On the recordMarch 26, 2014
For generations, Montanans have been dedicated to stewardship of our lands. Montanans know how to best preserve and protect these lands, so that future generations can enjoy them. That is why so many Montanans were upset by Interior Secretary Sally Jewell's recent comments inferring that the President would take action and unilaterally designate new lands as national monuments under the Antiquities Act. Comments like these concern Montanans, who recall recent efforts by the Department of the Interior to designate millions of acres along the Hi-Line as a national monument without local involvement. This unilateral action is unacceptable to the people of my State. That is why I am proud to support the Ensuring Public Involvement in the Creation of National Monuments Act, which requires public participation and local support before the President can make any new monument designations. The American people deserve a voice in the monument designation process, and I strongly encourage my colleagues to support this commonsense bill. ____________________
