On January 14, 2025, President Joe Biden signed a proclamation at the White House establishing two national monuments in California: the 624,000-acre Chuckwalla National Monument and the 224,000-acre Sattitla Highlands National Monument.

These designations respond to long-standing requests from various Native American tribes and environmental advocates, particularly the Pit River Tribe, highlighting the importance of protecting these culturally significant areas.

The new monuments aim to safeguard vulnerable wildlife and culturally significant sites while prohibiting industrial activities such as oil and gas drilling, mining, and solar energy farms.

The Chuckwalla National Monument, located near Joshua Tree National Park, is home to over 50 rare species, including the desert bighorn sheep and Chuckwalla lizard, while the Sattitla Highlands National Monument features unique mountain woodlands and meadows significant to the Pit River Tribe and Modoc Nation.

Biden's actions are seen as efforts to solidify climate policies before the anticipated return of a Republican administration under President-elect Donald Trump, who has vowed to reverse environmental protections.

The announcement was initially scheduled to take place in California's Eastern Coachella Valley but was moved to the White House due to severe winds causing wildfires in Los Angeles, which have resulted in significant destruction and loss of life.

During the signing event, Biden emphasized that current climate issues transcend political divisions, stating, 'this is not about blue states and red states,' and highlighted the significance of protecting outdoor spaces.

Reflecting on his family's tradition of visiting national parks, Biden underscored the importance of preserving national wonders for future generations, recalling how these sites inspire unity and connection.

Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, the first Native American Cabinet secretary, praised the monuments for their cultural significance and the protection they afford to important land and wildlife.

In response to Biden's actions, Trump criticized the designations as 'sneaky' and pledged to reverse them immediately upon taking office.

These proclamations are part of Biden's broader initiative to conserve at least 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030, following his recent bans on new offshore oil and gas drilling.

With these new designations, Biden has now protected more than 674 million acres of public lands and federal waters, marking the most extensive conservation effort by any U.S. president to date.