Last fall, President Trump and Interior Secretary Zinke completely ignored 2.8 million public comments calling for the protection of our national monuments. They illegally reduced Bears Ears National Monument by 85 percent -- more than a million acres -- and divided it into two disconnected parks.
In response, Congressman Ruben Gallego introduced H.R. 4518 -- a bill that would reverse Trump’s action and permanently protect Bears Ears. The bill would also expand the monument’s acreage to include sacred lands that were part of the Bears Ears Intertribal Coalition’s initial proposal.
To give this bill the best chance at becoming law, we need to get 200 co-sponsors to sign on in support. Tell your Representative to protect our lands and respect Tribal sovereignty by supporting H.R. 4518.
Right now, Congress isn’t doing enough to protect our lands -- but the balance of power could change after this year’s midterm elections. If that happens, we need to make sure that the next Congress treats our public lands as a priority -- and that legislation protecting Bears Ears is at the top of their to-do list for 2019. It’s crucial to lay the groundwork now by telling our elected officials to cosponsor this bill.
With your help, we can reach 200 cosponsors of H.R. 4518 and send a clear message to Congressional leadership that this is a must-pass bill. Stand with Bears Ears and send your message now!