Utah Delegation Welcomes President Trump's Monument Proclamation

Skip to content Close Home Meet Blake Committees & Caucuses Accomplishments Events House Republican Conference Vice Chair First District Trump Accounts Constituent Service Testimonials Veterans History Project Debt & Deficit Task Force Contact Email Blake Offices Subscribe to My Newsletter Request A Meeting Website Problem News Press Releases The Moore You Know Issues Topics Community Project Funding Debt & Deficit Task Force Services Privacy Release Form Office Job Openings Media Release Form Art Competition Tours and Tickets Internships Flag Requests Military Academy Nominations Commendations & Greetings Federal Job Postings Grant Applications Help with a Federal Agency Help Obtaining a Federal Document Senior Citizens Close Mobile Site Search SEARCH Meet Blake Committees & Caucuses Accomplishments Events House Republican Conference Vice Chair First District Trump Accounts Constituent Service Testimonials Veterans History Project Debt & Deficit Task Force Contact Email Blake Offices Subscribe to My Newsletter Request A Meeting Website Problem News Press Releases The Moore You Know Issues Topics Community Project Funding Debt & Deficit Task Force Services Privacy Release Form Office Job Openings Media Release Form Art Competition Tours and Tickets Internships Flag Requests Military Academy Nominations Commendations & Greetings Federal Job Postings Grant Applications Help with a Federal Agency Help Obtaining a Federal Document Senior Citizens Modal Search Button Mobile Site Search Submit Search MENU Home News Press Releases July 13, 2026 Utah Delegation Welcomes President Trump's Monument Proclamation WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Utah federal delegation welcomes President Trump's action modifying the boundaries of the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments. This decision represents a return to an appropriate application of the Antiquities Act as Congress intended. When Congress passed the Antiquities Act in 1906, it authorized presidents to protect historic and scientific objects by reserving only "the smallest area compatible with the proper care and management of the objects to be protected." The law was never intended to place millions of acres under monument designation with the stroke of a pen. For years, Utahns have voiced concerns that these monument designations were made without meaningful input from the local communities most directly affected. This updated designation better reflects the perspectives of stakeholders in Utah whose voices should be part of decisions affecting these public lands. The lands outside the modified monument boundaries remain federal public lands and continue to be protected under existing federal laws. Today's action does not remove those protections. Instead, it better aligns the monument boundaries with the Antiquities Act while ensuring these landscapes remain available for responsible stewardship and multiple use. The president’s action represents a step toward restoring the rule of law, respecting the intent of Congress, protecting Utah's remarkable cultural and natural resources, and ensuring that future land management decisions are guided by both the text of the Antiquities Act and the voices of the Utahns who know these lands best. Rep. Blake Moore: “This has, unfortunately, become a back-and-forth issue between administrations. Today’s announcement takes into consideration years of local concern over restricted access and misuse of the Antiquities Act while still protecting our state’s natural and cultural resources for future generations. If the Antiquities Act is going to be used, it needs to be on the smallest area possible—that’s what we’re doing here.” Sen. Mike Lee: “Today’s proclamation shows that President Trump listens to Utahns and respects the limits Congress placed on the Antiquities Act. For too long, presidents have weaponized monument designations to lock up millions of acres, close roads, restrict grazing, and cut rural communities off from lands their families have lived on and worked for generations. I thank the President for correcting this abuse and keeping his promise to the people of Utah.” Sen. John Curtis : “President Trump’s executive action restores a more balanced approach to managing Utah’s public lands and shows a willingness by this Administration to listen to the state of Utah. While today’s announcement is an important step in the right direction and a more appropriate interpretation of the Antiquities Act, the responsibility remains with Congress to do what executive orders cannot: bring stakeholders together, work through disagreements, and enact lasting solutions. This approach worked in Emery County, which serves as a strong example to build on.” Rep. Burgess Owens : "The Antiquities Act is crystal clear: presidential designations meant to protect objects should be 'confined to the smallest area compatible' with the proper care and management of those objects. That mandate was ignored. The mess started with Bil