SALT LAKE CITY – Sen. Lee (R-UT) issued the following statement Monday after President Trump announced significant reductions to both the Grand Staircase-Escalante and Bears Ears national monuments.

“President Trump did the people of Utah a great favor today by rolling back harmful land use restrictions in southern Utah,” Sen. Lee said. “The president has done his part and now it is time for Congress to act to protect the people of Utah from federal overreach in the future. That is why I will be introducing legislation later this week that would give Utah similar protections from Antiquities Act abuse that the states of Wyoming and Alaska currently enjoy.”

Sen. Lee’s bill will empower state and local officials and Tribal members to manage the new national monuments designated in southern Utah by President Trump. The bill will also require the approval of Congress and the Utah state legislature for all future national monuments in the state.