A sweeping new national monument near the Coachella Valley is at the center of a growing legal and political debate. The Chuckwalla National Monument, designated in January by outgoing President Joe Biden and covering over 600,000 acres, is now being challenged in court.
On May 1, the Texas Public Policy Foundation filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration, arguing the president overstepped his authority with the monument designation. Legal expert Walter Clark of the Walter Clark Legal Group strongly disagrees. “The lawsuit is groundless, political, and selfish,” Clark told NBC Palm Springs. “The Antiquities Act of 1906 gives the president clear authority to protect federal land.”
Clark explained that the lawsuit appears to be motivated by a single individual with mining interests in the area, not by broader public concern. “They claim it’s a land grab, but this is public land meant for everyone’s use and enjoyment,” he said. Clark also addressed concerns that the designation could limit recreation, stating that the monument’s purpose is to preserve the land for future public use.
The lawsuit references past Democratic presidents like Clinton, Obama, and Biden, but Clark pointed out that seven Republican presidents have created over 60 national monuments. “This is not a partisan issue. Presidents of both parties have used this authority to protect land for public benefit,” he added.
Clark also debunked claims that the monument size exceeds legal limits, noting that Yosemite National Park, which started as a protected area under President Lincoln, covers 750,000 acres. “There’s no rule limiting a monument to just 60 acres,” he explained.
The local Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce has expressed support for the designation, citing benefits to conservation and tourism. “It’s good for the land, good for the economy, and good for future generations,” Clark said.
While the lawsuit could potentially work its way up to the Supreme Court, Clark remains confident in the legal standing of the designation.
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By: NBC Palm Springs
May 10, 2025
