Title: Biden’s Legacy: California‘s Monumental Expansion Before Exit
In his final days as the President of the United States, Democrat Joe Biden is set to embark on a journey to California, where he will leave a monumental mark on the state’s landscape. Before ceding the presidency to Republican Donald Trump on January 20, Biden aims to inaugurate the Chuckwalla National Monument, a project driven by Native American tribes, environmental activist groups, and members of Congress.
Less than three weeks before his departure, the outgoing president will travel to the Golden State to formally establish the proposed Chuckwalla monument, located between the Colorado River and the Coachella Valley. By doing so, Biden will designate this area as the largest contiguous protected zone in the country, according to CBS News.
While the exact size of the newly added land isn’t confirmed, the network reports that it could amount to approximately 260,617 acres. This expansion will complete Biden’s goal of protecting at least 30% of U.S. land and waters by 2030, and it will safeguard Chuckwalla Valley from mining, drilling, and logging activities.
Biden’s environmental legacy won’t stop at Chuckwalla. His administration has been working tirelessly to preserve the natural world, including old trees within the national forest system. As a final act in office, the president will sign a proclamation establishing the Sättåtla National Monument in Northern California.
Throughout his time in office, Biden utilized the Antiquities Act—legislation granting the President the authority to protect public lands and artifacts—13 times. Thanks to this determined effort, he has created six new monuments, expanded two existing ones, and safeguarded over 46 million acres of public land.
As Biden prepares to hand over the reins, his environmental efforts underscore his commitment to preserving America’s natural heritage and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
