A package of climate bills passed in the California State Senate today sets the state on a course toward cleaner air for people and wildlife, said representatives of Audubon California. Key among the legislation are Senate Bills 32 (Pavley) and 350 (de León), which extend California's campaign to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and cut its reliance on fossil fuels to 2050.

"SB 32 and 350 represent strong and necessary steps forward in continuing to fight global warming in California and set a standard for the rest of the country," said Brigid McCormack, executive director of Audubon California. "Audubon's science has demonstrated that California's environment will change significantly in the next 80 years due to climate change, making life harder for people and birds. Aggressive action is necessary to ensure that future generations can share in the California we now enjoy."

SB 32 sets the target of reducing California's greenhouse gas emissions to 80 percent 1990 levels by 2050 and SB 350, the so-called "50/50/50" bill, calls on the state to reduce reliance on fossil fuels by 50 percent, increase building energy efficiency by 50 percent, and increase renewable energy's share of the state's energy sector by 50 percent, all by 2030.

Audubon's recent report, Birds & Climate Change, demonstrated that 314 North American birds will be at greater risk of extinction due to climate change over the next 80 years, including 170 bird species that occur in California. Birds are excellent indicators of environmental health, for other wildlife and people. As the climate becomes less hospitable to birds, similar declines in other wildlife species are expected.

"California has long taken leadership in fighting climate change and on other environmental matters," added McCormack. "We applaud Senators de León and Pavley, as well as Governor Brown and their partners in the Legislature, for charting a clear path forward in fighting global warming, providing clean air to California's people and birds, and protecting the State's natural resources."

About Audubon California
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 50,000 members 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 www.ca.audubon.org.

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