San Francisco, California -- Audubon California Executive Director Brigid McCormack today said that the State Assembly's recent approval of Senate Bill 350 was an important step in protecting the states birds and people.

"The passage of Senate Bill 350 will have tremendous benefits for California birds –and the people of this state," said McCormack. "I want to thank State Senate President pro tem Kevin de León for his tremendous vision and leadership on this forward-looking legislation."

Following a negative campaign from the oil industry, lawmakers were forced to drop language from the bill that would have required California to reduce its petroleum use by 50 percent by 2030. Nonetheless, surviving language calling for increased use of alternative energy and clean buildings still make SB 350 a vital improvement for California.

"While we are disappointed that the 50% reduction in petroleum use did not make it into the final bill, we are confident that that the fight for this will continue, bolstered by the majority of Californians who embrace a clean energy future," said McCormack.

Audubon’s recent report on climate change and birds concluded that 170 species of birds in California are threatened with extinction due to climate change, including favorites such as the Allen's Hummingbird, Brown Pelican, Yellow-billed Magpie, Golden Eagle, and many others. Air pollution also presents an immediate threat to birds and the environment, and poses a public health risk to humans.

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 200,000 members and supporters in California and an affiliated 48 local Audubon chapters, Audubon California is a field program of the National Audubon Society.