March 12, 2019 — The following was released by the House Committee on Natural Resources:

Today, Ranking Republican Rob Bishop (R-Utah) and U.S. Rep. John Curtis (R-Utah) announced the introduction of H.R. 1664 the National Monument Creation and Protection Act (CAP Act).

“The 1906 Antiquities Act was originally intended as an executive tool to protect historical and archeological artifacts and structures under threat. Unfortunately, this worthy goal has been manipulated for ulterior political purposes. Today the Act is used as an excuse for presidents of both parties to unilaterally lock up vast tracts of public land without any mechanism for people to provide input or voice concerns. This is wrong.

“This legislation modernizes the law to restore its intent, allowing for the protection of actual antiquities without disenfranchisement of local voices. It also standardizes and limits the president’s power to reshape monuments.

“As a gesture of bipartisanship, the bill also adopts the direct suggestions made by Democrats during last year’s hearings, including new transparency requirements surrounding lobbying, local government consultation, and economic impact analysis. If my colleagues were serious about their calls for accountability under this Act – no matter which party controls the White House – they will support this bill.”

– said Ranking Republican Rob Bishop (R-Utah)

“Difficult public land issues are best resolved through the collaborative process of congressional legislation, not unilateral antiquities designations. I am proud to support the National Monument Creation and Protection Act, which would facilitate a better balance of voices, including state, local, and other leaders.”

– said Representative John Curtis (R-Utah)

Link to the bill text can be found HERE.