This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
I am appalled at the Utah Legislature's attempt to rescind national monument status for Bears Ears in HCR11. This is a short-sighted resolution driven by extreme right-wing, anti-government ideology.
Bears Ears is a national treasure and belongs to all Americans. Moreover, all our national parks and monuments play a vital role in Utah's economy. The state government has neither the financial commitment nor the political motivation to preserve and protect this land for public use. Indeed, as evidenced by Rep. Rob Bishop's horrific Public Lands Initiative, their plan is to lease millions of acres of fragile land for oil and gas exploration.
As long as Utah prioritizes short-term energy profits over conservation, the state is not fit to be a steward of the land. I urge our political leaders to block HRC11, and protect Utah's beauty for generations of Americans to come.
Elizabeth Kasavana
Salt Lake City