I 
118TH CONGRESS 
2D SESSION 
H. R. 8031 
To establish the Chuckwalla National Monument and expand Joshua Tree 
National Park in the State of California, and for other purposes. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
APRIL 16, 2024 
Mr. RUIZ introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee 
on Natural Resources 
A BILL 
To establish the Chuckwalla National Monument and expand 
Joshua Tree National Park in the State of California, 
and for other purposes. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, 
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 
This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Chuckwalla National 
Monument Establishment and Joshua Tree National Park 
Expansion Act of 2024’’. 
SEC. 2. FINDINGS. 
Congress finds that— 
(1) the land designated as the Chuckwalla Na-
tional Monument by this Act— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:38 Apr 25, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00001
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H8031.IH
H8031
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
(A) is an area of national significance and 
historical and scientific interest requiring pro-
tection; 
(B)(i) is the ancestral homeland of the 
Iviatim, Kwatsa´an, Maara’yam, Nu¨wu¨, Pipa 
Aha Macav, and other Tribal people, including 
the present-day Cahuilla, Chemehuevi, Mohave, 
Quechan, and Serrano Indian Tribes; 
(ii) continues to be regularly accessed and 
used by the Indian Tribes referred to in clause 
(i); and 
(iii) will continue to be used by the Indian 
Tribes referred to in clause (i) in the future; 
(C) contains a complex trail system that— 
(i) was established by Native Ameri-
cans for various uses, including spiritual, 
travel, trade, and communication; and 
(ii) connects to regions outside of the 
boundaries of the Monument, including Avi 
Kwa Ame; 
(D) includes sacred sites, historic prop-
erties, traditional cultural places and land-
scapes, sacred items, objects of cultural pat-
rimony, 
human 
remains, 
religious 
sites, 
geoglyphs, petroglyphs, and pictographs with 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:38 Apr 25, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00002
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H8031.IH
H8031
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
significant value to the survival and well-being 
of Tribal people and the knowledge systems of 
Tribal people; 
(E) includes plants, wildlife, water sources, 
and minerals that are connected together as 
part of a greater cultural landscape; 
(F) has nationally significant biodiversity, 
due to the location in the transitional zone 
where the Sonoran Desert and Mojave Desert 
come together; 
(G) is home to a wide variety of topog-
raphy and elevation, leading to distinct micro-
climates and ecosystems; 
(H) is largely intact, undeveloped, and ad-
jacent to other federally protected areas, such 
as Joshua Tree National Park, the Indian Pass 
Wilderness, and the Palen/McCoy Wilderness; 
(I) is a refuge for over 150 plant species, 
many of which cannot be found anywhere else, 
including— 
(i) Munz’s cholla, the largest endemic 
cacti in the State, which is located on the 
Chuckwalla Bench; 
(ii) the California fan palm, a plant 
managed and used extensively by Tribal 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:38 Apr 25, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H8031.IH
H8031
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
people for thousands of years, which is 
found in oases at Corn Springs, the Mecca 
Hills Wilderness, and other locations in 
which tectonic movements allow ground-
water to seep up; 
(iii) the triple-ribbed milk-vetch, which 
is listed as endangered under the Endan-
gered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 
1531 et seq.); and 
(iv) other sensitive species, including 
Emory’s crucifixion thorn and Mecca-aster; 
(J) hosts— 
(i) some of the most extensive 
microphyll woodlands (which are small-leaf 
trees, such as ironwood and palo verde) in 
the State in places such as Milpitas Wash, 
a habitat critical to the survival of Tribal 
people; and 
(ii) many wildlife species, including 
the burro deer and migrating birds; 
(K) offers— 
(i) core habitat and essential migra-
tion pathways for wildlife, including over 
50 sensitive animal species, including— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:38 Apr 25, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00004
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H8031.IH
H8031
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
(I) 
critical 
habitat 
for 
the 
Agassiz’s desert tortoise, which is list-
ed as threatened under the Endan-
gered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 
1531 et seq.); and 
(II) critical habitat for the desert 
bighorn sheep, which is an iconic spe-
cies with declining numbers; 
(ii) habitat in microphyll woodlands 
for large numbers of resident and migra-
tory birds, which is crucial amid the other-
wise major decline in bird numbers re-
corded in North America over the 50-year 
period preceding the date of enactment of 
this Act; and 
(iii) former habitat for the endangered 
