Legislation Weakens Important Tool to Conserve Lands for Wildlife and People Alike

DENVER - The Ending Presidential Overreach on Public Lands Act, introduced by Rep. Celeste Maloy (R-Utah) and Rep. Mark Amodei (R-Nev.), would weaken a bedrock conservation law that has been used by presidents of both parties for more than a century to conserve lands with cultural, ecological, and historical significance.

"The Antiquities Act has been a tremendous benefit for wildlife, Indigenous and rural communities, hunters, anglers, and all who seek solace or adventure on public lands," said David Willms, associate vice president for public lands at the National Wildlife Federation. "Nearly every president since Theodore Roosevelt has used the Antiquities Act to conserve such iconic places as the Grand Canyon, Acadia, and Olympic National Parks-to name just a few. Conversations about land management and conservation priorities are important, however, proposals like this one are counterproductive and not supported by the majority Americans."