Yesterday the Interior Department announced that Secretary Zinke sent a report with recommendations on national monuments to President Trump—without releasing the report itself. The New York Times is reporting that Zinke proposes drastically shrinking at least four national monuments.

The following statement is from Heidi McIntosh, Earthjustice’s managing attorney in the Rocky Mountains region:

“As Secretary Zinke is keeping the American people in the dark about his proposal to strip national monument protections from millions acres of iconic wilderness and priceless cultural sites, we are turning to the Freedom of Information Act to compel him to do so. The American people have a right to know the fate of stunning public lands and waters that belong to all of us—these are places we go to enjoy the great outdoors, find solitude, and connect with our heritage.”

“Over 2.7 million Americans lifted their voices in support of national monuments in the largest response ever to a public comment period in the Interior Department’s history. We deserve a response from Secretary Zinke.” 

Resources for reporters:

• Read our FOIA request
• Press release on roar of support from 2.7 million Americans for national monuments in the Interior Department’s public comment period
• Earthjustice materials on monuments: “Defending Bears Ears National Monument” and “National Monuments at Risk” and “Gutting America’s National Treasures is Unlawful and Unwise” and “Utah May Be Trading a Dinosaur Wonder for a Coal Mine”