Congressman Paul A. Gosar has introduced two bills aimed at reversing the designation of certain national monuments that restrict federal land use. Gosar, who represents Arizona's 9th district, expressed his concerns about the impact of these designations on economic activities such as mining and energy development.
Gosar said, "The reckless declaration of vast national monuments has locked up thousands of acres of land, placing them off limits to responsible mining, energy development and other multiple-use purposes that help fuel our economy and support American energy independence." He introduced H.R. 5392, known as the Northern Arizona Protection Act, which seeks to nullify the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni-Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument. This monument was declared by President Joe Biden on August 8, 2023, with the aim of preventing uranium mining.
Additionally, Gosar proposed H.R. 5393, the Southern Arizona Protection Act, to nullify the Ironwood Forest National Monument. This monument was established by President Bill Clinton on June 9, 2000, reportedly to restrict domestic copper and gold mining.
Gosar criticized the use of the Antiquities Act for what he described as political purposes: "The Antiquities Act was never intended to be a tool for radical environmentalists and their political cronies in Washington, D.C. to block access to America’s abundant and much-needed resources." He added that these actions were being reconsidered by the Trump Administration as potential executive abuses under this act.
He emphasized that his bills aim to restore Congress's authority over federal lands: "By nullifying these national monuments, my bills reassert Congress’s role and return to a balanced approach where conservation and economic development work in concert."
Paul Gosar secured his position in Congress after defeating Quacy Smith in 2024 with a significant margin. In an earlier election in 2022, he won against Richard Grayson with an overwhelming majority.
U.S. Rep. Paul A. Gosar (R-Goodyear) argues that federal lands should serve both conservation and economic purposes rather than being restricted by executive decisions.
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