MONTEREY, CA - U.S. Representative Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) joins Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) in introducing the Monterey Bay National Heritage Area Study Act. This legislation would direct the National Park Service (NPS) to initiate a comprehensive study on whether the coastal communities surrounding the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary qualify for designation as a National Heritage Area (NHA). Rep. Panetta is working in tandem with the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) as the local coordinating entity for this study.

National Heritage Areas are public-private partnerships that leverage federal support to empower local conservation efforts, provide technical assistance, and spur economic development. Examples include the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta in California, the Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area, and the Wheeling National Heritage Area in West Virginia. National Heritage Area designation would highlight the region's cultural, historical, and ecological significance while fostering sustainable economic growth, heritage tourism, and community collaboration.

"California's Central Coast has some of the most culturally significant and scenic landscapes and ecosystems in the country. I'm proud to join Rep. Jimmy Panetta in reintroducing legislation to study the Monterey Bay and the surrounding region to determine whether it meets the standards of a National Heritage Area," said Rep. Lofgren. "We have a responsibility to the next generation to protect natural resources and celebrate our nation's diverse heritage and communities."

"Our home is blessed with immense beauty and bounty, and it is our responsibility to preserve our cultural, historical, and environmental treasures," said Rep. Panetta. "This legislation begins the process of exploring a National Heritage Area designation in a way that centers local voices. By taking this step, we can preserve what makes the Monterey Bay region unique while also creating opportunities that strengthen our local economies and communities for generations to come."

"National Heritage Area designation would bring federal investment that could be leveraged to create jobs in our unique region, while fostering community-driven collaborations and sustainable economic development," said Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) President & CEO Tahra Goraya. "The possibility of National Heritage Area designation has profound and positive implications for this special place. Since our founding in 2015, Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) has been committed to improving the economic health and quality of life in the Monterey Bay region, and as a regional convener, MBEP is uniquely qualified to bring together the diverse array of voices throughout our region to move this National Heritage Area designation study forward."

Under the bill, the NPS will:

• Examine whether the region meets the criteria for a National Heritage Area designation, including its cultural, historical, and ecological significance.
• Assess the feasibility of MBEP serving as the coordinating entity to manage the area in collaboration with community stakeholders.
• Conduct consultations and listening sessions across the four counties to ensure local input guides the process.

The study itself does not create a National Heritage Area. Federal law requires the completion of such a study before Congress can consider legislation to formally designate the area.

"The Monterey Bay region is one of California's ecological, cultural, and historical treasures, and it deserves to be protected for future generations to enjoy," said Rep. Carbajal. "As a fellow U.S. Representative for the Central Coast, I'm proud to join Representative Panetta in introducing the Monterey Bay National Heritage Area Study Act as a first step toward preserving that legacy and bolstering local conservation efforts."

"California's coastal communities are home to beautiful landscapes, rich history and unique ecosystems," said Rep. Mullin. "I'm proud to support Rep. Panetta's initiative to study the feasibility of a National Heritage Area in Monterey Bay and surrounding regions, including San Mateo County. This bill would help protect these natural areas and educate the public for generations to come."

"The sweeping vistas and pristine beaches of our coast are more than scenery-they are a legacy. The Monterey Bay National Heritage Area Study Act is an important step toward protecting these lands and ensuring that future generations inherit both their beauty and their economic vitality," said Rep. Liccardo. "I'm honored to join Rep. Panetta and my Bay Area colleagues in this effort to safeguard our coastside."

"As the State Senator representing California's Central Coast, including the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, I fully support this effort to explore creating a National Heritage Area in this region, which could enhance the protection of this world-class coastline, as well as boost tourism and the local economy," said State Senator John Laird.

"As the Assemblymember representing more than twenty percent of California's coastline, including much of the Monterey Bay, I am proud to support the Monterey Bay National Heritage Area Study Act," said Assemblymember Dawn Addis. "Congressman Panetta has shown true leadership in recognizing the importance of preserving and restoring the sites, structures and natural heritage that define the Central Coast. This Act is an important step toward safeguarding that which makes our region such an extraordinary place."

"I deeply appreciate Congressman Panetta's commitment to the Monterey Bay National Heritage Area Study Act," said Assemblymember Gail Pellerin. "This effort would give our communities the tools and resources to highlight and preserve what makes the California Central coastline so extraordinary, while ensuring future generations can experience its wonder."

"The Monterey Bay Fisheries Trust strongly supports Congressman Panetta's to re-introduce the Monterey Bay National Heritage Area Study Act," said Monterey Bay Fisheries Trust Executive Director Melissa Mahoney. "We appreciate that the study will uplift community voices and shine a light on our region's unique cultural, historical, and ecological value, and provide an economic catalyst that helps support our local communities for generations to come."

Also endorsing the Monterey Bay National Heritage Area Study Act are Assemblymember Gregg Hart, Supervisor Justin Cummings, the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, Northern Chumash Tribal Council, and Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians.

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