Southern Arizona Protection Act
The Southern Arizona Protection Act is a bill that would eliminate the Ironwood Forest National Monument designation and prevent future monument designations in that southern Arizona area unless Congress explicitly authorizes them. Specifically, it nullifies Presidential Proclamation 7320, which established the Ironwood Forest National Monument in 2000, and prohibits any extension or new designation of national monuments in the geographic area shown on the June 12, 2000 Ironwood Forest map without an act of Congress. In effect, the bill shifts the decision-making authority for this land from the executive branch (the President) to Congress, requiring explicit legislative action to protect additional lands or modify protections in that area.
Key Points
- 1Nullifies Presidential Proclamation 7320, which established the Ironwood Forest National Monument (2000).
- 2Prohibits any extension or establishment of national monuments within the Ironwood Forest area unless Congress passes a law authorizing it.
- 3Uses the June 12, 2000 map titled “Ironwood Forest National Monument” as the geographic reference for the restrictions.
- 4Requires explicit authorization by Congress for future monument designations in this area, effectively limiting executive branch discretion.
- 5The bill is titled the “Southern Arizona Protection Act,” introduced in the 119th Congress and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources.