Washington, D.C. – Today, Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) made the following statement regarding Secretary Zinke’s national monument report:

“Teddy Roosevelt would roll over in his grave if he could see what Donald Trump and Ryan Zinke are trying to do to our national treasures today. Secretary Zinke’s secret report to the President is the latest step in a rigged process to try and turn over our public lands to oil and gas companies. 

The Secretary announced this morning that his recommendation to the President will include making a “handful” of changes to existing national monuments.   As I’ve said for months, the President does not have the legal authority to overturn these protections.  This report and entire process have amounted to nothing but a colossal waste of tax payer dollars.