On Wednesday, December 28^th President Obama designated two new national monuments in Utah and Nevada under the authority of the 1906 Antiquities Act, used by both Republican and Democratic presidents since Teddy Roosevelt to protect and preserve our nation’s significant natural, cultural, and scientific features. Congressman Lowenthal has been the lead sponsor of bipartisan legislation, supported by over 100 of his House colleagues, which would preserve the Bears Ears area as well as other pristine and spectacular areas in Southern Utah. Today, Congressman Lowenthal issued the following statement regarding the President's recent actions:

“I have seen firsthand the majesty of these lands in Southern Utah, the priceless Native American artifacts they contain, and the awe they inspire. I am very pleased that they will be preserved for future generations to contemplate and enjoy. I am also very glad to hear that tribal participation will be integrated into the monument’s management.

“I believe the day will soon be here  when we all say about Bears Ears what Utah’s Senior Senator Orrin Hatch said about Utah’s amazing Canyonlands National Park: “We owe a debt of gratitude to the people, both elected officials and citizens, who possessed the foresight to recognize the value of Canyonlands and created the park 50 years ago.”