Sonoran pronghorn in the Chuckwalla 
Bench, the site of a multi-year reintroduc-
tion effort that is already underway; 
(L) offers important glimpses into key pe-
riods in regional history, such as— 
(i) the gold seekers who used an exist-
ing Indigenous route to establish what is 
now the Bradshaw Trail in the 1870s; and 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:38 Apr 25, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00005
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H8031.IH
H8031
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
(ii) the invaluable training of more 
than 1,000,000 soldiers from across the 
United States during the period from 
1942–1944 in which the land was part of 
the Desert Training Center, which is also 
known as the ‘‘California-Arizona Maneu-
ver Area’’, including Patton’s Hill, which 
was used by General Patton for observing 
training maneuvers; 
(M) provides outstanding outdoor recre-
ation opportunities to local communities and 
visitors, including hiking, horseback riding, mo-
torized vehicle use and mountain biking on des-
ignated routes of travel, wildlife viewing, hunt-
ing, climbing, rockhounding, picnicking, and 
camping; 
(N) offers inexpensive access to public land 
for disadvantaged communities, including the 
farming and farm laboring communities of the 
eastern Coachella Valley and Blythe regions; 
and 
(O) is near or adjacent to solar Develop-
ment Focus Areas that have some of the best 
solar energy potential in the world, the develop-
ment and operation of which is critical to meet-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:38 Apr 25, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00006
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H8031.IH
H8031
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
ing the urgent need of the United States to de-
crease greenhouse gas emissions; and 
(2) the Indian Tribes referred to in paragraph 
(1)(B)(i) have a longstanding relationship to the 
land on which the Monument is located, acting as 
stewards of the land since time immemorial, with ob-
ligations to care for the cultural, spiritual, and nat-
ural resources provided to those Indian Tribes by 
the land, including sacred places, plants, wildlife, 
water sources, and minerals. 
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. 
In this Act: 
(1) ADVISORY COUNCIL.—The term ‘‘Advisory 
Council’’ means the Chuckwalla National Monument 
Advisory Council established under section 6(a). 
(2) COMMISSION.—The term ‘‘Commission’’ 
means the Chuckwalla National Monument Tribal 
Commission established under section 5(a). 
(3) CULTURALLY AFFILIATED INDIAN TRIBE.— 
The term ‘‘culturally affiliated Indian Tribe’’ means 
an Indian Tribe that is determined by the Secretary 
to have a cultural connection to the Monument. 
(4) DESERT RENEWABLE ENERGY CONSERVA-
TION
AREA
PLAN.—The term ‘‘Desert Renewable 
Energy Conservation Area Plan’’ means the Record 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
01:00 Apr 27, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00007
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H8031.IH
H8031
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
a ground wire, a communications circuit, and 
any other similar or related infrastructure. 
(7) INDIAN TRIBE.—The term ‘‘Indian Tribe’’ 
means the governing body of any Indian Tribe, 
band, nation, pueblo, village, community, component 
band, or component reservation individually identi-
fied (including parenthetically) on the most recent 
list published by the Secretary under section 104(a) 
of the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 
1994 (25 U.S.C. 5131(a)). 
(8) MANAGEMENT PLAN.—The term ‘‘manage-
ment plan’’ means the management plan for the 
Monument developed under section 4(c)(17). 
(9) MAP.—The term ‘‘Map’’ means the map en-
titled ‘‘Proposed Chuckwalla National Monument 
and Joshua Tree National Park Expansion’’ and 
dated April 12, 2024. 
(10) MONUMENT.—The term ‘‘Monument’’ 
means the Chuckwalla National Monument estab-
lished by section 4(a). 
(11) 
SECRETARY.—The 
term 
‘‘Secretary’’ 
means the Secretary of the Interior. 
(12) STATE.—The term ‘‘State’’ means the 
State of California. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:38 Apr 25, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00009
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H8031.IH
H8031
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
SEC. 4. DESIGNATION OF CHUCKWALLA NATIONAL MONU-
MENT. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—Subject to valid existing 
rights, there is established the Chuckwalla National Monu-
ment in the State, consisting of approximately 621,000 
acres of Federal land administered by the Bureau of Land 
Management, as generally depicted on the Map. 
(b) PURPOSE.—The purpose of the Monument is to 
conserve, protect, and enhance for the benefit and enjoy-
ment of present and future generations, through coopera-
tive and collaborative management with culturally affili-
ated Indian Tribes, the ecological, scenic, wildlife, rec-
reational, cultural, historical, natural, educational, and 
scientific resources of the Monument. 
