Sander Kushen, sander.kushen@sierraclub.org
JOSHUA TREE, Calif. — Today, Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) introduced legislation to designate Chuckwalla National Monument in the California desert and protect lands adjacent to Joshua Tree National Park. Padilla also called on President Biden to use his powers under the Antiquities Act to achieve this goal. The effort seeks to protect about 620,000 acres of the California Desert south of Joshua Tree National Park, reaching west from the Coachella Valley region to the east near the Colorado River. It would also expand Joshua Tree National Park to preserve about 17,000 acres of public lands east of the park.
Senator Padilla’s backing adds to the groundswell of support for the designation of the Chuckwalla National Monument. The introduction of Padilla’s bill follows that of a nearly identical bill by Representative Raul Ruiz (CA-25) in the House last year.
Creating this new national monument would help achieve the Biden administration’s goal of protecting 30 percent of US lands and waters by 2030, an effort that the President specifically highlighted in his State of the Union address earlier this month.
In response, Sierra Club’s California Deserts Organizer Moises Cisneros released the following statement:
“The Sierra Club stands proudly with Indigenous leaders, elected officials, local businesses, faith leaders, veterans and community members calling for the designation of Chuckwalla National Monument. With the introduction of Senator Padilla’s bill, we are now closer than ever to protecting this culturally and environmentally important part of the California desert.
“Chuckwalla’s designation would protect fragile ecosystems, honor Tribal and cultural legacies on the land and expand access to nature for Southern California communities. The designation would be a boon for both residents and businesses—helping increase quality of life for nearby communities while also adding recreational opportunities that make local cities more attractive for businesses and investment.
“We hope President Biden continues to build on his commitment to protect our health and environment by fully protecting this one-of-a-kind landscape.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.