Today, President Obama, despite opposition by Maine’s local residents and elected officials, unilaterally created a national monument in Maine’s North Woods. House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Rob Bishop (R-UT) issued the following statement:

“The President is using the Centennial as a cover to subvert the will of Maine’s citizens and leaders. The only votes taken on this proposal, at the local and state level, have demonstrated opposition from Mainers. If the President cared about local voices and improving our National Park System, he would have done this through the public process and not behind closed doors. Instead, he’s hijacked a moment of celebration to advance powerful elite special interests over Maine’s economy and citizens.”