FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 12, 2023
Contact: Veronica Avila, veronica@fcpcommunications.com, 661-805-8462
POWER IN NATURE COALITION STATEMENT ON GOVERNOR NEWSOM’S PROPOSED 2023-2024 BUDGET REVISION
Sacramento, CA — Today, the Power in Nature Coalition released the following statement regarding Governor Newsom’s proposed 2023-2024 budget revision.
Statement from Kay Ogden, Executive Director/CEO of the Eastern Sierra Land Trust and 30×30 Sierra Nevada Regional Group Lead:
“We appreciate that the Newsom Administration has not proposed additional significant cuts to programs that are critical to addressing the climate crisis in its May Budget Revision. However, the May Revision does include some cuts to important parks, urban greening and restoration programs and shifts those cuts to a still yet to be proposed climate bond. While we understand that this is a year of difficult budget decisions, Californians are reeling from the devastating impacts of historic winter storms, not to mention recent catastrophic drought and wildfires. Now is the time for the state to remain resolute in maintaining its investments in climate resilience.
In 2020 Governor Newsom issued Executive Order N-82-20, which committed to a goal of conserving 30% of lands and coastal waters by 2030 to protect biodiversity, expand equitable access to nature’s benefits, and conserve places that help California achieve climate resilience and/or carbon neutrality. The proposed budget cuts will prevent California from achieving its conservation, climate, and equity goals by 2030. It is imperative for all of us to work together to identify funding solutions to ensure California meets these important goals.
We also appreciate Governor Newsom’s suggestion for a climate bond to make up for the budget cuts, but we cannot afford to wait until 2025 to ensure that California protects its world-class biodiversity and expands equitable access to nature. The Nature Conservancy estimates that California must invest $1 billion each year to reach 30×30.
We must look for funding for capacity building and science programs that are critical to implementing our 30×30 goal and that cannot be funded through bond funds. We need the Administration to commit to a robust Climate and Natural Resources Bond for the 2024 Ballot that includes at least $5 billion for 30×30 investments, which will be available in 2025 and beyond.”
# # #
About the Power in Nature Coalition
Power In Nature is a statewide coalition of over 100 community groups, environmental and conservation organizations, land trusts, indigenous organizations and tribal members dedicated to advancing California’s 30×30 commitment. The Power In Nature coalition has identified nearly 100 potential 30×30 projects across the state and works on a broad range of issues including biodiversity protection, climate resilience, equity, recreation, outdoor access and social justice. For more information, visit powerinnature.org.
