United States Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-Coachella) and Sen. Alex Padilla have introduced legislation to designate the Chuckwalla National Monument and expand Joshua Tree National Park. 

The land that would be protected encompasses parts of Riverside and Imperial counties, including a portion of the Chuckwalla Valley, all of the Chuckwalla Mountains and the adjacent Mecca Hills. 

“These landscapes are rich in biological diversity and home to desert tortoises, kit foxes, golden eagles and the proposed monument’s namesake Chuckwalla lizards,” a release from the national nonprofit Center for Biological Diversity stated. “The bills are supported by local Tribes, numerous businesses, communities and conservation groups.” 

Dr. Ruiz first unveiled legislation for the proposed 660,000-acre Chuckwalla National Monument in 2023; his legislation also included a 17,000-acre expansion for Joshua Tree National Park. 

After Dr. Ruiz reintroduced it this year, Sen. Padilla introduced a companion bill in the Senate.  The two lawmakers stated that they are asking the Biden administration to use the Antiquities Act to designate the monument and expand the park. 

“These public lands within the California Desert Conservation Area are remote and rugged, harboring palm oases, unique desert wash woodlands and 360-degree vistas,” the Center for Biological Diversity said. “The lands will preserve key wildlife migration linkages between Joshua Tree National Park and conservation areas south of the proposed Chuckwalla monument, which are more critical than ever due to climate change.” 

In addition, the Center for Biological Diversity noted that the designations would help achieve the nation’s America the Beautiful initiative, which looks to conserve 30 percent of American natural landscapes by 2030.