5-24-17 Congress Takes On Misused Antiquities Act

“Consider how far the Antiquities Act has strayed from its original intent: The act states that monument designations should be limited to “the smallest area compatible with proper care and management of the objects to be protected.” In recent years, however, it has been used as a large-scale conservation policy, dictated by presidential decree. Many recent monuments have comprised more than one million acres each. “[A]n act that grants presidents such authority without Congress’ approval or local input should be viewed for what it truly is: an antiquated law.” [...]