Senator Padilla Introduces Resolution Urging Creation of Chuckwalla National Monument
SACRAMENTO – Yesterday, Senator Steve Padilla (D-San Diego) and Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella) introduced Senate Joint Resolution 16, which urges President Biden to designate roughly 660,000 acres of public lands stretching from the Coachella Valley to the Colorado River as the Chuckwalla National Monument.
The resolution also calls for Joshua Tree National Park to be extended to include 17,000 acres adjacent to its east side. The designation would protect lands that are rich in ecological diversity and historical significance to the Cahuilla, Chemehuevi, Mojave, Quechan, and Serrano nations.
“Our changing climate threatens important cultural sites and fragile ecosystems,” said Senator Padilla. “We must act as stewards of the unique natural beauty that can be found here and take action to preserve these lands for future generations to experience. It is critical that we protect the cultural, historical, and spiritual importance of the land to the sovereign nations that call this place home.”
“We join Senator Padilla and the tribal nations advocating in support of establishing the Chuckwalla National Monument,” said Assemblymember Garcia. “The protection and preservation of these natural lands of cultural, ecological, and historical significance is vital as we aim to achieve our environmental justice and climate change goals.”
The introduction of the resolution comes just a few days before the US Secretary of the Interior, Deb Haaland, visits the region.
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Steve Padilla represents the 18th Senate District, which includes the communities of Chula Vista, the Coachella Valley, Imperial Beach, the Imperial Valley, National City, and San Diego. Prior to his election to the Senate in 2022, Senator Padilla was the first person of color ever elected to city office in Chula Vista, the first Latino Mayor, and the first openly LGBT person to serve or be elected to city office. Website of Senator Steve Padilla: https://sd18.senate.ca.gov/