Republican Cliff Bentz represents Oregon’s 2nd Congressional District in Congress. It’s the largest district in Oregon, and represents around two-thirds of the state. It encompasses the Owyhee Canyonlands, one of the state’s most-known but — as of yet — unprotected natural places. Conservationists and others, including Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek, have called on President Joe Biden to create a national monument here but so far that hasn’t happened.

Democratic Senator Ron Wyden has been working since 2019 on a bill to create a national monument on 1.1 million acres of land. The legislation was co-sponsored by Oregon’s other Democratic U.S. Senator, Jeff Merkley. The bill passed the Senate last year but died in the House. Bentz proposed his own version last fall, but says he’ll work with the senators on a new plan that can pass both chambers. We talk with Bentz about the way forward for Owyhee protection.