On Wednesday, President Barack Obama designated over 1.6 million acres of land in Utah and Nevada as national monuments thereby protecting the two areas from mining and oil and gas drilling.
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Obama builds on legacy of protecting sensitive land and fighting climate change
The move to protect the large swaths of land, which are rich in Native American Artifacts, comes as one of the final moves in Obama’s legacy of protecting the environment and fighting climate change.
In a statement released with the announcement Obama said, “Today’s actions will help protect this cultural legacy and will ensure that future generations are able to enjoy and appreciate these scenic and historic landscapes.”
Obama protects over 1.6 million acres of land in Utah and Nevada.
President Obama used the 1906 Antiquities Act to protect 1.35 million acres of federal land at Bears Ears in Utah and 300,000 acres at Gold Butte outside of Las Vegas, Nevada. And by using the Antiquities Act, Obama has made it difficult for President-elect Donald Trump or any future presidient to reverse the land protections.
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In the statement, the White House noted that, the Obama Administration has used the Antiquities Act and other measures to protect more land and water than any administration in history. And the latest move represents the 29th time he’s used his authority to create a national monument.
Native Americans and environmental groups have been trying for years to protect the Bears Ears region, home to a wealth of Native American sacred sites, rock art, ancient cliff dwellings and other areas of cultural significance.
Russell Begaye, president of the Navajo Nation said in response to the Obama action, “These places, the rocks, the wind, the land, they are living, breathing things that deserve timely, lasting protection. The place of my ancestors will now be preserved for all future generations.”
As Donald Trump and Republicans prepare to assume power in Washington, President Obama has been rushing to make any final moves that can help protect his legacy and prevent Republicans from undoing the progress that has been made over the last 8 years.
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