Press Releases

Washington, D.C. (September 15th, 2016) –Today, President Obama announced his unilateral creation of a 4,900 square mile ocean monument. These waters in the newly created Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument off the Atlantic coast have been a primary source of livelihood for New England fishermen.

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

“Within just a matter of weeks, President Obama has overruled local voices in Maine with a new designation and dismissed public input in Hawaii by unilaterally expanding a marine monument off the state’s coast. Now, the president has designated a 4,900 square mile monument off our Atlantic coast with just a stroke of his pen. This monument threatens the livelihoods of local fishermen and American families. We need to reform the Antiquities Act to prevent this blatant abuse by legacy shopping presidents and ensure that local voices have a seat at the table.”

Since July:

• August 24, Maine—87,500 acres
• August 26, Hawaii—442,781 square miles
• September 15, Atlantic Coast—4,900 square miles

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