Patagonia goes to war against Trump over national monument plans: 'The President Stole Your Land'

pulse

December 5, 2017 12:45 AM

The White House has just announced the biggest-ever reduction in size of US national monuments.

Clothing company Patagonia has has attacked President Donald Trump's decision to drastically reduce the size of two national monuments.
It says it plans to sue, and is telling visitors to its website: "The President Stole Your Land."

Visitors to Patagonia's website are being greeted with a stark message: "The President Stole Your Land."

The lifestyle clothing company has launched a scathing attack on the Trump administration's decision to drastically reduce the size of two national monuments, and says it plans to sue over what it describes as an "illegal move."

On Monday, it was announced that the Bears Ears National Monument in Utah is being decreased by 85% — the largest-ever reduction of a national monument. The Grand Staircase National Monument is also being reduced.

Trump has framed the move as a response to government overreach: "I have come to Utah to take a very historic action: to reverse federal overreach and restore the rights of this land to your citizens," he said.

But some environmental campaigners and brands have reacted with fury. "Americans have overwhelmingly spoken out against the Trump Administration's unprecedented attempt to shut down our national monuments," Patagonia CEO Rose Marcario said in a statement obtained by Ad Age, signaling the company intends to sue.

"We've fought to protect these places since we were founded and now we'll continue that fight in the courts."

Patagonia has previously been vocal in its support for protecting public land, and is now calling on customers to support advocacy groups including Grand Staircase Escalante Partners, Alaska Wilderness League, and Wild Salmon Center.

"Removing protections for these wild places to open them up for development will not make us energy independent, and history shows that when states control these lands, they are sold to the highest bidder," it says. "This is not a chance we are willing to take."

Outdoor brand REI has also updated its website to condemn the decision, writing:

"Today’s decision hurts the people who love these places. Americans enjoy our public lands in every part of the country, irrespective of politics. Not only have hikers, cyclists, climbers and hunters enjoyed national monuments, but economies have been built around them through outfitters, guides and retailers. The $887 billion outdoor recreation economy employs over 7.6 million people in good, sustainable jobs."

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