Congressional Dems launch a push to make the former Bears Ears National Monument bigger than even

Congressional Dems launch a push to make the former Bears Ears National Monument bigger than even Obama designated


Washington • Democrats have introduced legislation to expand the former Bears Ears National Monument beyond the boundaries that President Barack Obama established — and President Donald Trump slashed — in a move that could see traction in the Democratic-led House but may be dead on arrival in the GOP-controlled Senate.

The Democratic proposal soon may align more closely with the wishes of San Juan County’s newly seated leadership, now with a Navajo majority on its County Commission. The previous commission had opposed Obama’s proclamation that designated the initial 1.3 million-acre monument spanning Cedar Mesa and other areas rich in Native American artifacts, sacred sites and geologic wonders.

On Tuesday, the commission — with tribal members Willie Grayeyes and Kenneth Maryboy giving it a 2-1 Democratic edge — is scheduled to consider a resolution rescinding that past stance and calling for the monument’s full restoration, according to its agenda.

The congressional bill — the second time it’s been introduced — would create a 1.9 million-acre monument in southeastern Utah, 600,000 acres larger than the one Obama named in 2016. The larger monument outlined in the Bears Ears Expansion and Respect for Sovereignty Act would match the one the Navajo and four other tribes petitioned Obama to designate.

Read more: https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2019/02/03/congressional-dems-launch/