San Francisco, CA – Representatives of Audubon California today said that the signing of bold, new climate change legislation is a great step forward for the state in creating cleaner air for people and wildlife. Following a contentious 2015 legislative session, Senate Bill 350 reached Gov. Jerry Brown’s desk without one of its key provisions, a 50 percent reduction in fossil fuel use by 2030. Nonetheless, the bill still includes ambitious goals for alternative energy use and clean energy building.
“Today’s signing ceremony at Griffith Park is the culmination of the efforts of millions of Californians who demand a clean environment for our children, as well as our birds and other wildlife,” said Audubon California Executive Director Brigid McCormack. “Senate Bill 350 takes yet another step forward to address the challenges of climate change to our state. I have every expectation that this momentum will continue next year.”
Senate Bill 350 was authored by Senate President pro tem Kevin de León. It was part of an ambitious package of climate change bills introduced earlier this year. The other key bill in that package, Senate Bill 32 (Pavley), extends the state’s current goals for reducing California’s greenhouse gas emissions to 80 percent 1990 levels by 2050. The State Legislature will continue to debate SB 32 in the 2016 session.
“We thank Gov. Brown for signing this important legislation today, and thank Sen. President de León and the other legislators who stepped up to support this bill for their leadership on such a vital issue for both birds and people,” added McCormack.
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.
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 150,000 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 www.ca.audubon.org.
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