Bruce Poliquin’s Statement on National Monument Designation

Maine Legislature Echoes Rep. Poliquin’s Opposition to a National Monument Designation.

Maine’s Second District Congressman, Bruce Poliquin, released the following statement after the Maine State Senate passed L.D. 1600:

Today, our legislators in Augusta have demonstrated to President Obama that local residents and stakeholders should have a voice in the debate surrounding the unilateral designation of a federally controlled monument in Maine’s Katahdin region,” said Congressman Poliquin. “

The passage of L.D. 1600 through the Democratic-controlled Maine House and now the Maine Senate, despite strong pressure against members from special interests and outside lobbying groups, is a clear signal that Mainers across our State and among different political parties are opposed to the idea of a unilateral designation in our State.

“I met with the White House last month to share the concerns of the local residents and businesses in the Katahdin Region, and I have even introduced legislation in Congress that would require the state legislature and sitting governor in any state to approve a monument proposal before it is designated. President Obama has unilaterally designated more national monument land than any other president, despite oftentimes strong local opposition and a growing maintenance backlog of nearly $12 billion at existing national park units. I hope these recent votes by the Maine Legislature send a clear message to the White House that Mainers oppose the unilateral creation of a monument in our State.”