Trump’s Executive Orders Reduce Size of Utah Monuments Again
President Trump recently signed executive orders to reduce the size of two key national monuments in Utah: Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante. During the Oval Office signing ceremony, he stated, “We’re actually giving more than we did the first time back to the people of Utah.” These monuments have often seen changes in size with shifts in political leadership.
In his previous term, Trump reduced Bears Ears by approximately 85 percent and Grand Staircase-Escalante by nearly half. President Biden later restored their original dimensions. Grand Staircase, originally designated by President Clinton, is noted for its colorful rock formations and notable dinosaur discoveries. It offers opportunities for hiking, camping, canyoneering, and off-roading.
Bears Ears, designated by President Obama, is famous for its rock art, ancient pueblo homes, and rock climbing areas. Visitors enjoy activities like backpacking and river rafting in this region.
Stay informed with The Hill’s Energy & Environment newsletter, presented by Rachel Frazin. This newsletter covers policies influencing the energy and environment sectors.
More than 2,700 people may have died in exceptional May and June heatwaves in England and Wales.
In other energy news, the U.S. military has initiated a new round of strikes against Iran. This occurred shortly after President Trump announced a reinstatement of the U.S. Navy’s naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, Microsoft reported a significant 25 percent increase in carbon emissions in 2025 as it expands its use of AI data centers.
The House Energy and Commerce Committee is scheduled to mark up bills on nuclear power in the near future.
Noteworthy news from The Hill includes a federal judge’s criticism of President Trump’s settlement with the IRS. The judge found that the lawsuit surrounding the $1.776 billion “anti-weaponization” fund appeared to be collusive. Also in the news, FBI agents visited the home of late Senator Lindsey Graham in Washington, D.C.
Stay updated on the latest developments in politics and policy by subscribing to our newsletter.