Huge Swaths Of Public Lands In California Newly Eyed For Conservation

CALIFORNIA — Nearly 800,000 acres of public lands in California are newly eyed for federal protection in an election year in which climate change is a critical issue for many voters — and deep pockets are working to shape the November outcome.

This week it was reported that President Joe Biden is expected to expand the perimeters of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument in the Angeles National Forest and San Bernardino National Forest by about 110,000 acres. The Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument in Colusa, Glenn, Lake, Mendocino, Napa, Solano and Yolo counties is also likely to increase by about 13,000 acres under Biden's plan. A formal presidential announcement could come as early as April 22, which is Earth Day 2024.

Additionally, a federal bill announced Tuesday would set aside 627,855 acres for the proposed Chuckwalla National Monument in eastern Imperial and Riverside counties, east of the Salton Sea.

U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Laphonza Butler (both D-Calif.) and Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.-25) announced the legislation titled the Chuckwalla National Monument Establishment and Joshua Tree National Park Expansion Act of 2024. As its name implies, the proposal also includes language to expand Joshua Tree National Park by approximately 17,915 acres with previously designated public lands. The park straddles Riverside and San Bernardino counties in Southern California.

In an April 16 letter addressed to Biden and Department of Interior Secretary Debra A. Haaland, Democratic lawmakers from across California urged the president to use his power under the 1906 Antiquities Act to expedite Chuckwalla's creation and Joshua Tree's expansion.

A primary difference between national monuments and other kinds of sites, such as national parks, is how they are established. Congress can create national parks by passing legislation, whereas U.S. presidents can establish national monuments on federal lands to protect significant natural, cultural or scientific features. The presidential power was granted under the Antiquities Act of 1906.

All of the California proposals would contribute to the Biden administration’s goal of permanently conserving 30 percent of U.S. lands and coastal waters by 2030. That goal got momentum Thursday when the administration announced a new federal rule for the nation’s 245 million acres of public lands overseen by the Bureau of Land Management — most of which are in the West. The rule puts conservation on par with BLM-allowed activities like livestock grazing, energy development and mining.

"Today’s final rule helps restore balance to our public lands as we continue using the best-available science to restore habitats, guide strategic and responsible development, and sustain our public lands for generations to come," Haaland said Thursday.

The new rule follows last month's announcement that the League of Conservation Voters was infusing $120 million into the 2024 election cycle. The LCV "advocates for sound environmental laws and policies, holds elected officials accountable for their votes and actions, and elects pro-environment candidates," according to its website.

The California Democrats who campaign and advocate for environmental protections appear to be riding a wave that they say will serve generations to come.

"The Chuckwalla National Monument is good for the environment, the economy and public’s health," Ruiz said. "It aims to protect pristine wildlife habitats, endangered plants and animals, and sacred sites of significant spiritual importance to local tribes, crucial for their cultural preservation. Additionally, it will enhance tourism and economic opportunities in our region and provide a new venue for constituents to hike, bike, and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes and natural beauty of our desert. This monument will play an important role in addressing California’s and our nation’s climate change goals while promoting the growth of renewable energy." Read more here: National Monument Status Proposed For Swath Of Riverside County

Tribal support for the preservation of public lands is strong in California. Rudy Ortega Jr., the tribal president of the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians, told The New York Times that tribal members have been nervous about urban development encroaching on the San Gabriel monument.

"The tribes like to see that as an open space," Ortega said. "We know that the future generations of our ancestral villages will be able to go back and continue to visit."

The proposed boundaries for the Chuckwall monument weave through the desert around tribal lands, as well as around areas established for electric power lines, and sites designated for renewable energy construction and military installations. The maps were crafted with feedback from tribal leaders, the renewable energy sector, conservation groups, utility companies, community organizations and youth leaders, according to Chuckwalla supporters.

The Chuckwalla proposal also aligns with the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan, which previously identified public lands suitable for renewable energy development, supporters said.

"This legislation is a testament to the reality that conservation and renewable energy progress go hand in hand,” said Raisa Lee, senior director of development, Clearway Energy Group.

In total, proponents garnered nearly 40 comments in support of Chuckwalla, but not everyone is in agreement. Some say the proposal would eliminate desert mining and could restrict some desert recreation activities. As of Friday afternoon, a Change.org petition opposing the legislation had garnered over 1,600 signatures. The signatures could not be verified.

John Podesta, Biden’s senior adviser on climate change, touted his boss's record on preserving public lands. He told The New York Times, “I think we’ve got more to come, including better use and better protection of public lands.”