Resolution on Local Jurisdiction Consent of National Monument Designation Exposed

The Resolution on Local Jurisdiction Consent of National Monument Designation was adopted by ALEC's Natural Resources Task Force at the Annual Meeting on July 28, 2000, approved by the full ALEC Board of Directors in August, 2000. According to ALEC.org, the Resolution was re-approved on January 28, 2013. (Accessed on 7/24/2015)

ALEC Resolution Text

WHEREAS, the proposed designation of national monuments in the State of ______ clearly violates the spirit and letter of the Antiquities Act, which requires monument lands to be “confined to the smallest area” necessary to preserve and protect historical areas or objects: and

WHEREAS, the people of the State of _________, the legislature of the State of _______, the Governor of the of _________, and the Congress of the United States have not consented or approved this designation, yet the creation of new national monuments in the state of _______ could potentially have significant economic impact on this state. Instead of working as a partner to help local communities and states define and achieve their conservation goals, the federal government dictates unilateral actions that would affect this country and exclude citizens and local governments from determining land management decisions in the communities; and

WHEREAS, land management and conservation efforts are best administered and managed at the local levels of government. The failure of the federal government to recognize and respect this basic tenet represents an arrogant usurpation by federal powers and a violation of states’ rights;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Legislature of the State of ______________:

1. That the Legislature denounces the designation of national monuments in the State of _________ without full public participation, consent and approval of local governments, the Legislature, the Governor of the State of ____________ and the Congress of the United States.

2. That the Congress of the United States take action to prevent the designation of any national monuments in this state without full public participation, consent and approval of local governments, the Legislature and the Governor of the State of ______, and the Congress of the United States.

3. That the Secretary of the State of _______ transmit a copy of this Resolution to the President of the United States, the United States Secretary of Interior, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives and each Member of Congress from the State of ____________.

Adopted by the Natural Resources Task Force at the Annual Meeting, July 28, 2000.

Approved by the full ALEC Board of Directors August, 2000.