Defend the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in Southern Utah is a crown jewel of the US public lands system. Connecting Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks, it was designated a National Monument in 1996 and totals nearly 1.9 million acres. World-renowned for its remarkable paleontological discoveries, stunning scenery, and outstanding intact and diverse natural ecosystems, it anchors the local economy and is overwhelmingly popular, with 74% of Utahns in favor of preserving its National Monument status.

In March 2026, the elected officials behind 2025’s failed public lands sell-off attempts – Rep. Celeste Maloy (R-UT-02) and Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) – introduced joint resolutions to undo the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Management Plan using the Congressional Review Act (CRA). If Congress passes the measure by simple majority votes, the plan – which sets expectations for recreation, camping and outdoor access, collaboration with Tribal Nations, dark night skies, grazing, and other uses – will be undone, and the Bureau of Land Management will be barred from issuing another plan that is “substantially the same” in the future. This would be a devastating blow to the monument and establish a precedent for Congress to target additional existing public land protections, threatening public lands nationwide.

Members of Congress must oppose the Congressional Review Act resolution targeting the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Management Plan and commit to defending our nation’s public lands.

Call content provided by Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance.

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