Two U.S. senators from California have reintroduced the Mojave Trails National Monument proposal that would include Route 66 from west of Needles to just west of Ludlow, California.
Sen. Dianne Feinstein and Sen. Barbara Boxer, both Democrats, introduced the Mojave Trails part amid a sweeping bill that would include 1.6 million acres of desert under federal protection.
Feinstein introduced such a bill nearly six years ago and is at it again. Prospects of the bill’s passage in the Republican-led Congress remain uncertain. (Never say never, as horse-trading can always occur even in the most partisan legislative bodies.)
According to a news release from Feinstein’s office:
“This piece of legislation is the final chapter in a long effort to preserve one of the most magnificent landscapes in the United States,” Feinstein said. “We must ensure that critical parts of the California desert—with its mountain vistas, bighorn sheep, mule deer, desert tortoises, Joshua trees, Native American petroglyphs and much more—will be protected for all time.”
Feinstein continued: “This new bill preserves more land, sets aside off-road recreational sites and allows for the development of renewable energy in a responsible way. With so many competing uses for this land, it is essential that we come together to build consensus—and I am very grateful for all the groups and individuals who are working to do just that.”
The bill proclaims to balance conservation, recreation and renewable energy (solar). A map of the Mojave Trails National Monument may be seen here. The text of the bill may be read here.
One thing different from the last time Feinstein introduced the bill is that stretch of Route 66 suffered severe damage last fall because of flash flooding. After spending tens of millions of dollars for repairs, San Bernardino County might be a lot more amenable — if it wasn’t already — to turning over the road’s upkeep to the federal government.
Another X factor is Boxer is set to retire next year. She’s going to be a lot more motivated to pass a bill such as this to help cement her legacy. With that in mind, her fellow senators might be more willing to throw her a bone before she leaves.
(A view of the Mojave Desert from Route 66 by SP8254 via Flickr)
No more Federal control of Western lands. If this area of California is worth preserving, let California preserve it at a state monument. Since we are $18 trillion dollars in debt and spending $0.5 trillion a year more than we bring in, there is no money to establish this National Moniument and maintain Route 66. This is not a political statement, just a statement of fact.
Just curious if anyone can provide further update on this and its status, and how the proposal looks now especially in light of Hillary Clinton’s energy proposals.