Grijalva, Carbajal Celebrate Key Milestone in Proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary
WASHINGTON – House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Raúl M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.) and Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.) today celebrated the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) release of the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary, marking a key milestone in the process to officially designate the sanctuary. Once designated, the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary will play a pivotal role in conserving the rich biodiversity of California's coastal waters while preserving vital cultural resources.
“Today’s announcement is a significant victory for the Chumash people and for all those who care about preserving our natural and cultural heritage," said Ranking Member Grijalva. "Throughout the EIS process, NOAA worked diligently to ensure the Chumash people's cultural heritage is preserved and protected. The Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary will safeguard one of the most biologically diverse and culturally significant marine areas in the country, and it will do so with the guidance and leadership of the Chumash people. I’m heartened to see the Biden-Harris administration continue to deliver on its commitment to advancing tribal co-management and protecting the ecological and cultural resources of our oceans. But this is just the beginning. I want to thank Congressman Carbajal for his continued leadership and I look forward to the full designation, which will give these waters the permanent protection they deserve.”
“The Central Coast has pursued this sanctuary designation for decades, and as someone who's been helping push for it in Washington since I first got to Congress I am so pleased to see us passing the final checkpoint on our way to seeing the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary made official before the end of this year," said Congressman Carbajal. "This historic designation will come not a moment too soon. Our oceans and our communities are facing unprecedented challenges from a changing marine environment, this new sanctuary comes at a critical time for our region. I look forward to working with our tribal and local stakeholders and federal partners to finalize these boundaries – which will nearly double the coastline protected along the Central Coast – and build on them to protect every coastal community and ecosystem in our region."
The Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary could be the first national marine sanctuary in U.S. history to be designated following an Indigenous-led nomination. This groundbreaking effort reflects the Biden-Harris administration's commitment to honoring tribal nations, respecting Indigenous knowledge, and advancing co-stewardship of our natural and cultural heritage.
Press Contact
202-740-4715
Next Article Previous Article