local
Trump signs order shrinking 2 Utah national monuments by 90%
By Nick Viviani at FOX 7 Austin (KTBC) - News
· July 14, 2026
· 1 min read
President Donald Trump signed an order Monday drastically reducing the size of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and Bears Ears National Monument. Combined, the lands will shrink by more than 90%, from more than three million acres to just over 300,000 acres, according to White House st...
Key takeaway Combined, the lands will shrink by more than 90%, from more than three million acres to just over 300,000 acres, according to White House statistics.
Why this matters in Westlake News
The decision to shrink Utah's national monuments has implications for Texas, particularly in the realm of environmental policy and public land management. As a community within the Austin area, West Lake Hills residents may be interested in how this move could set a precedent for federal land use decisions in other states, including Texas. The reduction of protected lands in Utah could potentially influence the way Texas' own public lands and natural resources are managed, sparking concerns among local conservationists and outdoor enthusiasts. With the Texas Hill Country's unique ecosystem and natural beauty, the prospect of reduced federal protections for public lands may resonate with West Lake Hills residents who value the preservation of natural areas and wildlife habitats. This development may prompt local discussions about the balance between economic development and environmental conservation in the region.
About this story
Original reporting by FOX 7 Austin (KTBC) - News . Westlake News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit FOX 7 Austin (KTBC) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 14, 2026 ·
Source: FOX 7 Austin (KTBC) - News ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? President Donald Trump signed an order Monday drastically reducing the size of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and Bears Ears National Monument. Combined, the lands will shrink by more than 90%, from more than three million acres to just over 300,000 acres, according to White House st...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 14, 2026 by FOX 7 Austin (KTBC) - News and curated for Westlake News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Nick Viviani at FOX 7 Austin (KTBC) - News. To learn more about how Westlake News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Westlake News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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