Congressman Raul Ruiz Defends the Antiquities Act and California’s Public Lands from Political Attack

Washington, D.C. - The Antiquities Act of 1906, signed into law by President Theodore Roosevelt, was designed to protect areas of cultural, historical, and scientific significance. Its purpose is to preserve these vital resources for the public and for future generations.

The Trump Administration’s efforts to undermine this law will set a dangerous precedent. Rolling back protections not only disregards the intent of the Antiquities Act, it puts at risk the very lands and resources this law was meant to safeguard.

This action would harm veterans, tribal communities, working families, and endangered species. It strips away protections that uphold our responsibility to leave the earth better than we found it, for the benefit of generations to come.

This is yet another attack in a long line of actions targeting California. I will not stand by while our public lands, communities, and future are under threat. I will keep fighting to protect what belongs to all of us.