Congressman Paul A. Gosar (AZ-09) has introduced two bills aimed at reversing previous designations of national monuments in Arizona. The proposed legislation targets the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni-Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument and the Ironwood Forest National Monument.
Gosar criticized recent monument declarations, stating, “The reckless declaration of vast national monuments has locked up thousands of acres of land, placing them off limits to responsible mining, energy development and other multiple-use purposes that help fuel our economy and support American energy independence.”
H.R. 5392, known as the Northern Arizona Protection Act, seeks to nullify the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni-Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument. This monument was established on August 8, 2023 by President Joe Biden with the intention of preventing uranium mining.
Additionally, H.R. 5393—the Southern Arizona Protection Act—would nullify the Ironwood Forest National Monument. This monument was designated on June 9, 2000 by President Bill Clinton to restrict domestic copper and gold mining.
Gosar expressed concerns about misuse of executive authority: “The Antiquities Act was never intended to be a tool for radical environmentalists and their political cronies in Washington, D.C. to block access to America’s abundant and much-needed resources. Thankfully, the Trump Administration is reconsidering both of these National Monuments as executive abuses under the Antiquities Act.”
He emphasized congressional oversight: “By nullifying these national monuments, my bills reassert Congress’s role and return to a balanced approach where conservation and economic development work in concert. Federal lands belong to the American people, not unelected bureaucrats or woke presidents who abuse executive authority to shut them off from productive use,” stated Congressman Gosar.
Paul Gosar continues his legislative activity after winning reelection in both 2022 and 2024; he defeated Richard Grayson in 2022 with nearly 98% of the vote and Quacy Smith in 2024 with over 65%.
