Biden Protects 848,000 Acres With Two New National Monuments
(Bloomberg) -- President Joe Biden is establishing two new national monuments that will protect 848,000 acres of lands in California, according to the White House.
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Biden’s proclamations creating the Chuckwalla National Monument and the Sáttítla Highlands National Monument mark another initiative to establish his legacy as he prepares to be succeeded by Donald Trump on Jan. 20.
“Since taking office, President Biden has swiftly advanced the most ambitious conservation agenda in US history, setting and pursuing a bold goal to conserve at least 30 percent of US lands and waters by 2030 through the America the Beautiful initiative,” according to a White House fact sheet.
The Chuckwalla National Monument, just south of Joshua Tree National Park, will create the largest corridor of protected lands in the continental US, covering nearly 18 million acres stretching approximately 600 miles.
The Sáttítla Highlands National Monument in northern California will encompass more than 224,000 acres of varied habitat, including parts of the Modoc, Shasta-Trinity and Klamath National Forests, the White House said.
Some American tribes, environmentalists and lawmakers have been demanding that land be set aside land for a national monument that pays tribute to indigenous peoples.
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“This landscape, which has been occupied by indigenous peoples for more than 5,000 years, continues to be integral to tribal religious and cultural practices despite a history of forced dispossession,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a statement. “Establishing this monument takes a step toward recognizing the history of exclusion of Tribal Nations on these lands.”
Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said in a statement that Biden’s decision “will protect important spiritual and cultural values tied to the land and wildlife. I am so grateful that future generations will have the opportunity to experience what makes this area so unique.”
The White House on Tuesday canceled a planned event where Biden was slated to speak on the monuments in Thermal, California, because of weather issues. Southern parts of the state are facing powerful winds that are set to worsen the risk of wildfires in the region. The event will be rescheduled for next week at the White House.
Biden has been keen to highlight his dedication to conservation and fighting climate change. On Monday, he indefinitely blocked offshore oil and gas development in more than 625 million acres of US coastal waters.
Both new national monuments only reserve federal territory, not state or private lands, the White House said.
--With assistance from Meghashyam Mali.
(Updates to add change to Biden schedule in 9th paragraph)
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