Our representative, Scott Tipton, voted in favor of an act that threatens our shared public lands.
The act, ironically named National Monument Creation and Protection Act, would make the creation of new national monuments to protect public lands nearly impossible. It would also endanger existing parks by granting the president sweeping powers to shrink or eliminate national monuments with zero public input or process.
The act would gut the law that was used to protect the Great Sand Dunes, Colorado National Monument, Dinosaur National Monument and two local favorites – Chimney Rock National Monument and Canyon of the Ancients National Monument.
The act would give the president new powers to shrink or eliminate existing national monuments, up to 85,000 acres, with no public process or opportunities for public comment. So, cherished monuments like Colorado National Monument could be eliminated with just the president’s signature.
Despite Rep. Tipton saying he is in favor of public lands, his actions in supporting this act prove otherwise. Meanwhile over 80 percent of Coloradans believe public lands are vital to our economy and 69 percent believe we should ensure protection of national public lands.
Rep. Tipton’s vote not only goes against his own word, but also his constituents’ beliefs. It’s our job to make sure that our lands stay protected. Call Rep. Tipton and tell him that he needs to change his view on national monuments and parks.
Liza Tregillus
Durango
