Biden to Designate Two New National Monuments, Protecting 850,000 Acres of Tribal Land in California

President Joe Biden is set to make a historic environmental move this week by designating two new national monuments in California, protecting approximately 850,000 acres of tribal lands from future development. This action solidifies Biden’s legacy as a staunch protector of public lands, positioning him second only to former President Jimmy Carter in terms of acreage protected.

The first designation, the 644,000-acre Chuckwalla National Monument, will be located in Southern California near Joshua Tree National Park. While the White House has not released detailed plans for the monument, leaked information and the president’s schedule indicate that Biden will travel to Southern California’s east Coachella Valley—a region rich in cultural and ecological significance.

In Northern California, Biden will designate the 200,000-acre Sáttítla National Monument, near the Oregon border. Both designations, made under the authority of the Antiquities Act of 1906, will prohibit future energy development on these lands, preserving them for ecological, cultural, and recreational purposes.

Mixed Reactions to the Monument Designations

Environmental groups, tribal organizations, and Democratic lawmakers have long advocated for these protections. For them, the move represents a crucial step toward honoring tribal heritage and conserving California’s diverse landscapes.

However, not everyone is on board. Republican Congressman Doug LaMalfa, who represents the Northern California district where the Sáttítla National Monument will be established, has expressed concerns. He argues that the land is already protected from development and that further restrictions could complicate wildfire management by limiting road access. “Getting permits approved on forest service lands is already difficult, and prohibiting them further could hinder wildfire mitigation efforts,” LaMalfa told local news outlet Redding Record Searchlight.

Biden’s Use of the Antiquities Act

The Antiquities Act, signed into law in 1906, grants presidents the authority to protect significant cultural, historical, or natural areas without needing Congressional approval. Biden has leaned heavily on this power during his presidency. To date, he has established eight new national monuments and expanded the boundaries of four others.

The latest designations come as part of a broader push by the administration to address climate change, preserve biodiversity, and honor Indigenous heritage. The Chuckwalla and Sáttítla National Monuments will further contribute to Biden’s efforts to protect America’s public lands and waters for future generations.

Environmentalists have praised the president’s decisive action, particularly at a time when development pressures and climate threats are intensifying. As Biden continues to use his executive authority to protect public lands, these new designations reinforce his administration’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

A Step Toward Preservation

The Chuckwalla and Sáttítla National Monuments highlight the ongoing debate over balancing conservation and development. For supporters, these designations are a victory for nature and Indigenous communities. For critics, they raise questions about land use and wildfire management.

As Biden travels to California to formalize these protections, his actions signal a broader message: safeguarding the nation’s most precious landscapes is a priority. These designations add to a growing legacy that underscores the importance of preserving land not just for its ecological value, but for the cultural and historical stories it holds.