Feinstein Supports Expanding California National Monuments

Statement

Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today expressed strong support for President Obama's use of the Antiquities Act to expand the California Coastal National Monument and the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument:

"I applaud President Obama's decision to expand the California Coastal and Cascade-Siskiyou national monuments, proposals championed by former Senator Barbara Boxer. The Antiquities Act is a vital conservation tool, and I'll do all I can to preserve it for future administrations.

"First created by President Clinton, the California Coastal National Monument provides vital protection for the small islands, exposed reefs and fragile pinnacles along California's coast. By adding more than 6,000 coastal acres, President Obama has ensured the exceptional scenery, critical habitat and rich biodiversity that define our coast will be preserved for future generations.

"As the first national monument created solely for the preservation of biodiversity, the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument has protected some of the most unique ecosystems in the country. Unfortunately, encroaching commercial development combined with the effects of climate change have rendered the original boundaries inadequate to protect the many native species and habitats the monument was first established to protect. This vital expansion of the existing monument will go a long way toward preserving this pristine, but increasingly threatened ecological wonder."

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