Sponsors (16)
The bill moves monument-creation authority from the President to Congress, increasing local input and planning predictability but slowing protections, adding political uncertainty, and raising the risk of inconsistent, litigated outcomes for communities, tribes, conservation groups, and industries.
Local governments, rural communities, and federal land managers gain more formal input and predictability because Congress — not the President — must authorize new or expanded national monuments, giving communities greater say and agencies more time for deliberate land-use and resource planning.
Conservation organizations, tribal communities, visitors, and nearby businesses will face slower or delayed protections for ecologically or culturally important lands because monument designations must go through the slower congressional process, risking habitat loss and reduced tourism benefits.
Energy, mining, and utility companies (and entities planning extractive or development projects) will face greater political uncertainty about when or whether protections will be enacted—complicating long-term investment and permitting decisions even if sudden unilateral restrictions become less likely.
Shifting monument-creation authority to Congress could politicize decisions, producing inconsistent outcomes and raising the likelihood of legal challenges that burden local governments, federal employees, and communities seeking protection.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Introduced January 16, 2025 by Celeste Maloy · Last progress January 16, 2025
Prohibits the President from unilaterally creating or expanding national monuments and requires an act of Congress to establish or extend any national monument. The bill replaces the current statutory authority that has allowed presidential monument designations and does not appropriate funds, set deadlines, or create new programs.