Biden Declares Two New National Monuments in California \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ President Joe Biden designated two California sites as national monuments, honoring Native American heritage and protecting natural landscapes from energy development. The Chuckwalla and Sáttítla Highlands National Monuments span 850,000 acres combined, safeguarding unique ecosystems and cultural sites. These designations align with Biden’s conservation goals to protect 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030.
Biden Designates California National Monuments: Quick Looks
- Delayed Announcement: Wildfires in Los Angeles delayed Biden’s initial plans to announce the designations in California.
- Monuments Established: The Chuckwalla National Monument (624,000 acres) and Sáttítla Highlands National Monument (225,000 acres) were formally created.
- Protection Scope: Both sites will prohibit oil, gas, and mining activities to conserve biodiversity and cultural landmarks.
- Biodiversity Hotspots: Chuckwalla is home to rare species like the desert bighorn sheep and Chuckwalla lizard.
- Cultural Significance: Native tribes and environmental groups advocated for the protections, preserving sacred and historical lands.
- Climate Concerns: Biden highlighted the impact of climate change on disasters like the LA wildfires during the event.
- Conservation Goals: The move is part of Biden’s initiative to conserve 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030.
Deep Look
President Joe Biden formally designated two new national monuments in California on Tuesday, preserving over 850,000 acres of picturesque landscapes and sacred tribal lands. The announcement, initially planned for California’s Eastern Coachella Valley, was delayed by wildfires that underscored the growing impact of climate change on natural disasters.
Speaking from the White House, Biden unveiled the Chuckwalla National Monument in Southern California and the Sáttítla Highlands National Monument near the California-Oregon border. These designations align with the Biden administration’s ambitious conservation efforts to protect U.S. lands and waters.
A Delayed Announcement Amid Wildfires
Biden’s announcement was originally scheduled for January 6 in California but was relocated to Washington, D.C., due to high winds that fueled wildfires in Los Angeles. Reflecting on the change, Biden noted the challenges posed by climate change, which he called a stark reminder of the urgency of conservation.
“I was hoping we were going to do this in place,” Biden said, standing before screens displaying the natural beauty of the monuments. “This is as close as we could get.”
The New Monuments: Chuckwalla and Sáttítla Highlands
The Chuckwalla National Monument, spanning 624,000 acres near Joshua Tree National Park, encompasses ecological and geological marvels, including the Painted Canyon of Mecca Hills and Alligator Rock. It is home to over 50 rare species, including the desert bighorn sheep and the Chuckwalla lizard, for which the monument is named.
The Sáttítla Highlands National Monument, covering 225,000 acres, protects sacred tribal lands and biodiverse ecosystems along the northern California border.
Both designations prohibit oil and gas drilling, mining, and other energy development, ensuring long-term preservation of the sites’ natural and cultural resources.
Honoring Tribal Advocacy
The monuments reflect decades of advocacy by Native American tribes and environmental organizations. The Chuckwalla designation fulfills longstanding requests from tribes and conservation groups to protect the region’s fragile desert ecosystem.
The Pit River Tribe played a pivotal role in advocating for the Sáttítla Highlands designation, seeking federal recognition of the site’s cultural and historical significance. During the announcement, Biden acknowledged these efforts while humorously noting his difficulty pronouncing “Sáttítla.”
Conservation Goals and Climate Action
The new monuments contribute to Biden’s broader goal of conserving at least 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030, a pillar of his environmental agenda. This initiative complements recent actions like banning new offshore oil and gas drilling in most U.S. coastal waters, including California.
“These national wonders are the heart and soul of this nation,” Biden said. “They’re a birthright we pass on from generation to generation.”
However, these efforts face challenges. President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to reverse many of Biden’s environmental protections, including offshore drilling bans.
Why These Designations Matter
The creation of the Chuckwalla and Sáttítla Highlands National Monuments marks a significant step in balancing conservation with development. These protected areas safeguard:
- Biodiversity: Both monuments host unique flora and fauna, some of which are found nowhere else in the world.
- Cultural Heritage: The sites preserve sacred lands and historical sites integral to Native American tribes.
- Climate Resilience: By limiting human exploitation, the monuments contribute to mitigating environmental degradation and protecting ecosystems from climate change impacts.
A Legacy of Preservation
Biden’s national monument designations build on a legacy of conservation stretching back to President Theodore Roosevelt, who established the Antiquities Act in 1906. While each administration approaches conservation differently, Biden’s aggressive push to protect natural resources reflects growing urgency in the face of global climate challenges.
The Chuckwalla and Sáttítla Highlands National Monuments symbolize this commitment, ensuring that these lands remain untouched for generations to come.
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