Bears Ears National Monument size restored under Biden

National monuments in the United States can change in size and protection under different presidents, thanks to a law called the Antiquities Act. This law, established in 1906, allows the president to create or modify national monuments on federal land to protect their ecological, cultural, or scientific value. Public lands, which include national parks and forests, are essential to America's identity and cover a significant portion of the country. Many Americans support the protection of these lands for recreation and tourism. However, the status of national monuments can shift depending on the administration in power. For example, Bears Ears National Monument in Utah has seen its protected area drastically reduced and then restored under different presidents in recent years. The Antiquities Act allows presidents to make changes without a long environmental review process, which can lead to rapid alterations of national monuments. Critics argue that this can overlook important environmental impacts. Additionally, the act does not clearly specify whether a president can reduce the size of a monument created by a previous president, leading to legal uncertainties. National parks and monuments can also boost local economies. Studies show that areas with more public land tend to experience greater economic growth. Despite this, concerns about the future protection of these lands may discourage community investments in tourism and recreation. There are potential solutions to increase the stability of national monuments. Courts could clarify whether presidents can reduce monument sizes, and Congress could pass laws to permanently protect these areas. In addition, a bipartisan bill aims to prevent the privatization of public lands and ensure continued access for recreation. Overall, public lands hold significant importance for many Americans, and support for their protection remains strong. These lands are more than just physical places; they embody American ideals and values.