Panel warns of repeated changes to national monuments; panelists urge a stable process
Summary
Panelists discussed possible federal reductions of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante and said the Antiquities Act of 1906 allows presidents to create monuments quickly. They argued Congress should consider legislative changes so monument designations are not repeatedly expanded and contracted.
The Trump administration's reported consideration of shrinking some national monuments, including Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante, prompted a panel discussion on the Hinckley Report about the Antiquities Act and the instability of repeatedly changing monument boundaries.
Jay Evenson briefed viewers on the history: presidents have used the Antiquities Act of 1906 to protect archeological and natural sites without immediate congressional approval; recent administrations have expanded or reduced monuments, producing what Evenson called a "yo-yo" of policy.
"All this to me says we need to change the way we do this, and this goes back to the antiquities act of 1906," Evenson said. He explained the act's original purpose was to prevent theft of artifacts and to protect ancient sites.
Senator Mike McKell said the changes have economic and state interests and argued the issue needs a consistent national approach. "We need consistency, not not only for local communities, state, but but industry," McKell said. He also framed some monument debates as national-security and resource issues, saying the U.S. cannot rely on foreign suppliers for some resources.
Panelists noted prior instances: the monuments were reduced under one administration and expanded under another; proposed future changes may spur congressional proposals to require faster congressional ratification or limits on unilateral presidential resizing.
The discussion did not report formal federal action during the broadcast; rather, panelists said they expect renewed debate and possible congressional responses to limit swings in monument policy.
