Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument Expansion Act

Bill 118 hr 1396, also known as the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument Expansion Act, is a piece of legislation that aims to expand the boundaries of the existing Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument in California. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on March 8, 2021, by Representative John Garamendi.

The Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument was originally designated by President Barack Obama in 2015 and covers approximately 330,780 acres of public land in the northern California region. The purpose of the monument is to protect the diverse ecosystems, wildlife habitats, and recreational opportunities in the area.

The expansion proposed in Bill 118 hr 1396 would add an additional 160,000 acres to the national monument, bringing the total protected area to over 490,000 acres. The expansion would include important watersheds, wildlife corridors, and cultural sites that are currently not within the monument boundaries. Supporters of the bill argue that the expansion is necessary to ensure the long-term protection of the region's natural resources and to provide additional recreational opportunities for visitors. They also believe that the expansion will help to preserve the area's biodiversity and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Opponents of the bill have raised concerns about the potential restrictions on land use and access that could result from the expansion. They argue that the expansion could limit economic development opportunities in the region and restrict traditional land uses such as grazing and logging. Overall, Bill 118 hr 1396 is a contentious piece of legislation that has sparked debate among lawmakers, environmentalists, and local stakeholders. The bill is currently being reviewed by the House Committee on Natural Resources, where it will undergo further scrutiny and potential amendments before being voted on by the full House of Representatives.