Rep. Labrador Introduces Bill Giving More Over-site on National Monument Creation

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — U.S. Rep. Raul Labrador has reintroduced a bill that would require congressional approval before any president could carve out new national monuments. The Idaho Statesman reports the Republican testified on the bill Tuesday at a House subcommittee hearing.

Presidents have the sole power under the 1906 Antiquities Act to protect land as national monuments. In the past, presidents have used the law to create the Grand Canyon and Idaho's Craters of the Moon.

But Labrador argues Congress should have greater oversight on such decisions — whether it's made by a Republican or Democratic president. Labrador also says he's opposed to any new Idaho land being locked up without congressional approval.

Some conservation groups have urged President Obama to grant monument status to the Boulder-White Cloud Mountains in central Idaho.