The Justice Department's recent opinion affirms that President Trump can revoke national monuments established by previous presidents under the Antiquities Act, overturning an 80-year-old interpretation. This shift could endanger newly designated monuments in California, specifically Chuckwalla and Sáttítla Highlands, which were proclaimed by President Biden. The legal basis suggests that previous land designations no longer warrant protection, alarming conservationists about potential changes to public land conservation efforts. This interpretation allows for expanded energy exploration amid concerns for environmental impact on protected areas.
The Justice Department's opinion suggests that President Trump can revoke national monuments designated by prior administrations, changing longstanding interpretations of the Antiquities Act.
This new finding raises concerns among conservationists that significant public lands could face alterations or removals, threatening their historic and scientific value.
With California housing 21 national monuments, Trump's potential actions may dramatically impact environmental protections in the state and beyond.
Biden's recent designation of two California national monuments, Chuckwalla and Sáttítla Highlands, could be among the first targets for revocation under this new legal understanding.
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