WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following the introduction of legislation and calls from Congressman Raul Ruiz (D, CA-25) and local advocates for President Biden to designate nearly 700,000 acres in California as the Chuckwalla National Monument, the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) and California Environmental Voters (EnviroVoters) released the following statements:   

“LCV joins the growing chorus calling on the Biden-Harris administration to protect the cultural resources, vital species and habitats, and recreation opportunities in the California desert by designating the Chuckwalla National Monument,” said Tiernan Sittenfeld, LCV’s Senior Vice President, Government Affairs. “We applaud Representative Ruiz for his leadership and collaboration with local leaders to protect this critical area in California. This national monument will honor the homelands of the Cahuilla, Quechan, Serrano, Chemehuevi, and Mojave peoples and better facilitate Tribal collaboration for the stewardship of the landscape, while preserving access to nature and popular sites for outdoor recreation. The Biden-Harris administration has already worked with local communities and Tribal Nations and designated national monuments in Arizona, Nevada and Texas, and we look forward to working together to build on this conservation record, including the Chuckwalla National Monument.”

“The California desert is one of our state’s vibrant treasures and is home to a wide range of unique plants and wildlife that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. Additionally, these 700,000 acres serve as a space where Californians come to relax, explore, and celebrate their cultural history. This expansion would be a fantastic opportunity to provide additional resources that protect and preserve this unique wildspace, while moving closer toward the President’s commitment to conserve 30% of America’s wildspaces by 2030.” said Mike Young, EnviroVoters’ Political and Organizing Director. “We celebrate the leadership of Representative Ruiz and are proud to be part of a diverse coalition that is working to protect our biodiversity and wildspaces.”

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