San Francisco – In response to the appointment of California Secretary of State Alex Padilla to replace Vice President-elect Kamala Harris as California’s junior US senator, Audubon California Policy Director Mike Lynes issued the following statement:

“Audubon California congratulates Alex Padilla in becoming California’s newest U.S. senator and the first Latino to represent the state in the U.S. Senate.  As state senator, Secretary Padilla was responsible for legislation that’s keeping millions of single-use plastic bags out of our waterways, oceans and landfills, saving the lives of countless birds and other wildlife. For the past four years, he’s been one of the state’s most vocal leaders in protecting voting rights and fair elections, especially for communities of color. We look forward to working with him to advance strong, sensible policy solutions to address climate change, provide clean air and fresh water for our communities, and protect our public lands on which birds and people alike rely for survival.”

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CONTACT:
Jason Howe, jason.howe@audubon.org; 415-595-9245

About Audubon
The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Audubon works throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. State programs, nature centers, chapters, and partners give Audubon an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. A nonprofit conservation organization since 1905, Audubon believes in a world in which people and wildlife thrive. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.