President Joe Biden recently designated two sites in California as national monuments, aimed at honoring Native American tribes and preserving the region’s natural landscapes from mining and energy development. The monuments, Chuckwalla National Monument and SáttÃtla Highlands National Monument, will protect over 849,000 acres of land, including unique deserts and mountains, from activities like oil drilling, gas extraction, and mining.
Biden made the announcement at a White House event, after a delay caused by the Los Angeles wildfires, which were fueled by strong winds on January 6. Initially, the event was set to take place in California’s Eastern Coachella Valley, but the fires forced a last-minute change. Despite the altered plans, Biden highlighted the significance of the designations in safeguarding the environment, pointing out the impact of climate change on natural disasters like the fires.
The Chuckwalla National Monument, located near Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California, covers 624,000 acres of land. The site is home to unique species, including desert bighorn sheep and the Chuckwalla lizard, and features geological wonders like Painted Canyon and Alligator Rock. The SáttÃtla Highlands National Monument, situated along the California-Oregon border, spans about 225,000 acres, protecting similarly diverse ecosystems.
These designations are a direct response to years of advocacy from Native American tribes and environmental groups. The Pit River Tribe, for example, has campaigned for the creation of the SáttÃtla Highlands Monument, while other tribes have long sought the Chuckwalla designation. Biden’s actions are part of his administration’s broader goal to conserve 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030.
In his remarks, Biden shared personal memories of visiting national monuments with his children, emphasizing the importance of protecting the nation’s natural wonders for future generations. The monument declarations also align with Biden’s ongoing efforts to prevent new offshore drilling, a policy that may face challenges from the incoming Republican administration.
