Antiquities Act Review (E.O. 13792)

Summary

Requires a review of large national monuments created since 1996 to see if they limit land use, hurt the economy, or were made without local input.

What problem does this solve?

Some national monuments may be too large and created without enough input from local communities, which can block economic growth and access to public lands. This order requires the government to review these monuments to make sure they balance protecting nature with the needs of the people and the economy.

What does this order do?

Mandates review of national monuments

Requires the Secretary of the Interior to review all presidential designations of national monuments since January 1, 1996, that are larger than 100,000 acres or were created without enough public input.

Sets criteria for the review

Directs the review to check if a monument is the smallest possible size needed for protection and to consider its effects on land use, the economy, and local communities.

Requires reports with recommendations

Orders the Secretary of the Interior to provide an interim report in 45 days and a final report in 120 days. These reports will suggest actions the President or Congress could take.

Focuses on Bears Ears National Monument

Specifies that the first, interim report must include findings and recommendations for the Bears Ears National Monument.

Involves state, tribal, and local governments

Requires the Secretary of the Interior to talk with governors and officials from state, tribal, and local governments that are affected by the monument designations.

Who does this affect?

State, tribal, and local governments
Energy and natural resource industries
Environmental and conservation groups

What is the real world impact?

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Ensures local voices are heard in land decisions

Requires that the creation of national monuments includes communication with state, tribal, and local governments. This makes sure that the people most affected by these decisions have a say in the process.

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Balances conservation with economic needs

Aims to make sure that protecting historic or scientific sites does not unnecessarily stop economic activities like energy development or public access to federal lands, which are important for local economies.

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Opens protected lands to commercial use

Critics might argue this review is a way to shrink or remove protections for national monuments. This could allow for mining, drilling, and other business activities on lands that were previously set aside for conservation.

When does this start?

This order takes effect immediately on April 26, 2017, and sets several deadlines for reports.

Interim report on findings

Within 45 days of the order, the Secretary of the Interior must provide an interim report, which will include findings on the Bears Ears National Monument.

Final report with recommendations

Within 120 days of the order, the Secretary must provide a final report summarizing all findings and recommending actions for the President or Congress.