On Tuesday, a trio of California lawmakers introduced bicameral legislation to create the Chuckwalla National Monument and expand Joshua Tree
Look West: Public lands and energy news from the Center for Western Priorities
** California lawmakers introduce Chuckwalla National Monument bill
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Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Photo: @SenAlexPadilla ([link removed])
On Tuesday, a trio of California lawmakers introduced bicameral legislation ([link removed]) to create the Chuckwalla National Monument and expand Joshua Tree National Park ([link removed]) . The bill would protect over 627,000 acres in the Eastern Coachella Valley through the establishment of Chuckwalla National Monument, and would add just under 18,000 acres of previously designated public lands to Joshua Tree National Park.
Senators Alex Padilla and Laphonza Butler, and Representative Raul Ruiz's legislation reflects the advocacy, leadership, and collaborative efforts of Tribal nations, cities and municipalities, local community members, and business leaders to protect these special desert landscapes. The bill would expand equitable access to nature, protect the area’s rich biodiversity, preserve local history, honor the cultural significance of the landscape, and address the climate and biodiversity crises. The lawmakers also sent a letter ([link removed]) signed by several more of their colleagues to President Joe Biden urging him to use his authority under the Antiquities Act to designate the Chuckwalla National Monument. ([link removed])
Senator Padilla and Representative Ruiz also attended a press conference ([link removed]) in front of the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday at which a broad coalition of conservation leaders and Tribal representatives touted a petition with 800,000 signatures to President Biden and Interior Secretary Deb Haaland urging them to act quickly to protect large swaths of land and historic sites. Along with encouraging President Biden to designate Chuckwalla National Monument and expand Joshua Tree National Park, the coalition also urged the President to expand California's San Gabriel Mountains ([link removed]) and Berryessa Snow Mountain
([link removed]) National Monuments, and pushed for new or expanded designations of 11 landscapes and historic sites ([link removed]) in seven states, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, and Oregon.
Biden set to block Ambler mining road in Alaska wilderness
The New York Times ([link removed]) is reporting that the Biden administration is expected to deny permission for a 211-mile industrial road through a protected Alaskan wilderness area ([link removed]) in order to access a large copper deposit. According to the Times, the Interior Department intends to announce as early as this week that there should be “no action” on the federal land where the Ambler Access Project road would be built. The proposed Ambler project would consist of a $350 million two-lane, all-season gravel road that would run through the foothills of the Brooks Range and the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, crossing 11 rivers and thousands of streams ([link removed]) before it reached the site of a future mine. Opponents of the road have argued for years that it would threaten
wildlife as well as Alaska Native tribes that rely on hunting and fishing. David Krause, interim executive director of the National Audubon Society’s Alaska office said ([link removed]) “This is one of the most ecologically-intact and functional landscapes on the planet,” and protecting it from development is a “huge deal.”
** Quick hits
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U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service announces expansion of four National Wildlife Refuges
San Antonio Express News ([link removed]) | E&E News ([link removed])
Forest Service purchases land with world's longest track of dinosaur footprints
Colorado Public Radio ([link removed])
California lawmakers introduce Chuckwalla National Monument bill
Desert Sun ([link removed]) | KTLA ([link removed]) | E&E News ([link removed])
Colorado lawmakers weigh limits, safety regulations for trains as derailed Uinta Basin Railway trains seek fresh tracks
Colorado Sun ([link removed])
Biden set to block Ambler mining road in Alaska wilderness
New York Times ([link removed]) | E&E News ([link removed])
Plumbing problem at Glen Canyon Dam brings new threat to Colorado River system
Associated Press ([link removed])
Colorado lawmaker key to passing the largest-ever outdoor recreation package
Colorado Sun ([link removed])
U.S. Senate approves abandoned mine cleanup bill
E&E News ([link removed])
** Quote of the day
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” Our proposal reflects the input of Tribal leaders who have fought for years to protect these sacred landscapes, and from our partners in the energy industry who worked with us to carefully craft the monument’s boundaries to ensure we can meet our shared clean energy goals. I look forward to working alongside federal officials, Tribes, veterans, and local businesses to secure these protections as soon as possible.”
—California Senator Alex Padilla ([link removed])
** Picture This
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@usinterior ([link removed])
Each spring, playful and energetic bison calves or “red dogs” join the herd. Just minutes old, this newborn with its mom fights against a slight breeze to balance and hold itself up for the first time.
Our public lands provide millions of visitors with some of the greatest wildlife viewing opportunities in the world. The safety of these animals, as well as your safety, depends on everyone using good judgment and following the rules. Stay at least 25 yards away from all wildlife (including bison, elk and deer) and at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves.
Photo by Neal Herbert / NPS
#bison ([link removed]) #yellowstone ([link removed]) #recreateresponsibly ([link removed]) #publiclands ([link removed])
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