California Coastal National Monument Expansion Act of 2013

Bill 113 hr 1411, also known as the California Coastal National Monument Expansion Act of 2013, was introduced in the US Congress to expand the California Coastal National Monument. The bill aimed to protect and preserve additional coastal areas along the California coast by adding new lands and waters to the existing monument.

The California Coastal National Monument was established in 2000 by President Bill Clinton to protect the unique and diverse coastal resources of California. The monument currently consists of more than 20,000 small islands, rocks, and reefs along the coast, totaling over 1,100 miles of shoreline.

The California Coastal National Monument Expansion Act of 2013 proposed to add new areas to the monument, including coastal lands and waters in Mendocino, Humboldt, and Del Norte counties. These areas were identified as having significant ecological, cultural, and recreational value that warranted protection under the monument designation. The bill received bipartisan support in Congress, with lawmakers from both parties recognizing the importance of preserving the California coast for future generations. Supporters of the bill argued that expanding the monument would help protect critical habitats for wildlife, promote tourism and outdoor recreation, and preserve the cultural heritage of the region. After passing through the necessary committees and receiving approval from both the House of Representatives and the Senate, the California Coastal National Monument Expansion Act of 2013 was signed into law by President Barack Obama. The expansion of the monument was seen as a significant step towards safeguarding the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the California coast for years to come.