Presidential powers under the American Antiquities Act of 1906 would be altered, and national monument designations would need broad state and local support, under a bill introduced by U.S. Rep. Rob Bishop (R-Utah).

Currently, the Antiquities Act allows presidents to make national monument designations, but limits the area of new monuments “to the smallest area compatible with proper care and management of the objects to be protected.”

The AMA believes that previous presidents overstepped their authority under the act and designated much larger swathes of land as monuments, sometimes encompassing millions of acres. Such sweeping designations may jeopardize opportunities for responsible motorized recreation.

Under H.R. 3990, the National Monument Creation and Protection Act, presidents would gain authority to reduce the size of existing monuments, under some circumstances.

In addition, the legislation would allow the president to unilaterally designate land up to 640 acres. Monument designations between 640 and 10,000 acres would be subject to review under the National Environmental Policy Act. Designations between 10,000 and 85,000 acres would require approval from all county commissioners, state legislatures, and governors in the affected area.