S.220 - Ending Presidential Overreach on Public Lands Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.220, the "Ending Presidential Overreach on Public Lands Act," aims to amend the Antiquities Act by requiring express authorization from Congress for the establishment or extension of national monuments. Currently, the Antiquities Act allows the President to unilaterally designate national monuments. This bill seeks to shift that authority to the legislative branch.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would significantly alter the process for creating or expanding national monuments. Future designations would require Congressional approval, potentially slowing down or preventing the creation of new monuments. It could also lead to more political negotiation and compromise in the monument designation process.
Potential Benefits
- Increased Congressional Oversight: Ensures that decisions regarding national monuments are subject to legislative review and approval.
- Greater Public Input: Congressional involvement may lead to more opportunities for public hearings and debate on proposed monuments.
- Potential for Compromise: Could foster compromise between different interests (environmental, economic, etc.) in the designation of monuments.
- Reduced Presidential Power: Curbs potential executive overreach in land management decisions.
- More Sustainable Decisions: Decisions may be more durable and less subject to reversal by subsequent administrations.
Potential Disadvantages
- Slower Monument Creation: The need for Congressional approval could significantly slow down or halt the creation of new national monuments.
- Increased Political Gridlock: Monument designations could become entangled in partisan politics, making it difficult to reach agreements.
- Reduced Environmental Protection: Important natural and cultural sites might not be protected in a timely manner due to legislative delays or opposition.
- Loss of Presidential Flexibility: Limits the President's ability to quickly respond to urgent conservation needs.
- Potential for Special Interests to Dominate: Lobbying and special interest influence in Congress could negatively impact monument designations.
Constitutional Alignment
Article I, Section 1 of the US Constitution vests all legislative powers in Congress. This bill aligns with that principle by seeking to place the authority to establish national monuments under Congressional control. The Antiquities Act, as it currently stands, delegates some of that authority to the executive branch. The bill attempts to reassert Congressional authority over public lands.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).