Trump/ Zinke public lands move “a dangerous turn” away from national stewardship of outdoor legacy

Unprecedented and unlawful plan to gut protections for iconic public lands a disturbing move 

In response to President Donald Trump’s announcement of historic reductions of protected public lands in Utah, Chris Saeger, executive director of the Western Values Project, released the following statement:

“This decision is a dangerous turn in our nation’s approach to protecting the places that have forged the Western way of life. The fact that an American president would unlawfully remove protections on iconic public lands for political gain should deeply disturb anyone who wants these places, which are a birthright to our children, to continue to benefit all of us.”

“For his part, Secretary Zinke should be ashamed of his role in this craven decision to allow special interests to exploit the kinds of places President Roosevelt signed the Antiquities Act to protect. Fortunately, legal experts overwhelmingly agree that undoing these protections is unlawful and will not stand.”

“Future generations are counting on our system of checks and balances to stand up to this shocking abuse of power.”

Bears Ears National Monument

Bears Ears National Monument

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