(c) MANAGEMENT.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary— 
(A) shall manage the Monument— 
(i) in a manner that conserves, pro-
tects, and enhances the resources of the 
Monument; 
(ii) in accordance with— 
(I) the Federal Land Policy and 
Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 
1701 et seq.); 
(II) this section; and 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:38 Apr 25, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00010
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H8031.IH
H8031
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
(III) any other applicable law (in-
cluding regulations); 
(iii) in cooperation and collaboration 
with culturally affiliated Indian Tribes; 
and 
(iv) as a component of the National 
Landscape Conservation System; and 
(B) shall only allow uses of the Monument 
that— 
(i) are described in or otherwise con-
sistent with this section; or 
(ii) in the determination of the Sec-
retary, would further the purpose described 
in subsection (b). 
(2) AGREEMENTS AND PARTNERSHIPS.—To the 
maximum extent practicable and in accordance with 
applicable laws, on request of a culturally affiliated 
Indian Tribe, the Secretary shall enter into agree-
ments, contracts, and other cooperative and collabo-
rative partnerships with the culturally affiliated In-
dian Tribe with respect to management of the 
Monument under relevant Federal authority, includ-
ing— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
01:00 Apr 27, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00011
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H8031.IH
H8031
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
(A) the Indian Self-Determination and 
Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5301 et 
seq.); 
(B) the Federal Land Policy and Manage-
ment Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.); 
(C) Executive Order 13175 (25 U.S.C. 
5301 note; relating to consultation and coordi-
nation with Indian Tribal governments); 
(D) Secretarial Order 3342, issued by the 
Secretary on October 21, 2016 (relating to 
identifying opportunities for cooperative and 
collaborative partnerships with Federally recog-
nized Indian Tribes in the management of Fed-
eral lands and resources); and 
(E) Joint Secretarial Order 3403, issued 
by the Secretary and the Secretary of Agri-
culture on November 15, 2021 (relating to ful-
filling the trust responsibility to Indian Tribes 
in the stewardship of Federal lands and 
waters). 
(3) NATIVE AMERICAN ACCESS AND USE.— 
(A) ACCESS.—The Secretary shall ensure 
access to the Monument by members of a cul-
turally affiliated Indian Tribe for traditional 
cultural purposes and activities. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:38 Apr 25, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00012
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H8031.IH
H8031
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
(B) TEMPORARY
CLOSURE.—In carrying 
out this paragraph, the Secretary, on the re-
quest of a culturally affiliated Indian Tribe, 
may temporarily close to the general public use 
of 1 or more specific portions of the Monument 
to protect the privacy of traditional cultural ac-
tivities in the temporarily closed portion by 
members of the culturally affiliated Indian 
Tribe. 
(C) APPLICABLE
LAW.—The access and 
use by members of a culturally affiliated Indian 
Tribe under this paragraph shall be consistent 
with the purpose and intent of Public Law 95– 
341 (commonly known as the ‘‘American Indian 
Religious Freedom Act’’) (42 U.S.C. 1996 et 
seq.). 
(4) RECREATION.—The Secretary shall con-
tinue to authorize and enhance recreation in the 
Monument, including camping, hiking, backpacking, 
sightseeing, nature study, horseback riding, hunting, 
hang gliding, climbing, mountain biking and motor-
ized recreation on authorized routes, and the non-
commercial collecting of rocks, minerals, and semi- 
precious gemstones, if the recreational use is con-
sistent with— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:38 Apr 25, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00013
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H8031.IH
H8031
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
(A) the purpose described in subsection 
(b); 
(B) this section; 
(C) other applicable law (including regula-
tions); 
(D) applicable management plans; and 
(E) input from the Commission regarding 
potential impacts to culturally sensitive sites 
and resources. 
(5) MOTORIZED VEHICLES.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in 
subparagraph (B), the use of motorized vehicles 
within the Monument shall be permitted only on 
routes designated for the use of motorized vehi-
cles by the transportation management plan 
prepared under paragraph (17)(D). 
(B) EXCEPTIONS.—Notwithstanding sub-
paragraph (A), the use of motorized vehicles 
within the Monument may be permitted if the 
use is necessary— 
(i) for administrative purposes; and 
(ii) for constructing or servicing, con-
sistent with paragraphs (1) and (7)— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
01:00 Apr 27, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00014
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H8031.IH
H8031
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
(I) electric utility facilities (in-
cluding electric transmission facilities 
and electric distribution facilities); or 
(II) renewable energy projects 
near or adjacent to the Monument; or 
(iii) to respond to an emergency. 
(C) INTERIM MANAGEMENT.— 
(i) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided 
in clause (ii), until the date on which the 
transportation management plan required 
under paragraph (17)(D) is completed, the 
use of motorized vehicles in the Monument 
shall be permitted only on— 
(I) the routes that are legally 
designated for such use on the date of 
enactment of this Act; and 
(II) any routes necessary for a 
purpose described in subparagraph 
(B), including the purposes described 
in clause (ii) of that subparagraph, 
subject to the requirements of that 
subparagraph. 
