Carper Statement on Trump Order Undermining Protected Public Lands

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), top Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, issued the following statement on President Trump’s executive order that would allow his administration to review and possibly compromise tens of millions of acres of lands protected under the Antiquities Act and designated as national monuments by past presidents.

“For over 100 years, the Antiquities Act has successfully preserved and protected the most treasured spaces across this great country. These spaces are still beautiful today because those before us had the foresight to preserve them for future generations. Imagine if Americans in 2017 could not experience the giant sequoias in California or the Statue of Liberty or Harriet Tubman’s Underground Railroad. Thanks to the Antiquities Act, Delaware’s First State National Park has preserved the historic areas where our Founding Fathers fought for independence, ratified our Constitution and began to build our nation. These spaces tell the incredible story of America – they showcase our heritage and protecting them, as so many past presidents have recognized, is not only the right thing to do, but also makes good environmental and economic sense.

“President Teddy Roosevelt, who created America’s first national monument under the Antiquities Act, urged all Americans to ‘cherish these natural wonders, cherish the natural resources, cherish the history and romance as a sacred heritage, for your children and your children’s children.’ Today’s executive order threatens the cherished spaces and cultural sites across the country that make America so unique. I will keep fighting to ensure that generations to come are able to enjoy these important landmarks like we have for over a century.”

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