President Biden is planning to add another national monument near Joshua Tree National Park, known as the Chuckwalla National Monument. This new monument will be located between the Colorado River and Coachella Valley in Southern California and will be the largest contiguous protected area in the country. The exact size of the monument has not been confirmed, but developers are seeking to build more solar and wind farms in the area. The designation of the Chuckwalla National Monument will support the Biden administration’s goal to protect 30% of lands and waters by 2030 and will prohibit mining, drilling, and logging in the region.
The Chuckwalla National Monument will be dedicated using the authority of the Antiquities Act, which allows presidents to preserve lands through executive action. President Biden has already utilized this act 13 times, creating six monuments and expanding two others. This dedication will be a significant step towards protecting the environment and ensuring conservation efforts are met. Additionally, the Biden administration is reportedly planning to take action to protect old-growth trees in the national forest system and create the Sáttítla National Monument in Northern California. These actions demonstrate the administration’s commitment to environmental conservation and preservation of natural resources.
In the past, President Biden has named other new national monuments, such as one in Pennsylvania focused on Indian boarding schools and one in Maine that honored the first woman to serve in a presidential cabinet. These designations have highlighted important historical and cultural aspects of the United States while also prioritizing environmental protection and conservation. The Chuckwalla National Monument will join the list of monuments created by President Biden as part of his administration’s efforts to safeguard natural areas and mitigate climate change impacts.
Native American tribes, environmentalists, and members of Congress have been advocating for the establishment of the Chuckwalla National Monument, emphasizing the importance of preserving the natural landscape in Southern California. The designation of this monument will further enhance the conservation efforts in the region and protect the land from potential development that could harm the environment. President Biden’s decision to dedicate the Chuckwalla National Monument showcases his commitment to environmental protection and the preservation of natural resources for future generations to enjoy.
As President Biden continues to use his executive authority to create national monuments and protected areas, he is solidifying his administration’s stance on environmental conservation and sustainability. By establishing the Chuckwalla National Monument near Joshua Tree National Park, the administration is taking a significant step towards safeguarding vital ecosystems and habitats in Southern California. This dedication will not only benefit the region’s biodiversity but also contribute to the broader goal of protecting lands and waters across the country. President Biden’s upcoming trip to California to dedicate the Chuckwalla National Monument signals his dedication to environmental protection and his administration’s efforts to combat climate change.
