Amata Joins Colleagues in Calling for Open National Monument Designation Process

Washington D.C. -- Congresswoman Aumua Amata this week, joined 24 of her Congressional colleagues in sending a bi-partisan letter to the President regarding the request for an "open process" when declaring sites for a National Monument designation.

"The unilateral use of an executive order when declaring sites for a national monument designation is not the right way to go about protecting our lands and waters," said Amata. We must ensure that all parties involved have a say. In American Samoa, we are weary of such actions being taken that would harm the livelihoods of our people. Already, large swaths of ocean where our fishermen fish have been designated by executive order. We must make sure that any future designations are done with the input of the people if effects most," concluded Amata.

The letter which was initiated by Rep. Paul Gosar (AZ-04), focused on the potential designation of the Grand Canyon watershed in Arizona. However, the purpose of the letter is to discourage the use of an executive order when designating any lands or waters as a National Monument.