Torres: Murkowski bill has effect on NMI

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres wants to study first the Senate bill that Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) re-introduced in the 115th U.S. Congress to prevent unilateral executive decision in establishing national monuments.

If passed, Murkowski’s Improved National Monument Designation Process Act would require states to approve the designation of national monuments in federal lands and waters. It aims to have congressional approval of national monuments and restrictions in its use and establish requirements for the declaration of marine national monuments.

The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, chaired by Murkowski.

The bill, if it becomes law, wants to limit the president’s power in creating national monuments through presidential proclamations. The Antiquities Act of 1906, signed by former President Theodore Roosevelt, gives the U.S. commander-in-chief the power to establish national monuments in federal lands to protect significant cultural, natural, or scientific features.

The law has been used a hundred times since its passage.

Murkowski, in a statement, said that ex-President Barack Obama signed more proclamations in establishing national monuments compared to the previous 18 presidents combined.

“President Obama has locked up more acres through monument designations than the previous 18 presidents combined. His unilateral withdrawals have routinely come with complete disregard for local concerns and opposition.”

“Threatening energy, mining, fishing, ranching, recreation, and other reasonable use of public lands and waters. At this point, we have no choice but to reform the Antiquities Act to ensure that the people being impacted by these designations are heard and respected.”

A total of 25 senators led by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky had supported Murkowski’s bill. Sens. John McCain (Arizona), Ted Cruz (Texas), Mike Crapo (Idaho), Orrin Hatch (Utah), Jim Inhofe (Oklahoma), Pat Roberts (Kansas), Marco Rubio (Florida), and Jeff Sessions (Alabama) are the other ranking Republicans who backed the bill.

Torres said the bill would have an effect in the CNMI, especially after former Interior Secretary Sally Jewell last year signed the patent conveying three geographical miles of the Northern Islands of Asuncion, Maug, and Farallon de Pajaros (Uracas) back to the CNMI government.

Torres said there are some provisions in the Antiquities Act that he doesn’t agree with. “Again, we go back to when we joined the United States family. I believe that we never gave up our lands or water.”

“I would like to revisit that [Antiquities Act] and get back what we believe is ours. We did vote to be part of the U.S. family but it makes us very unique and have a different relationship with the federal government like any other territory or state.”

Torres said he would support amending the Antiquities Act or introducing legislation like S. 33 that would prevent unilateral proclamations on national monuments if it would benefit the CNMI. “I think that’s when we come in to put in our contribution. If it would make the CNMI better, then I’m all for it.”

“Amending something does not necessarily make things good or bad for us, it means it is going to be changed for the better. That change is something that we need to be on the table and know how these changes would affect the CNMI.”