(ii) LIMITATION.—Nothing in clause 
(i) prevents the Secretary from closing 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:38 Apr 25, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00015
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H8031.IH
H8031
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
roads, trails, or areas to motorized vehi-
cles— 
(I) to protect natural or cultural 
resources; or 
(II) for public safety. 
(6) GRAZING.—The Secretary shall not estab-
lish any new allotments for livestock grazing that in-
clude any Monument land (whether leased or not 
leased for grazing on the date of enactment of this 
Act). 
(7) EXISTING
EASEMENTS
AND
RIGHTS-OF- 
WAY.— 
(A) EFFECT.—Nothing in this Act pre-
cludes the renewal, assignment, or enlargement 
of, or interferes with the operation, mainte-
nance, replacement, modification, upgrade, or 
access to, existing— 
(i) flood control facilities, electric util-
ity facilities (including electric trans-
mission facilities and electric distribution 
facilities), pipeline facilities, and tele-
communications facilities within the Monu-
ment; 
(ii) roads or highway corridors within 
the Monument; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:38 Apr 25, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00016
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H8031.IH
H8031
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
(iii) seismic monitoring facilities with-
in the Monument; or 
(iv) other water infrastructure, includ-
ing wildlife water developments or water 
district facilities, within or adjacent to an 
existing authorization boundary of the 
Monument. 
(B) EXPANSION OF EXISTING FACILITIES; 
NEW
FACILITIES.—To the extent consistent 
with the proper care and management of ob-
jects of historical and scientific interest at the 
Monument and subject to the authorities of the 
Secretary and other applicable law— 
(i) existing flood control facilities, 
electric utility facilities (including electric 
transmission facilities and electric distribu-
tion facilities), pipeline facilities, tele-
communications 
facilities, 
and 
seismic 
monitoring facilities and other water infra-
structure, including wildlife water develop-
ments or water district facilities, may be 
expanded within the Monument; and 
(ii) new flood control facilities, electric 
utility facilities (including electric trans-
mission facilities and electric distribution 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:38 Apr 25, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00017
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H8031.IH
H8031
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
facilities), pipeline facilities, and tele-
communications facilities are permitted 
within the Monument. 
(8) 
ACQUISITION
OF
VALID
EXISTING 
RIGHTS.—The Secretary may acquire through ex-
change, donation, or purchase from a willing seller 
valid mining claims or other valid existing rights 
within the Monument that the Secretary determines, 
after consultation with the Commission or a cul-
turally affiliated Indian Tribe, threatens cultural re-
sources within the Monument. 
(9) WITHDRAWAL.—Subject to valid existing 
rights, all Federal land located in the Monument is 
withdrawn from— 
(A) all forms of entry, appropriation, and 
disposal under the public land laws; 
(B) location, entry, and patent under the 
mining laws; and 
(C) operation of the mineral leasing, min-
eral materials, and geothermal leasing laws. 
(10) ADJACENT MANAGEMENT.— 
(A) IN
GENERAL.—Nothing in this Act 
creates a protective perimeter or buffer zone 
around the Monument. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:38 Apr 25, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00018
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H8031.IH
H8031
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
(B) ACTIVITIES
OUTSIDE
THE
MONU-
MENT.— 
(i) IN GENERAL.—The fact that an 
activity or use on land outside the Monu-
ment can be seen or heard within the 
Monument shall not preclude the activity 
or use outside the boundary of the Monu-
ment. 
(ii) DEVELOPMENT
FOCUS
AREAS.— 
The development and operation of renew-
able energy facilities, related energy stor-
age facilities, and associated infrastruc-
ture, including electric utility facilities (in-
cluding electric transmission facilities and 
electric distribution facilities), in Develop-
ment Focus Areas near or adjacent to the 
Monument shall not be affected by the es-
tablishment or management of the Monu-
ment. 
(C) SAVINGS PROVISION.—Nothing in this 
section affects renewable energy development 
(including related energy storage or electric 
utility facilities, including electric transmission 
facilities and electric distribution facilities) on 
any land near or adjacent to the Monument. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:38 Apr 25, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00019
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H8031.IH
H8031
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
(11) MILITARY
ACTIVITIES.—Nothing in this 
Act precludes— 
(A) low-level overflights of military aircraft 
over the Monument; 
(B) the landing and takeoff of military air-
craft in designated landing zones in accordance 
with all aviation safety regulations; 
(C) the designation of new units of special 
airspace over the Monument; 
(D) the use or establishment of military 
flight training routes over the Monument; or 
(E) the use of Federal land within the 
Monument for off-road or off-trail training pur-
suant to agreements between the Secretary and 
the Secretary of Defense. 
