April 28, 2017 - Latino Leaders: Trump Executive Order Will Undermine Conservation of American History and Heritage

LATINO LEADERS: TRUMP EXECUTIVE ORDER WILL UNDERMINE CONSERVATION OF AMERICAN HISTORY AND HERITAGE

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The National Hispanic Leadership Agenda (NHLA), a coalition of 45 of the nation’s preeminent Latino advocacy organizations, spoke out against an executive order issued by President Trump to review national monuments and allow protective designations to be rescinded. NHLA said the action is the first step in undermining the Antiquities Act and allowing for commercial development on protected land of cultural, historical, and environmental significance.

“The President’s order specifically targets national monuments designated since 1996, which is a thinly veiled attack on communities of color whose historical monuments have only recently begun to receive wider recognition. The action also sets the stage for a massive handout to corporate developers and polluters. NHLA opposes all efforts to undermine the Antiquities Act and we oppose this executive order,” said Hector Sanchez Barba, Chair of NHLA and Executive Director of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement.

“National parks and public lands help define who we are as a nation. Attempts to revoke or change the fabric of national monuments is an assault on our historical, cultural, and natural heritage. No President has revoked a national monument – for good reason. In addition to being questionable from a legal standpoint, this action is deeply unpopular – the public overwhelmingly opposes attacks on national parks and public lands,” said Laura Esquivel, Co-Chair of NHLA’s Energy and Environment Committee and Director of National Advocacy at Hispanic Federation.

“Our national parks, public lands and waters reflect a shared history and culture, and provide opportunities for all to enjoy beautiful natural spaces. Recent designations, such as the Cesar Chavez National Monument, have recognized cultural contributions from diverse Americans. The President’s actions put these national treasures at risk,” said Virginia Ruiz, Co-Chair of NHLA’s Energy and Environment Committee and Director of Occupational and Environmental Health at Farmworker Justice.

NHLA’s Hispanic Public Policy Agenda, the shared priorities of the nation’s leading Latino organizations, expresses opposition to all efforts to undermine or repeal the Antiquities Act.

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ABOUT THE NATIONAL HISPANIC LEADERSHIP AGENDA

The National Hispanic Leadership Agenda is composed of 45 of the leading national and regional Latino civil rights and public policy organizations and other elected officials, and prominent Latinos Americans. NHLA coalition members represent the diversity of the Latino community – Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, Cubans, and other Latino Americans. NHLA’s mission calls for unity among Latinos around the country to provide the Latino community with greater visibility and a clearer, stronger influence in our country’s affairs. NHLA brings together Latino leaders to establish policy priorities that address, and raise public awareness of, the major issues affecting the Latino community and the nation as a whole. For more information, please visit: www.nationalhispanicleadership.org.

NHLA MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS