Knight signs onto bill to expand Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area
Resolution could aid city’s fight against proposed Cemex mining site
Congressman Steve Knight, R-Palmdale, signed onto a bill that could be used to thwart a proposed mine in Soledad Canyon.
Knight agreed to co-sponsor House Resolution 4086, the Rim of the Valley Corridor Preservation Act, originally written by Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Burbank, which would expand the existing Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. The seven other co-sponsors are Democrats, including Rep. Julia Brownley, D-Westlake Village, Rep. Brad Sherman, D-Los Angeles, and Rep. Judy Chu, D-Monterey Park.
“I’m very happy to sign on as a cosponsor of the Rim of the Valley Corridor Preservation Act,” he said. “The City of Santa Clarita reached out to me and told me this was a priority of theirs, and I wholeheartedly agree. Here in Southern California, we’re blessed with some of the most dynamic and scenic environments anywhere in the world. It’s important that we preserve these assets for future generations and I thank Congressman Schiff for his leadership on this issue.”
During a City Council meeting last week, Santa Clarita Mayor Laurene Weste referred to the bill as including the San Gabriel Mountains into an existing recreation area and alluded to the Cemex mine proposed for Soledad Canyon that the city has fought for years.
“The Rim of the Valley is part of the expansion to interconnect the mountain ranges and expand the Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area,” she said. “The rim would dramatically improve Santa Clarita in preserving our valley not in an open space, but in dealing with things like mining, so I think it’s important for us to stay focused on getting that done and I know our congressman is supportive... It’s one of those things that will last forever.”
The National Parks Conservation Association issued a statement this week applauding Knight for signing on as a co-sponsor.
“National Parks Conservation Association commends Representative Knight for recognizing the value of outdoor recreation and preserving places that share our history, by supporting the Rim of the Valley Corridor Preservation Act,” the group said in a statement. “The legislation would expand the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area to include the Simi Hills, Verdugo Mountains, Arroyo Seco river and other natural treasures, along with important historic and cultural sites. Representative Knight’s action underscores that he values and supports this significant opportunity to leave a conservation legacy for our children and grandchildren, and improve the quality of life for over 17 million residents of the greater Los Angeles area.”
The bill was introduced in October. Weste said a companion bill written by Sen. Dianne Feinstein, Senate Bill 1993, is in the Senate.
Knight has previously used legislation as a means to try to stop the Cemex project. In March, he re-introduced the Soledad Canyon Consistency Act, co-sponsored by Chu, Schiff and Sherman. That bill would withdraw the mineral rights for land in the eastern portion of the Santa Clarita Valley, effectively blocking future mining projects in the area.