President Barack Obama has unilaterally designated two new "national monument" nature preserves in the western US states of Nevada and Utah.
The Bears Ears National Monument and the Gold Butte National Monument will protect areas rich in Native American artifacts from energy drilling.
Fantastic news! Of course, this has to be a partisan issue, right? Republicans seem to think so:
Some Republicans in those states are opposed to the move and say it amounts to a federal land-grab.
To conclude:
The Hawaiian-born president has protected more land and water acreage than any other US president.
I think this is a great legacy to leave. Great news as we head into the new year.
Source.