(12) TREATY RIGHTS.—Nothing in this Act al-
ters, modifies, enlarges, diminishes, or abrogates the 
treaty rights of any Indian Tribe, including off-res-
ervation reserved rights. 
(13) JURISDICTION
OVER
FISH
AND
WILD-
LIFE.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—Nothing in this section 
diminishes the jurisdiction of the State with re-
spect to fish and wildlife management, includ-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:38 Apr 25, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00020
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H8031.IH
H8031
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
ing the regulation of fishing and hunting within 
the Monument. 
(B) LIMITATIONS.— 
(i) REGULATIONS.—Subject to clause 
(ii), the Secretary may designate by regu-
lation areas in which, and establish periods 
during which, for reasons of public safety, 
administration, or compliance with applica-
ble laws, no hunting, fishing, or trapping 
will be permitted in the Monument. 
(ii) CONSULTATION.—Except in emer-
gencies, the Secretary shall consult with 
the appropriate State agency before pro-
mulgating regulations under clause (i) that 
close a portion of the Monument to hunt-
ing, fishing, or trapping. 
(C) FISH
AND
WILDLIFE
MANAGEMENT 
ACTIVITIES.—Management activities (including 
the use of motorized vehicles by appropriate 
State agencies, subject to applicable laws (in-
cluding regulations) to maintain, enhance, or 
restore fish and wildlife populations and the 
habitats to support fish and wildlife populations 
may be carried out within the Monument. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
01:00 Apr 27, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00021
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H8031.IH
H8031
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
(14) 
WILDLIFE
WATER
DEVELOPMENT 
PROJECTS.—In accordance with applicable law (in-
cluding regulations), the Secretary may authorize 
structures and facilities, including maintenance of 
existing structures and facilities, for wildlife water 
development projects, including guzzlers, in the 
Monument, if— 
(A) the structures and facilities are nec-
essary to fulfill the purpose described in sub-
section (b); 
(B) the structures and facilities would, as 
determined by the Secretary, promote healthy, 
viable, and more naturally distributed wildlife 
populations; and 
(C) the visual impacts of the structures 
and facilities on the Monument can reasonably 
be minimized. 
(15) MAP; LEGAL DESCRIPTION.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—As soon as practicable 
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Sec-
retary shall submit to the Committee on Energy 
and Natural Resources of the Senate and the 
Committee on Natural Resources of the House 
of Representatives a map and legal description 
of the Monument. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:38 Apr 25, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00022
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H8031.IH
H8031
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
(B) CORRECTIONS.—The map and legal 
description submitted under subparagraph (A) 
shall have the same force and effect as if in-
cluded in this Act, except that the Secretary 
may correct any clerical or typographical errors 
in the legal description and the map, including 
to ensure that there is no overlap between the 
Monument and Development Focus Areas. 
(C) CONFLICT BETWEEN MAP AND LEGAL 
DESCRIPTION.—In the case of a conflict be-
tween the map and the legal description sub-
mitted under subparagraph (A), the map shall 
control. 
(D) AVAILABILITY OF MAP AND LEGAL DE-
SCRIPTION.—Copies of the map and legal de-
scription submitted under subparagraph (A) 
shall be on file and available for public inspec-
tion in the appropriate offices of the Bureau of 
Land Management. 
(16) NEW
RIGHTS-OF-WAY.—Nothing in this 
Act prevents the Secretary from approving new 
rights-of-way within the Monument that the Sec-
retary determines, in consultation with applicable 
State and local agencies and culturally affiliated In-
dian Tribes, are consistent with— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:38 Apr 25, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00023
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H8031.IH
H8031
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
(A) this Act; 
(B) applicable laws (including regulations); 
(C) the Desert Renewable Energy Con-
servation Area Plan; 
(D) the purpose described in subsection 
(b); 
(E) the management plan; and 
(F) the care and proper management of 
objects of historical and scientific interest with-
in the Monument. 
(17) MANAGEMENT PLAN.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 3 years 
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Sec-
retary shall develop a comprehensive plan for 
the long-term management of the Monument. 
(B) CONSULTATION REQUIRED.—The Sec-
retary shall— 
(i) in developing the management 
plan, consult with— 
(I) culturally affiliated Indian 
Tribes; 
(II) appropriate State and local 
governmental entities; 
(III) the Advisory Council; 
(IV) members of the public; and 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:38 Apr 25, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00024
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H8031.IH
H8031
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
(V) affected renewable energy de-
velopers and local electric utility com-
panies; and 
(ii) in making management decisions 
relating to the Monument, consult with 
culturally affiliated Indian Tribes. 
