Media Contacts
Margie Alt
Environment America
Washington DC — Today President Obama designated two new national monuments in the Southwest, permanently protecting nearly two million acres. Environment America’s Executive Director Margie Alt issued the following statement:
“Spectacular landscapes, critical ecosystems and wildlife, as well as our cultural heritage will be protected in perpetuity thanks to President Obama’s commitment to conservation. The new Bears Ears National Monument in Utah will protect cultural and sacred sites as well as the buttes that tower thousands of feet above the Cedar Mesa. Gold Butte National Monument in Nevada will be a permanent, safe home for desert tortoise, bighorn sheep, and ancient petroglyphs.
Although his presidency is ending soon, thanks to President Obama future generations will experience the grandeur of the American Southwest without fear of dirty or destructive activities marring the landscape or disrupting our cultural history.
“With these great places taken care of, we along with hundreds of conservation groups and small businesses, millions of Americans and the Arizona Native American Community enthusiastically call on the President to designate the Greater Grand Canyon Heritage National Monument in his remaining time in office. That truly would be the final jewel in President Obama’s conservation crown.”
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Environment America is the national federation of statewide, citizen-based advocacy organizations working for a cleaner, greener, healthier future.