Carbajal’s Wilderness Protection Bill Passes House

The Central Coast Heritage Protection Act (HR 2199), a bill introduced by Rep. Salud Carbajal, passed through the House last Wednesday with bipartisan support. The bill is a part of the largest public lands protection package in over a decade, the Protecting America’s Wilderness Act. HR 2199 passed regardless of a veto threat from the White House in opposition to the bill. Additionally, some Republicans argued on the floor that the legislation may impede future development.

The Heritage Protection Act designates about 250,000 acres of land in Los Padres National Forest and the Carrizo Plain National Monument as safeguarded wilderness areas. In addition, the bill creates a 400-mile long Condor National Recreation trail, stretching from Los Angeles to Monterey County.

“Protecting our environment, enhancing public safety, and growing our economy are not mutually exclusive. The passage of the Central Coast Heritage Protection Act proves this, and it’s a huge step forward for all of us,” said Representative Carbajal.