Washington, D.C. (July 26, 2017) Congressman Steve Pearce released the follow statement after the Department of the Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke announced his plans to travel to New Mexico to look at two of the state's national monuments:

"I appreciate Secretary Zinke acting on my request to personally visit the Organ Mountains Desert Peaks Monument. During his trip to New Mexico, he will be able to experience firsthand the beauty of the Organ Mountains and gain a greater understanding of our joint desire to protect them for generations to come. At the same time, he will be able to meet with the businesses, ranchers, border security personnel, and outdoorsmen who are negatively impacted by the current size and complexity of the monument. I look forward to continuing my work with the Department of the Interior and the Secretary to ensure priorities of New Mexico are upheld."

On April 26, 2017, President Trump signed the "Executive Order for a Review of Designations under the Antiquities Act," which allows for the Department of the Interior to review expansive national monuments around the country.

Rep. Pearce has worked with the local community and governments to establish a compromise that protects the Organ Mountains Desert Peaks and other natural treasures, while ensuring the surrounding farmers, ranchers, outdoorsmen, and all New Mexicans can benefit from multiple uses of the land. For Rep. Pearce's op-ed on the Organ Mountains Desert Peaks, click here.

Check out a previous article on Rep. Pearce's push to establish the Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Monument prior to President Obama's declaration, click here via Albuquerque Journal.