In an effort to protect almost half-a-million acres of land in southern New Mexico, President Obama has planned to announce a new national monument.
Jamie Williams, president of The Wilderness Society, said, “With this designation, President Obama has shown great leadership in protecting public lands and vigorous support for the New Mexico communities that have long advocated for this national monument.”
While this is the 11th monument that Obama designated under the Antiquities Act, it is by far, the largest monument that he has designated so far.
Jay Carney, White House spokesperson stated that this designation would bring in revenues of $7.4 million from tourism while also preserving the prehistoric, scientific and historic values of the areas for all Americans.
Considering the number of times Obama has used this act, the Republicans passed a Bill in the House in March to stop the President from using his authority to do so. In particular, Rob Bishop, who authored the bill, sent a letter to the President asking him to reconsider the protection of this area due to security concerns around the U.S-Mexico border.
However, officials from the U.S Customs and Border Protection said that protecting the area will not hamper operations in any way.
And even though Conservation advocates have praised this move by the President, conservatives will be sure to criticize the move after the Cliven Bundy controversy.
In the past, sixteen other Presidents have used the aforementioned law to protect certain areas