Sponsors (2)
The bill shifts monument designation authority toward Congress, giving local/state officials and nearby businesses more control and certainty but risking slower protections for sensitive sites and greater politicization of conservation decisions.
State and local governments and their elected representatives will have more direct control and oversight over new or expanded federal monuments because Congress must approve designations, reducing unilateral federal agency or presidential actions.
Energy and utility companies and other local businesses near proposed monument areas face reduced risk of sudden federal restrictions because monument designations would require Congressional approval, improving regulatory predictability for local economies.
Rural communities, cultural-heritage sites, and the public may receive slower or no protection for natural, cultural, and historic resources because requiring Congressional approval can delay or prevent timely monument designations and limit agencies' ability to respond rapidly to threats.
State and local governments and the public could see land-protection decisions become more politicized and subject to partisan delays, increasing uncertainty over conservation outcomes.
Rural and tourism-dependent communities may lose economic benefits from recreation and heritage tourism if fewer or delayed monuments reduce funding, access, and preservation of sites.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Removes the President's unilateral Antiquities Act authority and requires Congress to expressly authorize creation or expansion of national monuments.
Official title: Reserve to Congress the authority to establish or extend a national monument.
Introduced January 23, 2025 by Mike Lee · Last progress January 23, 2025
Prohibits the President from unilaterally creating or expanding national monuments under the Antiquities Act and requires Congress to expressly authorize any establishment or enlargement of a national monument. The bill replaces current Antiquities Act language so only acts of Congress can create or extend national monument designations.