Date: 09/13/2011
Dear BRC Action Alert Subscriber
As I write this, the U.S. House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands, chaired by Utah Representative Rob Bishop, is hearing testimony on several bills designed to limit the President's unilateral authority to designate National Monuments. More info here.
The bills would either forbid the President's use of the Antiquities Act of 1906 or require Congressional approval of its use within a set time.
The threat of millions of acres of public lands getting locked up by a unilateral National Monument designation has been looming ever since a secret Department of Interior memo was made public in 2010. The memo revealed the Administration has detailed plans for locking up over 13 million acres of new National Monuments in 11 western states.
BRC and other pro-access groups have asked Congress to pass legislation that mandates public involvement in any future Presidential National Monument designation. In February of 2010, BRC's Executive Director, Greg Mumm, said, "The time for Congress to act is now. A sitting President should not be allowed to unilaterally reserve millions of acres without some public input and congressional oversight."
We applaud Utah Representative Rob Bishop for convening this important hearing. Given the past abuses of the Antiquities Act, we believe this legislation is necessary. And given the extensive plans the Obama Administration has already made for future Monuments, it is absolutely vital that legislation moves in the House and Senate committees this year.
You can help.
We are asking our members to contact their legislators by phone in support of these bills. Sorry, emails are not effective. You must call your legislators now. CLICK HERE for Talking Points and to contact your Legislator.
Also, if you haven't done so already, please sign our Petition in support of National Monument Designation Transparency and Accountability Act. CLICK HERE.
Given the administration's plans for new National Monuments, it is absolutely VITAL Congress mandate full public involvement PRIOR to any Presidential action. Your phone call can make the difference! Thank you in advance for your help.
Brian Hawthorne
Public Lands Policy Director
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 102
_________________________________________________________________________
MORE INFORMATION ON THE WEB
Obama Secret Plan for Monuments Compels Congressional Action ...February 19, 2010
The BlueRibbon Coalition ...today asked Congress to pass legislation that mandates public involvement in any future Presidential National Monument designation...
www.sharetrails.org/releases/?story=685&filter=media
Secret Document Reveals Obama Considering 13 Million Acre Land Grab ...
Obama is considering Monuments in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Montana...
www.sharetrails.org/alerts/?alert=1122
Obama Monument Update - ACTION ITEM INCLUDED - BRC Action Alert ...April 22, 2010
...the saga that began with the disclosure of a secret memo outlining plans for 13 million acres of new National Monuments in 11 western states...
www.sharetrails.org/alerts/?alert=1164
The Treasured Landscape Initiative
http://www.sharetrails.org/public-lands/?section=treasured-landscapes
Department of the Interior (DOI) Secret Internal Document (Monument List & Map)
http://www.sharetrails.org/public-lands/?section=monuments
One Pager- National Monument Designation Transparency and Accountability Act
http://www.sharetrails.org/uploads/One-Pager_NMDTA.pdf
Text of H.R. 758
http://www.sharetrails.org/uploads/HR.758_Bill_Text.pdf
Cosponsors for H.R. 758 & S. 407
http://www.sharetrails.org/uploads/HR.758_S.407_CoSponsors.pdf
Continue reading...
Dear BRC Action Alert Subscriber
As I write this, the U.S. House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands, chaired by Utah Representative Rob Bishop, is hearing testimony on several bills designed to limit the President's unilateral authority to designate National Monuments. More info here.
The bills would either forbid the President's use of the Antiquities Act of 1906 or require Congressional approval of its use within a set time.
The threat of millions of acres of public lands getting locked up by a unilateral National Monument designation has been looming ever since a secret Department of Interior memo was made public in 2010. The memo revealed the Administration has detailed plans for locking up over 13 million acres of new National Monuments in 11 western states.
BRC and other pro-access groups have asked Congress to pass legislation that mandates public involvement in any future Presidential National Monument designation. In February of 2010, BRC's Executive Director, Greg Mumm, said, "The time for Congress to act is now. A sitting President should not be allowed to unilaterally reserve millions of acres without some public input and congressional oversight."
We applaud Utah Representative Rob Bishop for convening this important hearing. Given the past abuses of the Antiquities Act, we believe this legislation is necessary. And given the extensive plans the Obama Administration has already made for future Monuments, it is absolutely vital that legislation moves in the House and Senate committees this year.
You can help.
We are asking our members to contact their legislators by phone in support of these bills. Sorry, emails are not effective. You must call your legislators now. CLICK HERE for Talking Points and to contact your Legislator.
Also, if you haven't done so already, please sign our Petition in support of National Monument Designation Transparency and Accountability Act. CLICK HERE.
Given the administration's plans for new National Monuments, it is absolutely VITAL Congress mandate full public involvement PRIOR to any Presidential action. Your phone call can make the difference! Thank you in advance for your help.
Brian Hawthorne
Public Lands Policy Director
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 102
_________________________________________________________________________
MORE INFORMATION ON THE WEB
Obama Secret Plan for Monuments Compels Congressional Action ...February 19, 2010
The BlueRibbon Coalition ...today asked Congress to pass legislation that mandates public involvement in any future Presidential National Monument designation...
www.sharetrails.org/releases/?story=685&filter=media
Secret Document Reveals Obama Considering 13 Million Acre Land Grab ...
Obama is considering Monuments in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Montana...
www.sharetrails.org/alerts/?alert=1122
Obama Monument Update - ACTION ITEM INCLUDED - BRC Action Alert ...April 22, 2010
...the saga that began with the disclosure of a secret memo outlining plans for 13 million acres of new National Monuments in 11 western states...
www.sharetrails.org/alerts/?alert=1164
The Treasured Landscape Initiative
http://www.sharetrails.org/public-lands/?section=treasured-landscapes
Department of the Interior (DOI) Secret Internal Document (Monument List & Map)
http://www.sharetrails.org/public-lands/?section=monuments
One Pager- National Monument Designation Transparency and Accountability Act
http://www.sharetrails.org/uploads/One-Pager_NMDTA.pdf
Text of H.R. 758
http://www.sharetrails.org/uploads/HR.758_Bill_Text.pdf
Cosponsors for H.R. 758 & S. 407
http://www.sharetrails.org/uploads/HR.758_S.407_CoSponsors.pdf
The BlueRibbon Coalition is a national recreation group that champions responsible recreation, and encourages individual environmental stewardship. With members in all 50 states, BRC is focused on building enthusiast involvement with organizational efforts through membership, outreach, education, and collaboration among recreationists. 1-800-BlueRib - www.sharetrails.org
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As a non-profit, grassroots organization funded primarily by membership dues and donations, we greatly appreciate your support. Visit http://www.sharetrails.org/make-a-difference-now to help fund our efforts to protect your trails!_______________________________________________________
Continue reading...