Gov. Herbert statement on monument report to the White House
SALT LAKE CITY (Aug. 24, 2017) – Gov. Gary R. Herbert has issued the following statement in regard to U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke’s report to the president on the Presidential Order on the Review of Designations under the Antiquities Act:
I appreciate Secretary Zinke’s thorough review of uses of the Antiquities Act in Utah that I believe exceed the narrow scope of the Act. I am heartened by the secretary’s recognition that Congress, rather than the president, has the authority to enact protections beyond the parameters of the Antiquities Act and that such presidential designations cannot substitute for legislation.
Both the secretary and I have been exceedingly clear that if there is a change to monument boundaries, all affected federal public land will remain an integral part of our national heritage and trust under federal ownership.
It is my hope that the president will carefully study the secretary's recommendations to narrow the application of the Antiquities Act. If the president decides to modify current monuments, I trust the stakeholders in our public land debates will work with Congress in good faith to pass legislation to clarify controversial public land use regulations.
It is my conviction that working together we can protect Utah’s iconic landscapes for us and future generations, give to Native Americans meaningful co-management that they currently do not have over lands that have been part of their sacred heritage, and provide access to sustainable recreational activities, all while honoring the BLM charter’s important principle of multiple use.
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Governor lowers flags in memory of Staff Sgt. Aaron Butler
SALT LAKE CITY (Aug. 24, 2017) – Gov. Gary R. Herbert has ordered the lowering of the flag of the United States of America and the flag of the State of Utah on Sat., Aug. 26, 2017 to honor the life and service of Staff Sgt. Aaron Rhett Butler, who will be laid to rest on that day.
The governor previously issued the following statement:
Jeanette and I were heartbroken to hear of the passing of one of Utah’s best, Staff Sgt. Aaron Butler. Tonight, we join all Utahns in grieving for him, and honoring his sacrifice — the ultimate sacrifice. Our hearts ache for his family, friends and loved ones, and they will long be on our minds and in our prayers.
We pray also for the 11 members of his group who were injured in the explosion. May their healing come swiftly, and may they find comfort and strength through the coming weeks and months as they work toward recovery.
It truly isn’t possible to offer adequate thanks to those who put their lives on the line day after day in the defense of freedom around the world. May God’s greatest blessings graciously fall upon those brave men and women who are dedicated to the service of their fellowmen.
Flags will be flown at half-staff at all state facilities and public grounds from sunrise until sunset on Sat., Aug. 26, 2017 only. Individuals and businesses are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time.
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