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Hispanic Federation Statement on President Trump’s Executive Order Regarding the Use of the Antiquities Act to Diminish Monuments, Parks and Public Lands

April 27, 2017 (New York, NY) – Hispanic Federation issued the following statement on President Trump’s executive order released yesterday, directing the Department of the Interior to potentially review 54 national monuments and parks designated under the Antiquities Act since 1996. The order allows the Secretary broad discretion to 'review' any national monument that the Secretary determines was expanded without 'adequate public outreach', regardless of the size of the expansion. This means that all 54 are at potential risk.

“This executive order is a direct attack on national parks, public lands and waters that help keep us healthy and are monuments to our national heritage. Beyond healthier communities, and the benefits of preserving and protecting public lands that have ecological, recreational, spiritual, and aesthetic value for Latinos and other Americans, these public places also tell the complicated and triumphant story of our nation and all its people. From the Stonewall National Monument to the César E. Chávez National Monument, and from Bears Ears to the San Gabriel Mountains, and the hundreds of other historic and natural wonders of our nation, these places are a part of our legacy and history. It is unconscionable that this Administration would seek to diminish these national monuments in any way.

Hispanic Federation will continue to advocate for the protection and future designation of monuments through the power granted by the Antiquities Act, which has been used over 231 times by both Republican and Democratic presidents alike for over a century. We must continue to preserve, celebrate, and protect the places that promote our people's quality of life and tell the diverse and inclusive history of our nation.”