Flake, McCain Statement on Successful Defeat of Arizona National Monument Proposal
Press Release
Following President Barack Obama's departure from the White House to the presidential inauguration, U.S. Sens. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) and John McCain (R-Ariz.) released the following statement on the successful defeat of an ill-conceived proposal to designate a 1.7 million acre national monument in Arizona:
"This is a hard-won victory considering that as recently as a few weeks ago, indications were that President Obama had all but decided to unilaterally declare a national monument to lock-up nearly two million acres in Arizona. We would like to thank the countless stakeholders, including Arizona's sportsmen and cattlemen community, along with businesses, who, through active engagement and sheer force of will, helped us convince the outgoing administration that Arizona's natural and historic sites can be protected in a manner that still respects the wide range of federal land users in the state. Despite this achievement and an incoming administration committed to a federal land management policy that promotes meaningful engagement, without congressional action, the long-term threat of presidential land-grabs will hang over Arizona indefinitely. Recognizing the need for a long-term solution, we will continue to advance legislation to ensure Congress and affected stakeholders have a say in the creation of all future national monuments."
Background:
President Obama used the Antiquities Act of 1906 to create 29 new national monuments and expand 5 existing national monuments during his presidency. The more than 500 million acres of new and expanded monuments is the most by any administration in presidential history according to the Congressional Research Service.
On Jan. 17, 2017, Flake penned an op-ed outlining his opposition to national monuments unilaterally established by the president without meaningful engagement with stakeholders and members of Congress. The op-ed can be viewed here.
On Jan. 5, 2017 Flake and McCain cosponsored S. 33, a bill to require state and congressional approval and completion of the NEPA process before any new national monuments can be declared. The text of the bill can be viewed here.
On Dec. 5, 2016 Flake and McCain sent a letter to President Barack Obama following encouraging reports that he may abandon plans to declare a new national monument in Arizona. The signed letter can be viewed here.
On Dec. 5, 2016 Flake and McCain also sent a letter to Secretary of Interior Sally Jewell inquiring about the department's position on designating a new monument in Arizona. The signed letter can be viewed here.
On Oct. 3, 2016, Flake and McCain sent a letter to President Barack Obama asking him to refrain from designating any additional national monuments in Arizona without first engaging with affected stakeholders, including local governments and state agencies. The signed letter can be viewed here
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