(C) REQUIREMENTS.—The management 
plan— 
(i) shall— 
(I) assess opportunities to im-
prove recreational opportunities with-
in, and access to, the Monument in a 
manner that— 
(aa) conserves, protects, and 
enhances resources of the Monu-
ment resources; and 
(bb) furthers the purpose 
described in subsection (b); 
(II) incorporate traditional eco-
logical knowledge; and 
(III) identify opportunities to in-
terpret Monument resources for mem-
bers of the public; and 
(ii) shall not— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:38 Apr 25, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00025
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H8031.IH
H8031
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
(I) 
impact 
renewable 
energy 
projects in Development Focus Areas 
near or adjacent to the Monument; or 
(II) interfere with the develop-
ment of renewable energy (including 
related energy storage facilities or 
electric utility facilities, including elec-
tric transmission facilities and electric 
distribution facilities) or colocated 
telecommunications facilities on land 
near or adjacent to the Monument. 
(D) 
TRANSPORTATION
MANAGEMENT 
PLAN.—For the purposes of protecting and re-
storing objects of historical and scientific inter-
est within the Monument, as part of the man-
agement plan, the Secretary shall include a 
transportation plan that— 
(i) designates the routes and trails on 
which motorized vehicle use and non-
motorized mechanized vehicle use will be 
allowed within the Monument; 
(ii) provides that— 
(I) except as provided in sub-
clause (II) or for emergency or au-
thorized administrative purposes, in-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:38 Apr 25, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00026
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H8031.IH
H8031
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
cluding appropriate wildlife manage-
ment, motorized vehicle use in the 
Monument shall be permitted only on 
routes and trails existing as of the 
date of enactment of this Act; 
(II) notwithstanding subclause 
(I), the Secretary may designate addi-
tional routes or trails for motorized 
vehicle use in the Monument after the 
date of enactment of this Act for the 
purposes of public safety needs, access 
to existing or new electric utility fa-
cilities or infrastructure, or protection 
of objects of historical and scientific 
interest within the Monument; and 
(III) the Secretary shall monitor 
motorized and non-motorized vehicle 
use and designated roads and trails to 
ensure proper care and management 
of objects of historical and scientific 
interest within the Monument. 
(E) INCORPORATION OF PLANS.—In devel-
oping the management plan, to the extent con-
sistent with this section, the Secretary may in-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:38 Apr 25, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00027
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H8031.IH
H8031
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
corporate any provision of an applicable land 
and resource management plan. 
(F) EFFECT.—If there is a conflict be-
tween this section and the Desert Renewable 
Energy Conservation Area Plan, the more re-
strictive provision shall control. 
(18) WILDFIRE.—In accordance with this Act 
and applicable law (including regulations), the Sec-
retary may take any measures within the Monument 
that the Secretary determines to be necessary to 
control fire, insects, and diseases, including, as the 
Secretary determines to be appropriate, the coordi-
nation of the activities with a State or local agency. 
(19) INCORPORATION OF ACQUIRED LAND AND 
INTERESTS.—Any land or interest in land within the 
boundary of the Monument that is acquired by the 
United States after the date of enactment of this 
Act shall— 
(A) become part of the Monument; 
(B) be withdrawn in accordance with para-
graph (9); and 
(C) be managed in accordance with— 
(i) the Federal Land Policy and Man-
agement Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et 
seq.); 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:38 Apr 25, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00028
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H8031.IH
H8031
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
(ii) this section; and 
(iii) any other applicable law (includ-
ing regulations). 
SEC. 5. CHUCKWALLA NATIONAL MONUMENT TRIBAL COM-
MISSION. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—Not later than 180 days after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall es-
tablish a commission, to be known as the ‘‘Chuckwalla Na-
tional Monument Tribal Commission’’. 
(b) MEMBERSHIP.— 
(1) MAKEUP.—The Commission shall include a 
representative from each culturally affiliated Indian 
Tribe. 
(2) PROCESS.—The Secretary shall conduct 
government-to-government consultation with each 
culturally affiliated Indian Tribe to determine the 
membership of the Commission. 
(c) DUTIES.— 
(1) DUTIES OF THE COMMISSION.—The Com-
mission shall inform, and provide input to, the devel-
opment and implementation of the management 
plan. 
