Blumenthal Demands Administration Release National Monuments Report

[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) called on the Trump Administration to publicly release the recommendation Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke submitted to President Trump today regarding the reduction or revision of several national monuments, including the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument.

“I demand that the Administration immediately release its report that may result in downsizing or diminishing treasured national monuments across the country. Keeping this report secret is a slap in the face to the three million Americans – including me – who publicly weighed in on the Trump Administration’s proposal to radically roll back protections for our priceless national monuments, including the spectacular underwater seascape of the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument. The future of our environment demands real transparency – not this sham review,” said Blumenthal.

The Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument was established last year as the first national monument in the Atlantic Ocean, and is a pillar of New England’s economy and a priceless scientific resource. Blumenthal played a pivotal role in securing the monument designation.

In July, Blumenthal submitted a letter to Secretary Zinke and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross as part of the agencies’ open comment period, urging the Trump Administration to protect the monument status of the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument. The full text of the letter is available here.