Nevada’s four national monuments cover 1.5 million acres. They are Tule Springs Fossil Beds, Avi Kwa Ame, Gold Butte and Basin and Range.
The Trump Administration has asked for a review of national monuments nationwide. The administration has made clear they want to increase oil, mineral and gas extraction in the U.S., and some of those monuments might be targeted if they’re opened up.
At the same time, though, surveys have shown more than half of the voters in the southwest — Republicans and Democrats — dislike the idea.
One person who will have a big role in what happens is Congressman Mark Amodei, a Republican who represents most of northern Nevada.
He serves on the powerful House Appropriations Committee, and a subcommittee that oversees the Interior, environment and related agencies.
Indigenous groups are also concerned, as much of the acreage within monuments contains land they consider sacred.
Guests: Rep. Mark Amodei (R-NV 2nd District); Mathilda Guerrero Miller, government relations director, Indigenous Voices of Nevada
