WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following the introduction of legislation by Senator Padilla and Congressman Raul Ruiz (D, CA-25) and their calls for President Biden to designate Chuckwalla National Monument in California, the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) and California Environmental Voters (EnviroVoters) released the following statements:   

“LCV applauds Senator Padilla and Congressman Ruiz for introducing legislation to designate the Chuckwalla National Monument,” said LCV’s Conservation Program Director America Fitzpatrick. “We stand with Tribal and local leaders working to protect cultural resources, vital species and habitats, and recreation opportunities in the California desert. We proudly join their call for the Biden-Harris administration to honor the homelands of the Cahuilla, Quechan, Serrano, Chemehuevi, and Mojave peoples and protect this critical desert ecosystem as a national monument for future generations. We look forward to working together to build on the Biden-Harris administration’s historic conservation record and supporting the administration, Senator Padilla, and Representative Ruiz’s efforts to establish the Chuckwalla National Monument.”

“The California desert is unique and invaluable to Indigenous Tribes and native plants and animals,” said EnviroVoters Senior Political and Organizing Director Mike Young. “We also know that protecting these lands can maximize the desert sector’s contribution to carbon emissions reduction. California Environmental Voters is proud to amplify the call for President Biden to advance our 30×30 goals by designating Chuckwalla National Monument and expanding Joshua Tree National Park. We’re grateful for Senator Padilla and Congressman Ruiz’s commitment to amplifying community voices throughout Southern California.”

###