Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz Celebrates the Designation of Chuckwalla National Monument
Washington, D.C. – Today, Dr. Raul Ruiz (CA-25) applauds the Biden administration for designating over 600,000 acres in California’s 25th District as Chuckwalla National Monument.
By designating this monument, President Biden has protected the most public lands using the Antiquities Act of any recent president in their first four years in office.
Chuckwalla National Monument will serve as a model for integrating conservation and renewable energy, setting a precedent for future monuments. It has brought together tribes, conservationists, energy companies, and the local community to establish a unified standard for monument design going forward.
Chuckwalla National Monument and its breathtaking desert landscapes will expand tourism and outdoor recreation in the Coachella Valley. The monument is good for the environment, the economy, and the public’s health. It aims to protect pristine wildlife habitats, endangered plants and animals, and sacred sites of significant spiritual importance to local tribes, crucial for their cultural preservation.
The Chuckwalla National Monument has a significant historical importance. During World War II under General Patton’s Desert Training Center, the land was used to prepare troops for combat in North Africa.
“I am thrilled that President Biden has designated the Chuckwalla National Monument using the Antiquities Act,” said Congressman Raul Ruiz (CA-25). “After years of negotiation and bringing several communities together, this achievement was made possible through the leadership and partnership of many organizations, tribes, and community leaders. Chuckwalla National Monument will pave the way for the future of conservation and renewable energy. I greatly appreciate Senators Padilla and Butler for their support and partnership over the last several years.”
“Establishing the Chuckwalla National Monument is another major victory for safeguarding California’s public lands for generations to come. This historic announcement accelerates our state’s crucial efforts to fight the climate crisis, protect our iconic wildlife, preserve sacred tribal sites, and promote clean energy, while expanding equitable access to nature for millions of Californians,” said Senator Alex Padilla. “This designation reflects years of tireless work from tribal leaders to protect these sacred desert landscapes. President Biden has joined California leaders in championing our treasured natural wonders, and I applaud him for further cementing his strong public lands legacy.”
“Designating Chuckwalla National Monument is a victory for conservation, climate resilience, and expanded access to nature. I am glad these lands will now be protected for generations to come.” – Senator Adam Schiff
The Chuckwalla National Monument simply wouldn’t exist without the leadership of Congressman Raul Ruiz. We’re honored to have joined forces with Tribes, community leaders, outdoor enthusiasts, fellow veterans, and Congressman Ruiz’s dedicated team to make this designation a reality under President Biden. This milestone is a lasting victory for all—veterans, non-veterans, and future generations. - Janessa Goldbeck, USMC Veteran and CEO of Vet Voice Foundation
“IID was one of the early supporters of legislation by Congressman Ruiz to designate the Chuckwalla National Monument for its importance to the region,” said IID General Manager, Jamie Asbury. “We applaud the announcement made today by President Biden to make this designation official.”
“The proposed Chuckwalla National Monument is a testament to the reality that conservation and clean energy progress go hand in hand,” said Raisa Lee, Sr. Director of Development, Clearway Energy Group. “We are grateful to Senator Padilla and Representative Ruiz for their tireless and collaborative work to protect biological and cultural areas while helping meet the nation’s growing demand for reliable, low-cost energy.”
“We are grateful that the administration has heeded the call of thousands of Californians to protect our fragile deserts,” said Dr. Elizabeth Gray, CEO of the National Audubon Society. “This historic designation of the Chuckwalla National Monument not only ensures the preservation of the area’s rich biodiversity but also provides a critical sanctuary in addressing the climate crisis and supports the livelihoods of underserved communities. The expansion of protected areas underscores our commitment to collaborative habitat conservation, emphasizing partnerships with Indigenous peoples and local communities. We deeply appreciate the dedication of the administration and California’s congressional leadership in conserving these irreplaceable lands.”
“We applaud Rep. Ruiz for his leadership, listening to local voices and advocating for the designation of Chuckwalla National Monument. This locally-led, tribally supported monument designation honors a living landscape that has interconnected cultural, natural and spiritual significance and continues to sustain the well-being and survival of Indigenous peoples today. Protecting these public lands improves equitable access to nature and recreation and protects biodiversity in the face of climate change, improving habitat connectivity in this unique climate and rich biological community. We look forward to continuing to work with Rep. Ruiz to equitably tackle the climate crisis and protect public lands.” - Gene Karpinski, LCV President
“CalWild is extremely pleased that the Biden administration has heeded the call of six Tribal nations, hundreds of local small businesses, elected officials, historical societies, veterans, clergy, and other diverse interests to designate the Chuckwalla National Monument. After more than five years of work we are delighted to join these constituencies in thanking President Biden for protecting California’s desert public lands for us and for future generations to visit and enjoy."- Linda Castro, CalWild Assistant Policy Director