Padilla Introduces Bill to Support Conservation of Over 1.7 Million Acres of California Public Lands

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) announced the reintroduction of his sweeping public lands package. The Protecting Unique and Beautiful Landscapes by Investing in California (PUBLIC) Lands Act would support the conservation of over 1.7 million acres of California's public lands throughout northwest California, the Central Coast, and Los Angeles County.

The bill would permanently protect over 900,000 acres of California public lands, including over 550,000 acres of new wilderness and nearly 700 miles of new wild and scenic rivers. It would also promote restoration, fire resilience, and ecological health on another 871,000 acres of forests in areas of high fire risk in Humboldt and Trinity counties. This restoration area would improve water quality, preserve outdoor recreation opportunities, and reduce the threat of wildfires to neighboring communities.

The bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.). Representatives Jared Huffman (D-Calif.-02), Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee, Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.-24), and Judy Chu (D-Calif.-28) are leading companion legislation to the respective parts of the package.

"Our public lands and natural spaces are some of California's greatest gifts - from the Northern California Redwoods, to the Carrizo Plain, to the San Gabriel Mountains," said Senator Padilla. "As the Trump Administration tries to sell off our state's precious public lands and waters, we must protect and restore these areas to mitigate wildfire risk, reach California's conservation goals, protect our natural resources, and ensure generations to come can enjoy access to the outdoors. I was thrilled to see President Biden heed our calls to permanently protect the entire San Gabriel Mountains last year, and I urge my colleagues to pass this package to protect access to green space for millions of Californians."

"California is home to many of our nation's most iconic and scenic natural treasures which are enjoyed by millions each year," said Senator Schiff. "Yet, these public lands are under threat by a Trump Administration which continues to advocate for selling millions of acres across the Golden State to the highest bidder. I'm proud to co-sponsor the PUBLIC Lands Act to protect the natural outdoor spaces we all enjoy, and to advance conservation efforts that improve fire resilience and water quality."

The legislation consists of three bills that have been reintroduced in the House of Representatives including:

• The Northwest California Wilderness, Recreation, and Working Forests Act, which is led in the House by Representative Huffman. The bill would permanently protect 484,733 acres of public lands and 479.8 miles of wild and scenic rivers.
• The Central Coast Heritage Protection Act, which is led in the House by Representative Carbajal. The bill would permanently protect 385,842 acres of public lands and 199.3 miles of wild and scenic rivers.
• The San Gabriel Mountains Foothills and Rivers Protection Act, which is led in the House by Representative Judy Chu. The bill would permanently protect 35,335 acres of public lands and 20.2 miles of wild and scenic rivers.

Last year, Padilla and Chu successfully pushed President Biden to expand the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. The expansion was previously included in the PUBLIC Lands Act and the San Gabriel Mountains Foothills and Rivers Protection Act. The proclamation added over 105,000 acres of protected land to the south and west of the previously-designated Monument, which will protect biodiversity, safeguard cultural, Tribal, and scientific history, and increase access to green space for millions of Angelenos.

"California has some of the most beautiful, iconic landscapes in America. My district is home to old-growth forests, rugged coastlines, and winding rivers that make up the heart and spirit of the North Coast," said Representative Huffman. "Our public lands don't belong to any singular person - we all depend on the ecological, economic, cultural, and mental health benefits they provide. That's why I met with folks from all across my district to create a bill that meets Northern CA's diverse land management needs. I'm proud to partner with Senator Padilla on this legislative package that brings all our regions together, charting out a course to be good stewards of California's treasured spaces so they can endure for generations."

"From the rugged trails of the Los Padres National Forest to the sweeping Carrizo Plain, the Central Coast is home to some of the most pristine public lands in the country. We must act now to permanently protect these landscapes, which sustain local watersheds, provide opportunities for outdoor recreation, and strengthen both our public health and economy," said Representative Carbajal. "I am grateful to Senator Padilla for including my Central Coast Heritage Protection Act in his bill, ensuring these treasures are safeguarded so future generations can continue to experience the natural beauty that defines our region."

"My district is fortunate to be home to the beautiful San Gabriel Mountains right in our backyard. But, as one of the most park-poor regions in the country, increasing access and expanding protections is critical. That's why I worked for years with community advocates and the Obama Administration to secure the designation of the San Gabriels as a national monument in 2014 - and why I continued pushing under President Biden to expand the monument's boundaries last year to better protect these lands and improve access for millions of Angelenos. Still, more work remains to protect the wilderness and rivers of the San Gabriels," said Representative Chu. "I'm so proud to partner with Senator Padilla on his PUBLIC Lands Act, which includes my San Gabriel Mountains Foothills and Rivers Protection Act, to preserve California's pristine natural spaces and ensure Californians can continue to access these spaces for generations to come."

"The PUBLIC Lands Act safeguards special places that Americans love and want to protect. It ensures these sensitive landscapes, with remarkable cultural and environmental value, are protected for future generations to enjoy. We're deeply appreciative of Senator Padilla's leadership to expand outdoor access, conserve California's natural areas, and ensure meaningful consultation and collaboration with California Native American tribes," said California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot.

The PUBLIC Lands Act would protect California's iconic landscapes, provide critical access to open space for communities, support California's outdoor recreation economy, and fight the climate crisis. Guided by science and input from local communities, the bill also advances California's goals of conserving 30% of our lands and waters by 2030.

For a list of quotes from supporters, click here.

Senator Padilla has spearheaded numerous efforts to create new and expand existing national monuments to protect California's public lands and advance conservation efforts. Padilla led the charge to establish the Chuckwalla National Monument and Sáttítla Highlands National Monument, protecting roughly 850,000 acres of California's public lands. Last year, Padilla successfully secured the expansion of the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument following his introduction of the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument Expansion Act to permanently protect both areas. Padilla also led a letter urging President Biden to use his authority under the Antiquities Act of 1906 to expand the monument.

Full text of the PUBLIC Lands Act can be found here.

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