Kotek Urges Biden to Designate Owyhee Canyonlands

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has urgently requested President Biden to designate the Owyhee Canyonlands as a national monument under the Antiquities Act, protecting over 1 million acres of this ecologically and culturally significant area. This plea, sent on November 22, follows her previous appeal in August and comes amid stalled congressional efforts to preserve the region. Despite ongoing proposals from Oregon's congressional delegation, including Sen. Ron Wyden and Rep. Cliff Bentz, legislative action has not materialized, leaving Kotek to seek executive intervention. The area, often referred to as 'Oregon's Grand Canyon', is vital for local tribes and is threatened by potential commercial development. Environmental groups have rallied support for this protection, collecting over 70,000 signatures. Kotek emphasized that the future of this iconic landscape is at stake and urged immediate action before Biden leaves office.