President Biden Signs Proclamations to Establish Two National Monuments in California
President Biden, in his last week in office, signed proclamations to establish the Chuckwalla National Monument and the Sáttítla Highlands National Monument in California. These new national monuments will protect hundreds of thousands of acres of land.
Wildfires in Southern California had initially delayed the event by a week. President Biden expressed his desire to hold the ceremony in the state but had to relocate it to the White House due to the ongoing destructive wildfires.
Aggressive Climate Agenda and the Importance of Natural Wonders
President Biden emphasized his administration’s commitment to addressing climate change and protecting the environment. In the East Room of the White House, he stated, “We’ve been carrying out the most aggressive climate agenda ever in the history of the world.” He further highlighted the significance of America’s natural wonders, describing them as the heart and soul of the nation.
America the Beautiful: Protecting 30% of Lands and Waters by 2030
President Biden mentioned that during his second week as president, he signed an executive order establishing the conservation goal of protecting 30% of all lands and waters in America by 2030. This initiative, known as “America the Beautiful,” aims to preserve and restore natural areas across the country. Over the past four years, the administration has made significant progress in achieving this goal, including the creation of new national monuments and the conservation of hundreds of millions of acres of land and waters throughout America.
Record-Breaking Conservation Efforts
President Biden proudly proclaimed that he has fulfilled his commitment to protecting more land and water than any previous president in American history over the past four years.
The Chuckwalla National Monument
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 aims to preserve the unique natural features and ecosystems of the area, ensuring their long-term survival and enjoyment by future generations.
The Sáttítla Highlands National Monument
The Sáttítla Highlands National Monument will protect more than 224,000 acres of land in Northern California, encompassing the Modoc, Shasta-Trinity, and Klamath national forests. This monument offers vital protection to tribal ancestral homelands, historic and scientific treasures, rare flora and fauna, and the headwaters of crucial water sources. Its creation recognizes the importance of preserving the cultural and ecological heritage of this region.
President Biden’s commitment to conservation and environmental protection is evident in these recent actions. By establishing these two national monuments, he aims to preserve America’s natural treasures for future generations to cherish and enjoy.
