California Senator Steve Padilla, representing District 18, has emphasized the need for Californians to "act as stewards" of the 660,000 acres of public land that stretch from the Coachella Valley to the Colorado River. The statement was made in a press release on May 17, following his introduction of a resolution to designate this expanse as the Chuckwalla National Monument.
"Our changing climate threatens important cultural sites and fragile ecosystems," said 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."
According to the press release, Padilla's proposition for the creation of the Chuckwalla National Monument is driven by an intent to protect the natural integrity of this land and preserve its cultural history. He stated that these cultural sites are under threat due to climate change and that Senate Joint Resolution 16 seeks to counteract this through the establishment of the Chuckwalla National Monument.
Senate Joint Resolution 16 also proposes an expansion to Joshua Tree National Park in addition to safeguarding the 660,000 acres. It suggests that this expansion area will connect with the proposed Chuckwalla National Monument, thus helping conserve indigenous species and preserve historical and cultural sites.
The bill highlights that multiple tribal nations - including Cahuilla, Chemehuevi, Mojave, Quechan and Serrano - are actively working towards conserving what would become the Chuckwalla National Monument.
Assembly member Eduardo Garcia echoed these sentiments in his statement: "We join Senator Padilla and the tribal nations advocating in support of establishing the Chuckwalla National Monument." Garcia introduced the resolution alongside Padilla and added: "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."
Padilla has been serving since 2022, representing San Diego, Imperial, Riverside and San Bernardino counties according to his official website. Prior to this role, he held office as mayor of Chula Vista from 2002 to 2006.