Grand Canyon Times

Senate President Warren Petersen has initiated legal proceedings against the Biden Administration over a contentious land designation in northern Arizona. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona, seeks to overturn President Joe Biden's decision to designate nearly one million acres within Coconino and Mohave Counties as a national monument.

The coalition challenging this move includes House Speaker Ben Toma, State Treasurer Kimberly Yee, Mohave County, Colorado City, and Fredonia. They argue that the land seizure contravenes the Antiquities Act of 1906. This law allows presidents to reserve small areas of federal land for protection but mandates that only "the smallest area compatible with the proper care and management of the objects to be protected" can be reserved.

"This federal confiscation promises to wreak havoc on our local and state economies, jeopardize the livelihoods of our citizens, and compromise national security," stated President Petersen. He criticized the designation as an attempt to "score cheap political points with radical environmentalists," alleging it aims to halt mining and ranching activities crucial for energy independence and economic strength.

Petersen expressed disappointment in Arizona's Attorney General for not opposing what he terms as "reckless federal overreach." He remains optimistic about prevailing in court to curb what he views as an abuse of presidential power.