On December 17, 2025, Senator Padilla and Senator Schiff reintroduced the landmark Protecting Unique and Beautiful Landscapes by Investing in California (PUBLIC) Lands Act. This comprehensive legislation aims to protect and restore over 1.7 million acres of California’s public lands while safeguarding some of the state’s most vital wildlife corridors and habitats.
The PUBLIC Lands Act incorporates the Central Coast Heritage Protection Act, which was reintroduced in the House earlier this fall by Representative Salud Carbajal. Together, these measures would protect over 900,000 acres of public lands, including over 385,000 acres in and around Los Padres National Forest. In the Los Padres region, this would expand protections for iconic wilderness areas, preserving pristine watersheds, diverse ecosystems, and opportunities for outdoor recreation.
“From the rugged trails of the Los Padres National Forest to the sweeping Carrizo Plain, the Central Coast is home to some of the most pristine public lands in the country. We must act now to permanently protect these landscapes, which sustain local watersheds, provide opportunities for outdoor recreation, and strengthen both our public health and economy,” said Representative Carbajal. “I am grateful to Senator Padilla for including my Central Coast Heritage Protection Act in his bill, ensuring these treasures are safeguarded so future generations can continue to experience the natural beauty that defines our region.”
The public lands package consists of three bills that have been reintroduced in the House of Representatives:
- The Northwest California Wilderness, Recreation, and Working Forests Act, which is led in the House by Representative Huffman. The bill would permanently protect 484,733 acres of public lands and 479.8 miles of wild and scenic rivers.
- The Central Coast Heritage Protection Act, which is led in the House by Representative Carbajal. The bill would permanently protect 385,842 acres of public lands and 199.3 miles of wild and scenic rivers.
- The San Gabriel Mountains Foothills and Rivers Protection Act, which is led in the House by Representative Judy Chu. The bill would permanently protect 35,335 acres of public lands and 20.2 miles of wild and scenic rivers.
The Central Coast Heritage Protection Act was first introduced in the 114th Congress by then Representative Lois Capps. The wilderness reintroduction torch was then passed on to Rep. Carbajal, who has actively introduced the bill in every Congress. The latest reintroduction builds on that legacy, focusing on areas within Los Padres National Forest that are home to endangered species like the California Condor and the California red-legged frog. These protections are crucial in the face of ongoing threats to our public lands.
Key beloved areas slated for wilderness designation include additions to the Matilija, Sespe, Chumash, Dick Smith and San Rafael Wilderness Areas. As the highest level of federal land protection, wilderness status prohibits all industrial activities, the use of motorized machinery, including automobiles and chainsaws.
At a time when this administration has prioritized degradation and extraction on our public lands, we are grateful to our Senators for standing strong and introducing this bill. We look forward to continuing to champion this legislation, mobilizing community support and advocating for its passage to preserve these wild places.
