Backdoor procedures undermine Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and all public lands
Yesterday, Utah Republicans furthered their efforts to upend the plan that protects Grand Staircase-Escalante’ National Monument. The previous addition to the congressional record of a Government Accountability Office (GAO) opinion stating that Congress can overturn Monument Management Plans opened the door to this action. Now, Senator Mike Lee has introduced a Joint Resolution of Approval that can be approved with a simple majority vote.
Once the Monument Management Plan is overturned, it cannot be reimplemented. This would open the door for off-road vehicle (ORV) use, landscape-level clearcutting of native pinyon-juniper forests, and other extractive activities—placing wildlife, cultural and fossil sites, and other irreplaceable resources at risk.
Senator Mike Lee has been a consistent opponent of public lands, championing the sell-off proposed in the “Big Beautiful Bill” last year. This was ultimately removed due to bipartisan opposition, which mirrors public opinion. 91% of Western voters say that national monument designations should be kept in place. In a poll focused on Grand Staircase, 74% of Utah voters said they believe this specific monument designation should remain.
In response, Emily Thompson, executive director of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, released the following statement:
“Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is one of Utah’s incredible national monuments that is a core piece of our shared national heritage. It is a critical cultural, historical, and environmental site that protects an extraordinary red rock landscape, unique cultural and fossil sites, and a diverse array of wildlife.
“Overturning the Monument Management Plan could devastate this landscape and the natural and cultural resources it protects. And it is yet another attempt by Senator Mike Lee to undermine the public lands that are treasured by Americans across the political spectrum. If this maneuvering is allowed, it will open the door for public land opponents to attack even more of our beloved landscapes in the future. Members of Congress must reject this misuse of process and help ensure Grand Staircase-Escalante—as well as our other iconic monuments, parks, and public lands—are protected for future generations.”