President Biden is set to designate two new national monuments in California this week, protecting approximately 850,000 acres of tribal lands from future development. This move would mark a significant step in conservation efforts, with Biden having already shut down development on more public lands than all but one former president, Jimmy Carter.
The first monument, Chuckwalla National Monument, will cover 644,000 acres in Southern California near Joshua Tree National Park. While specific plans for the monument have not been disclosed, sources indicate that Biden will be visiting the designated tribal land in Southern California's east Coachella Valley on Tuesday.
Additionally, Biden plans to establish the Sáttítla National Monument, spanning around 200,000 acres in Northern California near the Oregon border. This designation aims to protect the area from future energy development, furthering the administration's green energy priorities.
While environmentalists, tribal groups, and Democrat lawmakers have supported Biden's actions, Rep. Doug LaMalfa, R-Calif., has raised concerns about the necessity of protecting the land in Northern California, citing existing protections and potential challenges in fighting wildfires due to restricted access.
Using his authority under the Antiquities Act of 1906, Biden will designate these new monuments, adding to the eight established and four expanded national monuments since taking office. These designations align with Biden's efforts to prioritize conservation and environmental protection.
Meanwhile, the Biden administration has also taken steps to limit offshore oil and gas drilling, with a recent executive order banning new drilling off nearly all U.S. coasts. This decision has drawn criticism from industry groups, such as the National Ocean Industries Association, who argue that it is driven by political motives rather than scientific evidence or public support.
Overall, Biden's actions reflect a commitment to environmental conservation and green energy initiatives, setting the stage for potential challenges and debates over land use and energy policy in the coming years.
