Congressman Steve Pearce released this statement following President Barack Obama’s decision to use the Antiquities Act to designate one-fifth of Doña Ana County to create the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument.
“The President’s decision to section off one-fifth of Doña Ana County is misguided, and shows his contempt for the legislative branch,” said Congressman Steve Pearce. “For years, I have worked to find a collaborative solution to permanently protect the Organ Mountains and promote true economic opportunity for my constituents. With this land grab, the President is once again going out of his way to derail any attempt to form a consensus, and do what local people want. Residents of Doña Ana County deserve the assurance that first responders and Border Patrol can protect the public, flood control structures will be maintained, ranchers will have their grazing rights, and hunters can have the access they’ve always enjoyed.”