Biden designates 2 national monuments in California

President Biden made a significant move during his final week in office by signing proclamations to establish two new national monuments in California. The Chuckwalla National Monument and the Sáttítla Highlands National Monument will protect hundreds of thousands of acres of land in the state, showcasing his commitment to conservation and environmental protection.

Originally scheduled to take place in California, the event was postponed due to the wildfires ravaging Southern California. Despite the change in location to the White House, President Biden emphasized the importance of preserving natural wonders and highlighted the aggressive climate agenda his administration has pursued.

In his remarks, President Biden mentioned that he had signed an executive order early in his presidency to establish a conservation goal of protecting 30% of all lands and waters in America by 2030. This initiative, known as “America the Beautiful,” aims to conserve and restore natural habitats across the country. Over the past four years, his administration has made significant progress towards this goal by creating new national monuments and conserving millions of acres of land and water resources.

The Chuckwalla National Monument will safeguard over 600,000 acres of public land in the California desert, near Joshua Tree National Park and the Colorado River. This designation will help preserve the unique ecosystem of the region and protect vital wildlife habitats.

On the other hand, the Sáttítla Highlands National Monument will conserve more than 224,000 acres of land in Northern California, spanning across the Modoc, Shasta-Trinity, and Klamath national forests. This area is of great cultural and ecological significance, providing protection to tribal ancestral homelands, rare flora and fauna, and essential water sources.

President Biden expressed pride in his administration’s achievements in land conservation, stating that he has protected more land and water than any other president in American history. The establishment of these two national monuments underscores his commitment to environmental stewardship and ensuring the preservation of natural landscapes for future generations.

The decision to create the Chuckwalla National Monument and the Sáttítla Highlands National Monument reflects President Biden’s dedication to addressing climate change and promoting sustainability. These protected areas will contribute to the country’s conservation efforts and serve as a lasting legacy of his administration’s commitment to environmental protection.