Audubon California Virtual Advocacy Day 2022

Audubon California held its annual Advocacy Day on Wednesday, August 3. Audubon members throughout the state registered to participate. Members were then teamed up with other members from the same legislative districts and then join Zoom meetings hosted by and facilitated by Audubon California staff. The meetings are with their legislator or with the legislator’s staff. The purpose is to advocate and discuss issues and bills that are top priorities for Audubon California.

Audubon members met with state senators to discuss Assembly bills that have passed the Assembly and are then in the Senate for discussion and approval prior to sending them to Governor Newsom for his signature. Meeting with Assembly members focus on Senate bills that have passed out of the Senate and onto the Assembly for debate and approval for the Governor’s signature.

PVAS Conservation Director, Brian Elliott participated in the Advocacy Day meetings. Brian is a constituent of State Senator Portantino and Assembly Member Holden. Brian joined other Audubon members from other chapters that are included in the districts of Sen. Portantino and Assembly Member Holden.

Brian encourages other PVAS members to get involved in next year’s Advocacy Day.

The two top issues were discussed in all meetings.

1. Supporting the 30×30 campaign, which is to preserve 30% of land and water resources by 2030 and thus conserve birds and other species and expand access to nature for all Californians. 30×30 is now a worldwide campaign.

2. Advocacy for using California’s current budget surplus to implement natural climate solutions now.

Assembly Bills discussed with State Senator’s or their staff were

1. Assembly Bill 30: The Equitable Outdoor Access Act of 2022

2. Assembly Bill 2238: 30×30 Reporting on progress related to 30×30

3. Assembly Bill 2382: Light Pollution Control requiring state owned and operated buildings to reduce unneccesary lighting.

Senate Bills discussed with Assembly members or their staff were

1. Senate Bill 977: Conservation Ranching Incentive Program which is provide grants to landowners and ranchers to create and carry out plans to improve native plant and wildlife diversity on grazed lands.

2. Senate Bill 260: Climate Corporate Accountability Act which is to require large corporate polluters to report their emissions to the California Air Resources Board. Penalties for non-compliance would be then applied to the companies.

Meeting with Asm Holden’s staff member, Kevin Mulligan and Audubon staff member, Liliana Grigeo

Meeting with Sen. Portantino staff member, Rhiannon Ripley and Audubon staff member, Evelyn Serrano.