Statement: Rep. Titus introduces Avi Kwa Ame National Monument Establishment Act

The legislation demonstrates strong support for the permanent protection of nearly 450,000 acres

Environment America

WASHINGTON — Rep. Dina Titus of Nevada introduced the Avi Kwa Ame National Monument Establishment Act Thursday. The proposed monument would cover almost 450,000 acres of critical desert ecosystem in the Mojave Desert that includes the habitat for Joshua trees, desert tortoises and desert bighorn sheep. The establishment of the monument would also help reconnect fractured habitats by linking protected areas in California to other protected areas in Nevada.

This bill’s introduction comes one day after the Clark County Commission voted to urge President Joe Biden to establish Avi Kwa Ame as a national monument. In October 2021, President Biden restored protections to three monuments that had been stripped of protections by President Donald Trump.

Environment America Public Lands Director Ellen Montgomery issued the following statement:

“Avi Kwa Ame is a special place for wildlife, the indigenous communities that embrace the site as sacred, and to locals who enjoy hiking, birding or just spending time in nature. Our desert ecosystems are sensitive and need safeguards to preserve the biodiversity that depends on them. We applaud Representative Titus for her leadership in pushing for permanent protection. This monument will add 450,000 unique acres filled with Joshua trees, desert flowers and historic rock art to America’s beautiful public lands that enjoy permanent protections.”