President Barack Obama designated three new national monuments in an attempt to protect outdoor spaces of the country for the benefit of future generations, despite the pursuit of Republicans in Congress to stop him. The three newfound national monuments are Berryessa Snow Mountain in Calif., Waco Mammoth in Texas, and Basin and Range in Nev. The signing of this proclamation by Obama took place in the Oval Office of the White House on July 10, 2015.

The Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument is claimed to be a "biodiversity hot spot" by the White House. It covers over 330,000 acres of Northern Calif., stretching from sea level and into mountains, and includes dozens of different ecosystems and the cultural sites of Native Americans. This area is a prime destination for hunters, fishermen, and campers. According to officials, the designation of this site as a National Monument will lead to an increase in visitors, boosting economic growth.

A paleontological site located in Central Texas, Waco Mammoth houses the preserved remains of 24 Colombian Mammoths in addition to other ancient ice age species, such as the saber-toothed cat, dwarf antelope, western camel, American alligator, and giant tortoise. This also happens to be the only spot in the United States where a nursery herd of mammoths has been discovered. Waco Mammoth presents opportunities for scientific study.

The Basin and Range National Monument in Nev. protects 704,000 acres of public land in the Great Basin region, which is home to prehistoric rock art, and serves as an attraction to recreationists. According to the White House, the area tells stories of cultural traditions ranging from those of early human inhabitants to those of ranchers and miners during the 20th century. It is also home to artist Michael Heizer's City, which is an example of American land-art. The Basin and Range National monument will continue livestock grazing and military use.

Obama's authority to designate historic and ecologically significant sites without the approval of Congress comes from the 1906 Antiquities Act. This act was meant to be used in emergency to protect unique natural and historic areas, such as the Grand Canyon and Statue of Liberty, from destruction by new development. It was established and first used by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906, and only 16 presidents have used this authority since. Obama has turned to this law more than any other president in the history of the United States, expanding and establishing a whopping total of 19 national monuments.

The White House claims to have had local support for all three national monuments, but other sources beg to differ. The American Spectator says that there was an overload of objections from legislators of the affected areas. Republicans are unhappy due to the foreclosing of a million acres of land that was previously available to the public for commercial and recreational use. They believe the president is ignoring the interest of local residents who are the most affected by the designation of these monuments.

Believing that the Antiquities Act has been abused, Nevada Representative Cresent Hardy passed an amendment to an Interior Department bill blocking the creation of monuments where there is local opposition, empowering local communities and stake holders. Also, House National Resources Committee Chairman Rob Bishop publicly denounced Obama's actions, declaring that the president is showing disdain for Congress and the three states that are now home to the new national monuments.

Senate Bill 437, the Improved National Monument Designation Process Act, has been introduced with the intention of putting an end to the executive branch's solo power to declare monuments. If this bill is passed, the approval of Congress and any affected states will be required before the designation of federal land as a monument.

Senator Harry Reid has always wanted to protect the Basin and Range in Nevada, so he is on the president's side. Senator Barbara Boxer, along with other environmental advocates, also applauded Obama for protecting natural wonders.

Will Obama's opposition be remembered in 100 years, or will textbooks only reveal the legacy of protecting the environment? Only time will tell.