Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument in southern Utah could see major management changes if Congress approves a new resolution introduced this week by Utah Representative Celeste Maloy and Senator Mike Lee. The measure would roll back federal rules finalized in 2025 that govern how the monument’s lands are managed.
Supporters say the current plan is too restrictive and limits local input, and they argue returning to an earlier management plan would allow more flexibility for activities like motorized recreation and potential resource development.
But conservation groups warn the move could create uncertainty about how the monument is managed and potentially put sensitive ecosystems and cultural sites at risk. They say undoing the existing plan could set a precedent for altering protections at other national monuments across the West.
Votes on the proposal are expected in Congress in the coming months.
