California Renews Its Leadership on Climate Change

SACRAMENTO, Calif.—Audubon California’s Director of Public Policy Michael Lynes issued the following statement following the California Legislature’s historic vote to approve Assembly Bill 398, which will extend the state’s landmark cap-and-trade program:

“California lawmakers today, with inspiring bipartisanship, reasserted the Golden State’s leadership on climate change. The difficult compromises embraced today will ensure a better future for the people of California, as well as the natural treasures we so value. Our hope is that in the coming years, our leaders will continue to build on these bills to address ongoing pollution and other conditions that disproportionately affect disadvantaged communities.  We cannot wait for the federal government to lead on this issue.

“California once again has demonstrated that a state can successfully address climate change without sacrificing a thriving economy.”

According to Audubon's Birds and Climate Change Report, 314 species of North American birds, including 170 species found in California, could disappear from their current ranges by 2080 if carbon pollution is not significantly reduced. These species include the Bald Eagle, American Kestrel and Wood Duck. Birds are indicators of environmental health—and where birds are in decline other wildlife, biodiversity and people suffer. Moreover, the carbon emissions that drive climate change not only create an unhealthy environment for birds and wildlife, but they also degrade our communities and pose a threat to public health.

Audubon California is building a better future for California by bringing people together to appreciate, enjoy and protect our spectacular outdoor treasures. With more than 150,000 members and supporters in California and an affiliated 48 local Audubon chapters, Audubon California is a field program of the National Audubon Society. More information is available at ca.audubon.org.

The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow, throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education and on-the-ground conservation. Audubon's state programs, nature centers, chapters and partners have an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire and unite diverse communities in conservation action. Since 1905, Audubon's vision has been a world in which people and wildlife thrive. Audubon is a nonprofit conservation organization. Learn more how to help at www.audubon.org  and follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @audubonsociety.

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Contact: Garrison Frost, gfrost@audubon.org