Trump administration reviews national monument boundaries to boost energy production

The Trump administration is reviewing the boundaries of national monuments, potentially allowing for reductions. This follows an order from Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, who has set a deadline of February 18 for federal officials to submit plans. Conservation groups are concerned that this review could lead to the shrinking or elimination of monuments like Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante in Utah. These areas are significant for their cultural and environmental value, and they were restored by President Biden after being reduced by Trump. Burgum's order is part of a broader push to increase U.S. energy production. The administration claims a "national energy emergency," which has faced criticism from Democrats and environmentalists. Legal challenges regarding previous monument reductions remain unresolved.