Press Releases

Washington, D.C. (August 24th, 2016)–Today, President Barack Obama ignored local and state input by using the Antiquities Act to unilaterally designate 87,500 acres of lands in Maine as the Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument. President Obama and Secretary Jewell have backpedaled on their own promise to conduct a robust public process prior to making any decision.

Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Cynthia Lummis (WY-At large) issued the following statement in response:

“Obama is not using the Antiquities Act of 1906, he is abusing it. The President dismissed local objections and ignored state officials by designating tens of thousands of acres in Maine to reward his special interest allies in Washington. The act was never intended for legacy shopping at the expense of local voices, but the White House continues using it for such. The West has endured midnight monument designations numerous times and our communities understand the frustration felt by Maine citizens and officials today. Congress must take action to end this lame duck ritual and restore good government principles to the designation process.”

###