[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23240]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                 NATIONAL MONUMENT NEPA COMPLIANCE ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 24, 1999

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, since I was elected to Congress, I have 
been focusing on the issue of livable communities and how we can create 
better partnerships between the Federal Government, State and local 
governments and our citizens. As amended this bill will increase input 
from local communities while preserving important national landmarks.
  The 1906 Antiquities Act has served our nation well for almost a 
century. It has led to the preservation of the Grand Canyon, Death 
Valley, and Grand Teton National Parks. These sites have great 
environmental importance, they add to our nation's heritage, and 
through tourism they are an important part of local economies. This 
legislation would ensure that the President continues to have the 
authority to designate monuments, while giving communities a larger 
voice in the process. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1487, the 
Public Participation in the Declaration of National Monuments Act.

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