Joshua Tree Removal for Desert Economy?
5/28/2024 | 2mVideo has Closed Captions
Commercial and industrial development threatens protected Joshua trees in the California desert.
Parties behind commercial and industrial projects seek permission to cut down protected Joshua trees in order to make way for development in the California desert — another example of the age-old tension between environmental beauty and economic growth. Ryan Sabalow from CalMatters reports.
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SoCal Matters is a local public television program presented by PBS SoCal
Joshua Tree Removal for Desert Economy?
5/28/2024 | 2mVideo has Closed Captions
Parties behind commercial and industrial projects seek permission to cut down protected Joshua trees in order to make way for development in the California desert — another example of the age-old tension between environmental beauty and economic growth. Ryan Sabalow from CalMatters reports.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
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Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorshipThese are one of the state's most recognizable desert species, Joshua trees.
The trees can live for centuries, and there are millions of them in California.
There's even a national park named after them.
Climate change threatens these trees.
Models suggest that by the end of the 21st century, most of the Joshua trees' historic range may no longer be viable due to droughts and wildfires.
Last year, California's legislature passed the first ever protections for this iconic species.
Already, some are seeking to create carve-outs in the new law to make it easier to cut down Joshua trees.
AB 2443 would authorize the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, or CDFW, to enter into an agreement with the city to allow the taking of a western Joshua tree associated with a commercial or industrial project.
That's Juan Carrillo.
He's a Democratic member of the California Assembly.
Carrillo represents economically challenged communities in the Mojave Desert.
His bill would allow local governments to authorize cutting down Joshua trees for some commercial and industrial projects.
The goal is to help create economic opportunity in the fast-growing region.
Environmental groups aren't happy with the proposal, saying it undermines the new protections for Joshua Trees just as they are getting started.
We feel that the bill is premature.
We don't exactly know how this is going to work out.
Carrillo's bill has a ways to go before it becomes law.
It represents an age-old tension in California, balancing protections with the pressures to sustain the world's fifth largest economy.
For his part, Carrillo believes his bill strikes the right balance.
My intent with this bill is not to undo any of the hard work that went into the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act.
I understand the importance of conserving such a unique and beautiful part of my district.
As an Assembly member, I must consider all the issues that are facing my constituents today and the ones we can foresee in the future.
Reporting for CalMatters, I'm Ryan Sabalow.
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SoCal Matters is a local public television program presented by PBS SoCal