The Trump administration's lawyers argue that the president can revoke national monuments established under the Antiquities Act, challenging a long-standing legal precedent. Their position is rooted in a recent Justice Department legal opinion which contradicts a 1938 determination that such designations are permanent. As the administration aims to increase energy production, it may impact newly established monuments like Chuckwalla and Sattitla Highlands, which were designated by President Biden to protect significant natural and archaeological resources from oil drilling and mining.
A Justice Department legal opinion disavowed a 1938 determination that monument designations under the Antiquities Act can't be revoked, asserting presidential authority.
Sen. Martin Heinrich accused Trump's Justice Department of attempting to erase national monuments, indicating the administration's push to expand U.S. energy production.
The two monuments identified in the Justice Department opinion, Chuckwalla and Sattitla, were designated by Biden to protect against drilling and mining.
Chuckwalla National Monument features natural wonders and rare species, demonstrating the environmental significance of the lands at stake amid ongoing political battles.
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