The authority to abolish national monuments

SOURCE www.npr.org
President Trump's administration claims the authority to abolish national monuments created to protect historical and archaeological sites, including two in California. The Justice Department released a legal opinion stating that presidents can revoke monument designations if protections are deemed unwarranted. President Biden had designated Chuckwalla National Monument and Sáttítla Highlands National Monument to protect them from drilling and mining.

Key Points

  • President Trump's administration claims the authority to abolish national monuments
  • The Justice Department's legal opinion disavowed a previous determination stating that monuments created under the Antiquities Act cannot be revoked
  • President Biden designated Chuckwalla National Monument and Sáttítla Highlands National Monument to protect them from drilling and mining

Pros

  • Presidents have the authority to cancel monument designations if protections are not warranted

Cons

  • Critics argue that protective boundaries of monuments were stretched too far under Biden and Obama, hindering mining for critical minerals