Sierra National Forest
Credit: USDA file photo

January 9, 2025 - Washington, D.C. – Representative Tom McClintock and members of the California congressional delegation on Wednesday sent a letter to President Biden calling on him not to establish a proposed Range of Light National Monument.  The proposed monument would redesignate over 1.4 million acres of federal land, including the entirety of the Sierra National Forest and the San Joaquin River Gorge.

The letter is co-signed by Representatives Doug LaMalfa, Kevin Kiley, Vince Fong, David Valadao, Jay Obernolte and Darrell Issa.

The text of the letter is below and here:

January 8, 2025
 

The Honorable Joe Biden
President
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, DC 20500

Dear President Biden,

We write to express our strong opposition to the proposed Range of Light National Monument, which would redesignate over 1.4 million acres of federal land, including the entirety of the Sierra National Forest and the San Joaquin River Gorge.

In 1906, the Antiquities Act provided the Executive Branch with the authority to designate national monuments on federal land containing a historic or scientific interest.  These designations were to “be confined to the smallest area compatible with proper care and management of the objects to be protected.”  Those objects are confined to “historic landmarks, historic and prehistoric structures, or other objects of historic or scientific interest.”  The Supreme Court has long held that the power over public land is entrusted to Congress, but Presidents have broadly interpreted the Antiquities Act and abused its original intent to expand both the size and justifications for national monument designations.  Although the Antiquities Act gives the President the authority to establish national monuments on federal lands, it would be prudent to recognize the importance of congressional and local input before implementing a change that would greatly affect the local areas.

Since the Range of Light National Monument’s inception, there has been strong opposition from various stakeholders around the area of the proposed monument.  These stakeholders recognize that the decreased access from the designation would be devastating for the local economy, and the increased environmental regulation from the designation would be counterproductive to prevent forest fires.  This designation would be a gross government overreach, and due to the potentially devastating effects of the proposal, along with the strong opposition of local stakeholders, we call on you to not establish the proposed Range of Light National Monument.

Thank you for your consideration.  Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices.
Source: Congressman Tom McClintock