SALT LAKE CITY - The Trump administration on Thursday implemented plans to downsize two national monuments Utah, ensuring the lands previously off-limits to energy development will be open to mining and drilling. Hammond said the department had a duty to work on the management plans after Trump signed his proclamations in December 2017, despite the pending lawsuits. Government officials opted to allow off-road vehicles on designated routes in Bears Ears, for instance, rather than choosing broader closures. Market dynamics have limited interest in a large coal reserve found in the now unprotected lands cut from Grand Staircase and uranium on lands cut from Bears Ears. Trump cut the size monuments following review of 27 national monuments by then-Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke.

Source: thestar February 06, 2020 18:05 UTC