A petition for writ of certiorari recently filed with the US Supreme Court could have big implications for parties that have an interest in the development or protection of the seafloors surrounding the United States — environmentalists and industry actors alike. At issue is the ability of the president to control the development of large swaths of offshore acreage by designating areas as “national monuments” under the Antiquities Act, 54 U.S.C. § 320301, which was enacted in 1906 and authorizes the president to declare national monuments by public proclamation. Continue reading >