Protect the Antiquities Act and our public lands

For over a century, the Antiquities Act has been a bipartisan tool used by Presidents and Congress to protect our lands that make up the cultural, historic, natural, recreational, and scenic resources that are our national legacy. While a president or Congress can declare a national monument, it is Congress that ultimately decides how to protect these sites and has the power to elevate a national monument to a national park. Many of our nation’s most famous parks -- including the Grand Canyon -- came to be due because Congress worked together to turn already established national monuments in national parks. Our national monuments play an important part in celebrating our special places, recognizing our country’s long history, and contributing to local economies. Dismantling this important law would unravel over 100 years of work by presidents and Congresses. Please safeguard the Antiquities Act to ensure our special places are protected for future generations.