Bill to Increase Protections for San Gabriel Mountains Re-Introduced by Congresswoman Chu

Wednesday, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27) reintroduced the San Gabriel Mountains Foothills and Rivers Protection Act.

This bill, cosponsored by Reps. Grace Napolitano (CA-32), Adam Schiff (CA-28), Linda Sanchez (CA-38), and Tony Cardenas (CA-29), and supported by local water, conservation and recreation groups, would expand the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument boundaries and create a new National Recreation Area (NRA).

Establishing an NRA along the Foothills and San Gabriel River corridor would enhance conservation, increase access for all communities by connecting park poor areas to open space, and improve the management of the area through improved resources, education, and public engagement. The bill comes just one week after President Donald Trump signed an executive order ordering a review of all national monuments established under the Antiquities Act over the past 21 years. This includes the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument which President Obama established in October 2014. Rep. Chu, who urged President Obama to establish the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, released the following statement:

“President Trump has declared an open assault on our nation’s natural resources and outdoor spaces in favor of energy companies and oil exploration. Well I will not let him threaten our rivers, forests, wildlife, and outdoor opportunities in the San Gabriel Mountains. That is why I am proud to be reintroducing this bill to establish a National Recreation Area and expand monument designation boundaries.

“The designation of the San Gabriel Mountains as a national monument has already brought incredible dividends to our area, increasing access, safety, and trash clean up and creating more trails and services. By expanding the National Monument to include the western portions of the Angeles National Forest and establishing a National Recreation Area (NRA) along the foothills and San Gabriel River corridor, we can take this progress further by completing the vision of a city seamlessly and sustainably connected to its mountains, and mountains that are accessible for all.”

A section-by-section summary of the legislation can be found here. An interactive map can be found here. An FAQ sheet can be found here.