On Wednesday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed HR 1459, Ensuring Public Involvement in the Creation of National Monuments Act, on a 222-201 vote.  Most notably, the bill would prohibit the President from making more than one national monument declaration in a State during any presidential four-year term of office without an express Act of Congress, or such a declaration from including private property without the informed written consent of the affected private property owner. 

The bill would also require such a declaration to be considered a major federal action under NEPA if it affects more than 5,000 acres.  The bill now moves to the Senate where its future is far less clear than its path from the House. 

For additional information, please contact RCRC Legislative Advocate Cyndi Hillery at 916.447.4806 or chillery@rcrcnet.org.