Interior boss: No monument changes planned, but up to Trump
May 22, 2019, 2:17 PM
FILE - This April 5, 2012 file photo shows rock formations in Gold Butte, located about 90 miles northeast of Las Vegas. U.S. Interior Secretary David Bernhardt says he has no plans for additional changes to national monuments like this one, which his predecessor recommended. (Jeff Scheid/Las Vegas Review-Journal via AP, File)
(Jeff Scheid/Las Vegas Review-Journal via AP, File)
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. Interior Secretary David Bernhardt says he has no plans for additional changes to national monuments as recommended by his predecessor, but says it’s ultimately up to President Donald Trump.
Trump in 2017 shrank two sprawling Utah monuments at the recommendation of former Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke.
The president has not acted on Zinke’s proposal to shrink two monuments in Oregon and Nevada and change rules at six others.
During a Wednesday Senate Appropriations subcommittee meeting, New Mexico Sen. Tom Udall asked if there were plans to move forward on the other eight monuments.
Bernhardt replied: “I think the answer is no.” He added he wouldn’t take action without word from Trump.
Zinke left in January. The White House in March said further action on monuments remained under consideration.
