WASHINGTON DC - Today the Obama administration will designate five new national monuments. These sites include: the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Monument in Maryland; Río Grande del Norte National Monument in New Mexico; First State National Monument in Delaware; Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument in Ohio; and San Juan Islands National Monument in Washington.
In response to these new designations, Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Natural Resources Committee, released the following statement:
“In considering the creation of new national monuments, I want to thank President Obama for listening more to the American people than Tea Party Republican leaders. Democrats in the House pushed for consideration of legislation to protect these special places, but were repeatedly turned back by Republicans. Because of the activism of Americans demanding preservation of lands for recreation and future generations, these special places will be protected.
“I am especially pleased to see a monument celebrating the work of Harriet Tubman. As a conductor on the Underground Railroad, Harriet Tubman led slaves to freedom. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts continues to benefit from her legacy through the United Settlement House still serving families in Boston."
