Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) praised President Joe Biden’s establishment of the Chuckwalla National Monument in Southern California near Joshua Tree National Park and the Sáttítla National Monument in the Medicine Lake Highlands region of Northern California. The designations will bar drilling, mining, and other industrial activity in the areas, protecting sacred land of local tribes and expanding Californians’ access to outdoor recreational areas.
“The designation of Chuckwalla and Sáttítla National Monuments is another powerful action to protect California’s natural beauty, preserve critical habitats, and ensure future generations can enjoy these iconic landscapes. 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,” said Senator Schiff.
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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