Biden expands 2 California national monuments in Pasadena and Sacramento [Video]

President Joe Biden on Thursday expanded two national monuments in California following calls from tribal nations, Indigenous community leaders and others for the permanent protection of nearly 120,000 acres of important cultural and environmental land.

The designations are part of the Democratic president’s “America the Beautiful” initiative, launched in 2021 in line with Biden’s campaign promises, and builds on the Great American Outdoors Act. They’re aimed at honoring tribal heritage, meeting federal goals to conserve 30% of public lands and waters by 2030 and addressing climate change, the White House said in a news release.

Against the backdrop of Biden’s reelection campaign, the White House emphasized the role of Vice President Kamala Harris in ensuring protections in her home state. The state of California also has conservation targets.

OKLAHOMA NATIVE AMERICAN COMMUNITY SEES YEARLY RETURN OF POPULAR WILD ONION DINNERS

“These expansions will increase access to nature, boost our outdoor economy, and honor areas of significance to …