H.R. 5392: Northern Arizona Protection Act

This bill, titled the Northern Arizona Protection Act, seeks to nullify a specific Presidential Proclamation (No. 10606) that established the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni-Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument. This means that if the bill passes, the monument designation created on August 8, 2023, would no longer be in effect.

Key Provisions of the Bill

• Nullification of the Monument: The bill explicitly states that the Presidential Proclamation regarding the establishment of the national monument will have "no force or effect." This effectively reverses the designation of the area as a national monument.
• Restriction on Future Monument Designations: The bill also restricts the ability to establish or extend national monuments in the area that was designated as the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni-Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument. Future designations would require explicit authorization from Congress.

Geographic Scope

The area affected by this bill is specifically defined as the land depicted in the referenced map associated with the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni-Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument, dated August 5, 2023. This area encompasses significant cultural and historic resources, particularly for Indigenous communities.

Motivation Behind the Bill

The sponsoring representatives and co-sponsors of this bill have expressed concerns regarding federal oversight and restrictions on land use. They may argue that local management and decision-making about the land are preferable and more in line with the interests of the communities surrounding the Grand Canyon.

Process Following the Bill's Introduction

As an introduced bill, it will proceed through the legislative process, which includes referral to the Committee on Natural Resources for deliberation. If the committee approves it, it may then be brought to the floor of the House for further debate and a vote.

Potential Implications

The enactment of this bill could lead to changes in land management and access to resources in the area currently designated as a national monument, impacting conservation efforts and the rights of Indigenous peoples regarding their ancestral lands.

Relevant Companies

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