Schatz Statement On Trump Order Gutting Protections For Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) released the following statement after President Donald Trump signed an executive order to open up the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument to commercial fishing.

“At a time when the climate crisis is threatening our fragile ocean ecosystem and costing us lives and livelihoods every year, President Trump’s response is to gut protections for some of our nation’s most important natural resources, including the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument.

“Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick was unequivocal when he assured me during his confirmation hearing that consultation would take place prior to any actions on fisheries in the Pacific. No such consultation occurred in advance of today’s executive order. The public deserves answers, and I expect him to come before Congress to explain this misguided decision.

“We should be protecting the Pacific’s unmatched ecology and biodiversity for future generations – this order does the opposite.”

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