(2) DUTIES
OF
THE
SECRETARY.—The Sec-
retary shall— 
(A) consult with the Commission on— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:38 Apr 25, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00029
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H8031.IH
H8031
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
(i) the development of the manage-
ment plan; and 
(ii) 
providing 
guidance 
and 
rec-
ommendations to the Secretary on manage-
ment decisions relating to the Monument; 
(B) ensure that the management plan sets 
forth parameters for the continued meaningful 
engagement by the Commission in the imple-
mentation of the management plan; and 
(C) incorporate into the management 
plan— 
(i) the traditional and historical 
knowledge and special expertise of the 
Commission; 
(ii) public education and interpreta-
tion for traditional place names and the 
cultural significance of land within the 
Monument, as the Secretary and the Com-
mission determine to be appropriate; and 
(iii) address funding, capacity build-
ing, and infrastructure for culturally affili-
ated Indian Tribes. 
(d) PROCEDURES.—The Commission shall establish 
any rules and procedures for the Commission that the 
Commission determines to be necessary. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:38 Apr 25, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00030
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H8031.IH
H8031
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
SEC. 6. CHUCKWALLA NATIONAL MONUMENT ADVISORY 
COUNCIL. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—Not later than 180 days after 
the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall es-
tablish an advisory council, to be known as the 
‘‘Chuckwalla National Monument Advisory Council’’. 
(b) DUTIES.—The Advisory Council shall advise the 
Secretary with respect to the development of the manage-
ment plan. 
(c) APPLICABLE LAW.—The Advisory Council shall 
be subject to— 
(1) chapter 10 of title 5, United States Code 
(commonly known as the ‘‘Federal Advisory Com-
mittee Act’’); 
(2) the Federal Land Policy and Management 
Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.); and 
(3) any other applicable laws. 
(d) MEMBERSHIP.—The Advisory Council shall con-
sist of 19 members, to be appointed by the Secretary, of 
whom, to the extent practicable— 
(1) 1 member shall be appointed after consid-
ering the recommendations of the Riverside County 
Board of Supervisors; 
(2) 1 member shall be appointed after consid-
ering the recommendations of the Imperial County 
Board of Supervisors; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:38 Apr 25, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00031
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H8031.IH
H8031
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
(3) 1 member shall be appointed after consid-
ering the recommendations of the Secretary for Nat-
ural Resources of the State; 
(4) 1 member shall be appointed to represent 
the Department of Defense; and 
(5) 8 members shall— 
(A) reside in, or within reasonable prox-
imity to, Riverside or Imperial County in the 
State; and 
(B) have backgrounds that reflect— 
(i) the purpose described in section 
4(b); and 
(ii) the interests of persons affected 
by the planning and management of the 
Monument, including representatives of— 
(I) the renewable energy indus-
try; 
(II) electric utilities; 
(III) private land owners; 
(IV) nongovernmental organiza-
tions managing land for conservation 
purposes; and 
(V) environmental, recreational, 
tourism, or other non-Federal land in-
terests. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:38 Apr 25, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00032
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H8031.IH
H8031
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
(e) REPRESENTATION.—The Secretary shall ensure 
that the membership of the Advisory Council is fairly bal-
anced in terms of— 
(1) the points of view represented by the Advi-
sory Council; and 
(2) the functions to be performed by the Advi-
sory Council. 
(f) TERMS.— 
(1) STAGGERED TERMS.—A member of the Ad-
visory Council shall be appointed for a term of 3 
years, except that, of the members first appointed— 
(A) 5 shall be appointed for a term of 1 
year; and 
(B) 5 shall be appointed for a term of 2 
years. 
(2) REAPPOINTMENT.—A member may be re-
appointed to serve on the Advisory Council on the 
expiration of the term of the member. 
(3) VACANCY.—A vacancy on the Advisory 
Council shall be filled in the same manner in which 
the original appointment was made. 
(g) QUORUM.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—8 members of the Advisory 
Council shall constitute a quorum. 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:38 Apr 25, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00033
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H8031.IH
H8031
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
(2) NO EFFECT ON OPERATIONS.—The oper-
ations of the Advisory Council shall not be impaired 
by the fact that a member has not yet been ap-
pointed if a quorum has been attained under para-
graph (1). 
(h) CHAIRPERSON AND PROCEDURES.—The Advisory 
Council shall— 
(1) elect a chairperson from among the mem-
bers of the Advisory Council; and 
(2) establish any rules and procedures for the 
Advisory Council that the Advisory Council deter-
mines to be necessary. 
(i) NO COMPENSATION.—A member of the Advisory 
Council shall serve without pay. 
(j) TERMINATION.—The Advisory Council shall ter-
minate on— 
(1) the date on which the management plan is 
officially adopted by the Secretary; or 
(2) such later date as the Secretary determines 
to be appropriate. 
SEC. 
7. 
