Utah Senator Mike Lee is at it again. Earlier this year, he led a failed legislative attempt to undo the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Management Plan. In July, he couldn’t contain his joy when President Trump illegally decimated both Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments. And now he’s set the wheel in motion to use the same legislative tool – a fast-tracked resolution via the Congressional Review Act – to attack the Bears Ears Monument Management Plan.

You might be wondering: does a monument management plan still matter after Trump’s illegal reductions? The answer is a resounding yes! Until a new management plan is finalized for Bears Ears, the existing plan remains in place. The current plan—finalized in early 2025 in consultation with the Bears Ears Commission—will continue to govern day-to-day activities in the monument. There is one major exception: mining. Trump’s proclamations directed that on September 11, 2026, the lands cut out of both Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante will be opened to new mining claims and potential oil and gas leasing.

The Bears Ears Management plan was the first of its kind, incorporating significant and meaningful input from Tribal Nations through the Bears Ears Commission. It took important steps towards protecting unique natural and cultural landscapes, while at the same time providing opportunities for respectful appreciation and enjoyment of this remarkable place. All of that is at risk.

Members of Congress have been speaking out in opposition to Trump’s illegal reductions of the national monuments. This is their chance to back up words with action—ensuring that Senator Lee’s effort to fast-track the undoing of the Bears Ears Monument Management Plan goes nowhere.

Earlier this year, the Protect Wild Utah movement ensured that Grand Staircase-Escalante Management Plan remained in place—it was an extraordinary effort, against the odds, that involved a whole-of-organization effort for SUWA and our supporters. We’ll be mounting a similar campaign for Bears Ears and will need your help again. Thank you—we know you’ll help us rise to the occasion. We’ll be in touch as we have more updates.

>> Want to do more to defend Bears Ears? Click here to get in contact with a Regional Organizer.