The Trump administration’s initiative to bolster U.S. energy production includes a review of national monument boundaries, as indicated by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s recent order. This move has stirred concerns among conservation groups fearing potential reductions or eliminations of monuments established by previous administrations, including those by Democrat Joe Biden. Notably at risk are Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments in Utah, with valuable resources like coal and uranium prompting opposition to their creation.

President Trump had previously reduced the size of these monuments, citing them as excessive land acquisitions, a decision later overturned by President Biden. The legality of altering monument boundaries remains uncertain, subject to ongoing legal deliberations. Advocates emphasize the importance of national monuments in safeguarding public resources, supporting the economy, and preserving significant cultural and natural sites.

The order, part of a series of energy-related directives, aligns with the administration’s focus on energy dominance and economic development. Despite industry support for these measures, opposition from Democrats and environmentalists persists. Criticism revolves around the perceived energy emergency justification and potential implications for the Antiquities Act. Local communities and businesses, alongside tribal interests, endorse monument conservation efforts, underscoring the importance of collaborative preservation strategies.