Category: Environment

Chuckwalla National Monument is being designated by presidential proclamation today, offering an alternate future for the southernmost California desert as it grapples with climate change and habitat loss.   The country’s 135th national monument spans 624,000 acres. In establishing the national monument, President Joe Biden recognized its “awe-inspiring landscape of mountain ranges, meandering canyons and washes, dramatic rock formations, palm oases, and desert-wash woodlands” and the remarkable ecological, cultural, and historical value they hold. “This new national monument offers a beacon of hope for the future stability of one of North America’s strongholds of biodiversity. At this critical juncture, designating Chuckwalla National Monument was a significant step forward in preserving the largest relatively intact ecosystem we have left in the lower 48 states,” said Kelly Herbinson, Executive Director, Mojave Desert Land Trust.  “At long last, this portion of the Colorado Desert will provide vital connectivity between established national parks and other habitat for our iconic Californian species. Threatened wildlife and remarkable flora will have a fighting chance of adapting to the changing climate. They can find refuge amid the growing pressures on desert habitat. Crucially, maintaining the integrity

Thousands of wild burros that have roamed the Reche and San Timoteo canyons since the 1800s are being relocated to Texas sanctuaries under a controversial San Bernardino County initiative. While officials argue the move is necessary to reduce injuries and vehicle collisions, many residents are voicing frustration, claiming the issue has been exaggerated and calling for alternative solutions. The county has partnered with Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue to humanely capture, treat, and transport the animals to a sanctuary in San Angelo, Texas. So far, 68 burros have been rounded up. Officials cite increasing traffic incidents and injuries, including burros entangled in fencing or cemetery flower vases, as reasons for the relocation. “Our preference would be to contract with a local nonprofit rescue and sanctuary organization that has the capacity to rescue and shelter an adequate number of the undomesticated burros that roam freely in our county,” said George Harding, San Bernardino County Animal Care Chief. “But Peaceful Valley is the only rescue organization that has been willing to sign an agreement with the county as required by Senate Bill 371 and that has demonstrated the

A transformative 70-megawatt battery storage system, developed by Strata Clean Energy, is now fully operational in Rialto, heralding a new era in the Inland Empire’s energy landscape. Known as the Inland Empire Energy Storage project, this initiative is pivotal in addressing the region’s surging energy needs while advancing California’s commitment to renewable energy. One of nine battery storage projects announced by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) in 2022, the facility is part of a broader effort to replace retiring fossil-fuel power plants, including Diablo Canyon, with sustainable energy solutions. Its strategic development aligns with the Inland Empire’s growing demand for reliable energy, driven by the proliferation of data centers, increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), and electrification across industries. “This project reflects our commitment to advancing energy storage solutions and delivering results that support a sustainable, renewable-powered grid,” said Bob Schaffeld, President of Strata Clean Energy. Schaffeld joined Rialto Mayor Deborah Robertson, Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35), and Congressman Pete Aguilar (CA-33) at the project’s launch, marking a significant milestone for clean energy in the region. Key Benefits of the Inland Empire Energy Storage Facility