Padilla, Schiff join President Biden for national monument signing ceremony
Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) celebrated President Biden’s official signing of proclamations to establish the Chuckwalla and Sáttítla Highlands National Monuments in California.
The new Chuckwalla National Monument will protect over 624,000 acres of California’s vast desert landscape in eastern Imperial and Riverside counties. The creation of the Sáttítla National Monument will protect over 224,000 acres of public land within the Shasta-Trinity, Klamath, and Modoc National Forests in northern California.
“The designation of Chuckwalla and Sáttítla Highlands National Monuments is another powerful action to protect California’s natural beauty, preserve critical habitats, and ensure future generations can enjoy these iconic landscapes,” said Senator Schiff. “This thoughtful step reflects a deep commitment to conservation, and recognizes the efforts of environmental and tribal advocates, conservationists, and local communities who have long fought to safeguard these lands. As one of the Biden Administration’s final acts, it is a lasting gift to Californians and to the nation.”
“Nearly 1 million acres of California’s treasured public lands have been safeguarded in just four years under President Biden — a historic achievement,” said Senator Padilla. “The establishment of the Chuckwalla and Sáttítla National Monuments marks an enormous win for our ambitious goals to preserve sacred tribal lands, advance clean energy, and support our diverse wildlife, all while protecting vital outdoor recreational opportunities for millions of Californians. Tribal leaders fought for decades to protect these sacred landscapes, and I was honored to stand alongside them and President Biden to ensure the benefits of these natural wonders endure for generations to come.”
“I am thrilled that President Biden has designated the Chuckwalla National Monument using the Antiquities Act,” said Representative Ruiz. “After years of negotiation and bringing several communities together, this achievement was made possible through the leadership and partnership of many organizations, tribes, and community leaders. Chuckwalla National Monument will pave the way for the future of conservation and renewable energy. I greatly appreciate Senators Padilla and Butler for their support and partnership over the last several years.”
Background:
Last year, Schiff and members of California’s congressional delegation called on the Biden Administration to designate the Chuckwalla National Monument. Schiff also called on the Biden Administration to establish the Sáttítla National Monument alongside Senator Alex Padilla.
The Antiquities Act has been utilized by Presidents for well over a century to protect environmentally and culturally significant areas by establishing federally designated national monuments.
The establishment of these monuments will contribute to President Biden’s goal of permanently conserving 30 percent of U.S. lands and coastal waters by 2030, furthering the Administration’s America the Beautiful Initiative.
Presently, California has 18 national monuments. Tribal nations, community-led organizations, and local leaders came together to nominate both Chuckwalla and Sáttítla for designation as national monuments.
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