PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is calling for full disclosure on current National Monument designations that could affect as many as 13 million acres throughout the West. This follows the limited release by the Department of Interior of only 383 out of more than 2,000 pages of internal documentation related to the consideration.
Earlier today, a markup in the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources could have forced H.Res. 1254, which would require full disclosure, to the House floor. However, despite bi-partisan support, a motion to favorably report the measure was not agreed to by a vote of 20 yeas to 22 nays. In a separate motion, a voice vote agreed to report H.Res. 1254 without recommendation. That means the decision to bring the resolution to the House floor rests with Committee Chairman Nick J. Rahall II (D-W.Va.) and House leadership.
At the heart of the issue are numerous potential National Monument designations, which would make it easier to close the affected 13 million acres to responsible off-road motorized recreation. The current effort draws on authority provided by the Antiquities Act of 1906, which allows the President to exercise executive privilege to unilaterally designate national monuments without input from local officials and residents, or their congressional representatives.
“It is troubling that the Department of Interior has not released the full draft document for the public to review and consider,” said AMA Vice President for Government Relations Ed Moreland. “We are eager to understand the full scope of the document and the rationale for seeking these designations, and we will continue to ask for full disclosure on this matter.”
U.S. Rep. Rob Bishop (R-Utah) also called for the Department of Interior to release all documentation behind the move. “By refusing to turn over thousands of pages of documents to Congress about this administration’s potential plans to lock up millions of acres of lands, they have destroyed any remaining illusions about being transparent,” said Rep. Bishop, who serves as chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus. “If the DOI has nothing to hide on this issue, then why not hand over 100 percent of the documents to once and for all prove to the American people that they are not planning a massive land grab out West?…”
AMA Members and other concerned motorcyclists and off-highway vehicle enthusiasts
can follow developments on this issue at AmericanMotorcyclist.com.
About the American Motorcyclist Association
Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists’ interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through its Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations.
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