From protecting wetlands for both birds and communities to creating the Salton Sea Conservancy, we have two incredible policy wins to celebrate. These victories are thanks to dedicated California legislators, our partners, and every Audubon supporter who let their representatives know they stand firmly behind California’s biodiversity, birds, communities, and the future we build together.

Together, supporters like you took 14,404 actions, whether sending letters to representatives or urging Governor Newsom to sign these bills into law. Without this collective action, we would not be celebrating these victories today.

AB 2875: No Net Loss of Wetlands

The Legislature passed AB 2875 to protect California’s wetlands following the rollback of federal protections under a Supreme Court decision last year. The court’s ruling in Sackett vs. EPA  redefined the federal scope of wetlands, removing protections for many streams that do not flow year-round. This left ephemeral streams, which flow only seasonally, vulnerable to development and pollution.

“We have wetlands that only flow certain times of year, and they are seasonal, ephemeral streams that were stripped of protections, and yet they are really, really important biologically and for habitat,” said Assemblymember Laura Friedman, who introduced the legislation.

Co-sponsored by Audubon California, AB 2875 establishes a policy of “no net loss” of wetlands in the state and commits California to long-term gains in both the quantity and quality of wetlands. As many know, over 90% of California’s historic wetlands have already been lost. With the reduction in federal protections, this legislation strengthens state safeguards and serves as a model for other states.

SB 583: Salton Sea Conservancy

Authored by Senator Steve Padilla, SB 583 establishes the Salton Sea Conservancy (California's first new conservancy in nearly two decades). This marks a significant milestone in the long-term efforts to restore and manage the Salton Sea. Ensuring a sustainable future for the sea requires active participation from communities throughout the region, who must have a voice in planning projects that impact them. The Conservancy will coordinate initiatives to protect public health while providing critical habitat for shorebirds and shallow-feeding ducks, safeguarding a vital ecosystem for millions of birds.

Audubon worked to build support for the bill among local communities and leaders at the Salton Sea, assisted with the bill’s language, and helped secure votes in the state legislature. Now, as the Conservancy begins its work, Audubon and its partners will ensure it remains inclusive and effective from the start.

Looking Ahead: Priorities for the 2025 Legislative Season 

Audubon California and our partners remain committed to the fight to protect California’s last wetlands.

We are deeply grateful to supporters like you who raised their voices for communities, birds, and California’s biodiversity. Without your advocacy, AB 828, AB 2875, and SB 583 may never have reached the Governor’s desk.

Audubon California is already preparing new proposals for the 2025 state legislative season to protect birds, their habitats, and communities. Priorities include revisiting wetland protections like those proposed in AB 828, reducing the impacts of light pollution on wildlife, enhancing legal protections for sensitive bird species, and advocating for a state budget that invests in bird habitats and climate resilience.

Your Voice Matters: Support Prop 4 for Climate Resilience

The people and birds of California still need your advocacy. Let’s continue the momentum by raising our voices all the way to the ballot box in November to vote YES on Prop 4 (the Climate Bond). This historic measure represents the largest public investment in climate resilience in California’s history.

Audubon priorities are advanced in nearly every part of Prop. 4. It includes over $1.2 billion for direct investments in the state’s biodiversity and nature-based climate solutions. It will also fund key Audubon priorities to benefit birds such as restoration in the San Francisco Bay, water supplies for Central Valley wetlands, habitat projects at the Salton Sea, and more native plants and green spaces in cities across the state.

Audubon supports Prop. 4 because we know that it’s necessary to invest now in our birds, their habitats, and California’s climate resilience. Waiting to react to emergencies like wildfires and floods will cost the state more money than investing now to plan, prepare, and prevent the worst impacts from climate change.

Learn more to show up for birds, for people, and our shared future.