Biden to dedicate two new national monuments

President Biden is set to make history by designating two new national monuments in California this week, protecting approximately 850,000 acres of tribal lands from future development. This move will mark the largest shutdown of development on public lands by a president, second only to former President Jimmy Carter.

The first national monument, the Chuckwalla National Monument, will span 644,000 acres in the southern part of California near Joshua Tree National Park. While specific plans for the monument have not been publicly announced, sources have revealed that President Biden will be traveling to Southern California’s east Coachella Valley, where the designated tribal land is located.

In addition to the Chuckwalla National Monument, President Biden also plans to establish the Sáttítla National Monument in Northern California, near the Oregon border, covering approximately 200,000 acres. This designation will further protect the area from any future energy development.

While environmentalists, tribal groups, and Democrat lawmakers have applauded President Biden’s decision to designate these national monuments, Rep. Doug LaMalfa, R-Calif., has raised concerns about the need for further protection in Northern California. He argues that the area is already safeguarded from development and that additional restrictions could hinder wildfire fighting efforts due to the lack of access roads.

These new national monuments will be designated by President Biden using his authority under the Antiquities Act of 1906, allowing him to protect lands and water for the benefit of the nation without congressional approval. Since taking office, President Biden has established eight new national monuments and expanded four others through executive action.

In the lead-up to President Biden’s departure from the White House, his administration has focused on solidifying its green energy priorities, including the recent ban on new oil and gas drilling off nearly all U.S. coasts. This move has drawn criticism from industry groups like the National Ocean Industries Association, who argue that the decision is politically motivated rather than based on scientific evidence or public support.

Overall, President Biden’s efforts to protect tribal lands and promote green energy initiatives through national monument designations have garnered both praise and criticism. As the administration continues to prioritize environmental conservation, the impact of these decisions on future energy development and land use remains to be seen.