally designate any, any national monument up to 50,000 acres in size. Remember, this is the approximate size of the District of Columbia. If the President wants to designate a national monument over 50,000 acres, he must submit the proposal to the Governor of the affected State 30 days prior to the proclamation. After the 30-day period, the monument is created. However, after 2 years, the monument designation will sunset unless the Congress has passed a joint resolution approving the President's action. Thus, if Congress does not agree with the monument over 50,000 acres in size, the land will revert back to its former status. I commend my colleague from New York for his willingness to reach this agreement. This is a compromise. It restores the balance of power between the President and the Congress while still allowing the President to act in emergency situations as originally intended in 1906.”