Despite having to reschedule the official signing ceremony due to extreme winds in southern California, President Biden today designated Chuckwalla National Monument in the California desert and also Sáttítla Highlands National Monument in northern California. The Chuckwalla designation honors the cultural significance of desert lands for several Tribal Nations as well as securing over 600,000 acres of carbon-sequestering land from inappropriate development. Using the Antiquities Act in lieu of stalled Congressional action, the designation is the culmination of concerted and committed efforts by many "desert defenders" and Tribal Nations, including MBCA's Board and supporters. MBCA attended the launch of the Monument designation effort in September 2023, and also participated in the Public Hearing in June 2024.