· 2 min read
illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Washington Post or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: President Joe Biden designated two new national monuments in California: the 624,000-acre Chuckwalla National Monument and the 224,000-acre Sáttítla Highlands National Monument
• These designations protect the land from oil and gas drilling, mining, and industrial activities, preserving areas sacred to Native American tribes
🔭 The context: Chuckwalla is adjacent to Joshua Tree National Park, a major tourist site, while Sáttítla provides vital clean water from volcanic aquifers to Californian communities
• Biden has created or expanded 12 national monuments during his presidency, using the Antiquities Act to bypass stalled congressional action
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The move highlights Biden’s commitment to balancing conservation and clean energy development, safeguarding biodiversity while advancing renewable energy projects
• These actions align with global efforts to combat climate change and preserve indigenous lands
⏭️ What's next: Biden’s conservation legacy, one of the most expansive in U.S. history, will be a cornerstone of his presidency as he prepares to leave office
• His policies contrast sharply with the fossil fuel-focused agenda promised by President-elect Donald Trump
💬 One quote: “We don’t have to choose between the environment and the economy or between conservation and clean energy — we can do both at the same time,” - President Joe Biden
📈 One stat: With these designations, Biden has protected more public lands than any other president in a single term, surpassing 100 million acres
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