ETHNOGRAPHIC 
STUDY 
AND 
CULTURAL 
RE-
SOURCES SURVEY. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the 
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary— 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:38 Apr 25, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00034
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H8031.IH
H8031
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
(1) after consultation with the culturally affili-
ated Indian Tribes, shall conduct, or enter into a 
contract with a third party to conduct, an ethno-
graphic study of land within the Monument and 
public land adjacent to the Monument that is not 
within a Development Focus Area to assess the im-
portance of the land studied to the culturally affili-
ated Indian Tribes and the religious, spiritual, and 
cultural practices of the culturally affiliated Indian 
Tribes; and 
(2) after consultation with the culturally affili-
ated Indian Tribes and a review of any applicable 
data, studies, and reports in the possession of the 
culturally affiliated Indian Tribes, shall conduct, or 
enter into a contract with a third party to conduct, 
a cultural resources survey of the land within the 
Monument and public land adjacent to the Monu-
ment that is not within a Development Focus Area 
to identify specific sites that contain cultural, reli-
gious, spiritual, and archaeological resources of im-
portance to the culturally affiliated Indian Tribes. 
(b) PARTICIPATION OF CULTURALLY AFFILIATED IN-
DIAN TRIBES.—In conducting an ethnographic study or 
cultural resources survey under subsection (a), the Sec-
retary shall coordinate with, and provide for the participa-
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
01:00 Apr 27, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00035
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H8031.IH
H8031
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
tion of, each culturally affiliated Indian Tribe, including 
through the conduct of interviews with members of each 
culturally affiliated Indian Tribe. 
(c) APPLICABLE LAW.—The Native American Graves 
Protection and Repatriation Act (25 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.) 
shall apply to burial sites identified under subsection (a). 
(d) SUBMISSION OF RESULTS TO CULTURALLY AF-
FILIATED INDIAN TRIBES.—Not later than 1 year after 
the date on which the ethnographic study and the cultural 
resources survey are completed under subsection (a), the 
Secretary shall submit to culturally affiliated Indian 
Tribes the results of the ethnographic study and the cul-
tural resources survey for review and comment. 
(e) REPORT.—Not later than 2 years after the date 
on which the ethnographic study and the cultural re-
sources survey are completed under subsection (a), the 
Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of 
Congress a report describing the results of the ethno-
graphic study and the cultural resources survey completed 
under that subsection. 
(f) PUBLIC AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in para-
graph (2), information relating to the nature and 
specific location of a cultural resource located on 
land adjacent to the Monument that is obtained 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:38 Apr 25, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00036
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H8031.IH
H8031
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
from an ethnographic study or cultural resources 
survey conducted under subsection (a) shall be ex-
empt from disclosure under section 552 of title 5, 
United States Code (commonly known as the ‘‘Free-
dom of Information Act’’) and any other applicable 
law. 
(2) EXCEPTION.—Notwithstanding paragraph 
(1), the Secretary, in consultation with the culturally 
affiliated Indian Tribes, may disclose information 
described in that paragraph if the Secretary deter-
mines that the disclosure— 
(A) would— 
(i) further the protection of the cul-
tural resource; and 
(ii) be in accordance with other appli-
cable laws; and 
(B) would not create a risk of harm to, or 
theft or destruction of, the cultural resource or 
the site at which the cultural resource is lo-
cated. 
(g) SAVINGS PROVISION.—Nothing in this section, in-
cluding the ethnographic study or the cultural resources 
survey conducted under subsection (a), affects— 
(1) the development of renewable energy 
projects in a Development Focus Area; 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:38 Apr 25, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00037
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6201
E:\BILLS\H8031.IH
H8031
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS
(2) any requirements for that development that 
may be imposed based on the findings of any study 
required under other law prior to that development; 
(3) existing requirements for that development 
under section 306108 of title 54, United States 
Code (formerly section 106 of the National Historic 
Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470f)) or any other ap-
plicable law; or 
(4) any existing responsibility of the Bureau of 
Land Management or any renewable energy com-
pany to conduct ethnographic studies prior to devel-
opment in a Development Focus Area. 
SEC. 8. EXPANSION OF JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK. 
Section 402 of the California Desert Protection Act 
of 1994 (16 U.S.C. 410aaa–22) is amended, in the first 
sentence, by inserting after ‘‘October 1991 or prior,’’ the 
following: ‘‘and including the approximately 17,842 acres 
of land depicted on the map entitled ‘Proposed Chuckwalla 
National Monument and Joshua Tree National Park Ex-
pansion’ and dated April 12, 2024,’’. 
Æ 
VerDate Sep 11 2014 
02:38 Apr 25, 2024
Jkt 049200
PO 00000
Frm 00038
Fmt 6652
Sfmt 6301
E:\BILLS\H8031.IH
H8031
ssavage on LAPJG3WLY3PROD with BILLS