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Trump administration to review national monuments boundaries in energy-focused initiative


The Trump administration is reviewing and considering redrawing the boundaries of national monuments created under previous presidents to expand U.S. energy production. The review, outlined by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, has raised concerns among conservation groups that Trump may shrink or eliminate monuments like Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante in Utah that hold coal and uranium reserves. Trump had previously reduced the size of these monuments, but Biden later restored protections. The legality of changing monument boundaries is unclear and part of a pending legal case.

Various groups, including business owners, environmental organizations, and outdoor recreation supporters, have criticized the review as an attack on public lands that protect water, wildlife, trails, and culturally significant sites. These national monuments were created under the Antiquities Act and encompass over 3.2 million acres in Utah. The Supreme Court has affirmed the president’s authority to create national monuments, which has been utilized by both Democrats and Republicans.

Interior Department officials have not specified which monuments may be affected, emphasizing that no decisions have been made. Governor Spencer Cox of Utah supports further shrinking Bears Ears and praised Burgum’s appointment. Burgum also issued directives to reverse regulatory restrictions on the oil, coal, and gas industries under Biden’s administration, aiming to unlock America’s energy potential and economic development.

While the oil industry praises these actions, Democrats and environmentalists push back against the declaration of a national energy emergency, questioning its impact on the Antiquities Act. Local communities and businesses that support the monuments argue that they offer protection and economic benefits. Biden has also designated sites in Nevada and Arizona as national monuments, sparking criticism from Republican officials who feel the actions impede development projects.

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