All through the final yr, Audubon continued its century-long custom of advocating for and securing the area, clear air, and clear water that birds and other people have to dwell and thrive. Learn on to be taught extra about Audubon’s most necessary advocacy and coverage work throughout the hemisphere in 2024!
Protected Vital Public Lands Across Alaska and the Arctic
Audubon Alaska and Audubon’s Public Lands group secured necessary wins in 2024, together with finalizing protections of 28 million acres of Alaska’s D-1 Public Lands and stopping the allowing to assemble Ambler Street, a mining street that will lower via the Brooks Vary. Audubon additionally offered enter on the right way to replace protections for the prevailing 5 Particular Areas and create new Particular Areas after the Biden administration strengthened protections within the Western Arctic this spring and lobbied to ensure that the U.S. Forest Service took the subsequent step in advancing President Biden’s Earth Day 2022-issued Govt Order No. 14072 which dedicated the U.S. to determine, stock, and defend mature and old-growth forests on federal lands, together with the Tongass Nationwide Forest.
Nice Salt Lake will profit from 10,000 further acre-feet of water because of a partnership between the Nationwide Audubon Society and The Nature Conservancy—as co-managers of the Nice Salt Lake Watershed Enhancement Belief—in partnership with Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Utah Division of Wildlife Sources, and the Utah Division of Forestry, Fireplace and State Lands.
“Delivering new water to Nice Salt Lake is important to protect the well being of the lake and Utah communities, in addition to defend the habitats for tens of millions of birds that depend on it,” stated Marcelle Shoop, Govt Director of the Belief and Nationwide Audubon Society’s Saline Lakes Director. “We’re grateful for the imaginative and prescient and dedication of many companions, for this progressive late season water launch to diversify advantages to the lake and its wetlands, in addition to the Jordan River. We stay up for future alternatives to repeat these efforts in years to return.”
After years of Audubon advocacy to defend and increase the Coastal Barrier Sources System, Congress handed the Strengthening Coastal Communities Act this fall and despatched it to the President’s desk. Increasing on a decades-old bipartisan legislation that removes federal spending in susceptible seashores, islands, and wetlands, this invoice provides over a quarter-million acres of undeveloped coast to the protected system in 9 states that have been hardest hit by Hurricane Sandy and different susceptible states within the Southeast. It additionally authorizes a examine to discover including upland areas to the system in order that wetlands can “migrate” inland as sea-levels rise. For greater than 40 years, the Coastal Barrier Sources Act has efficiently protected 3.5 million acres alongside the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, Nice Lakes, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It has saved taxpayers $10 billion, protects lives and property, and preserves habitats for birds like American Oystercatchers and Piping Plovers.
Advocated for the Establishment a New Marine Sanctuary in California
This yr the Biden-Harris Administration designated the Chumash Heritage Nationwide Marine Sanctuary, the first-ever Tribally nominated marine sanctuary within the U.S. Situated between the Monterey Bay and Channel Islands nationwide marine sanctuaries in California, this marine protected space is the results of 40 years of management from the Northern Chumash Tribal Council to guard an space that’s culturally, traditionally and ecologically necessary. The sanctuary will defend greater than 4,500 square-miles of ocean off California’s Central Coast—utilized by 60 % of the California Brown Pelican inhabitants and as much as 20,000 shorebirds each winter. Audubon California, Morro Coast Audubon Society, and Nationwide Audubon Society have been advocating for this designation for a few years, in addition to over 18,000 of our members who wrote letters of help final yr.
Advocated for a Plan to Protect the Greater Sage-Grouse
Earlier than public remark closed June 13, almost 48,000 Audubon supporters submitted feedback to the Bureau of Land Administration on proposed amendments for more than 70 resource management plans (RMPs), protecting 67 million acres of BLM-managed grouse habitat. The Nationwide Audubon Society joined a letter submitted by 19 conservation organizations calling on the BLM to reverse the hen’s steep decline and to decide on sturdy, science-based approaches from among the many alternate options proposed.
Joined America the Beautiful Freshwater Challenge
This yr, Audubon joined the White Home, states, Tribes, municipalities, and different NGOs to help freshwater restoration in communities throughout the nation. Birds and other people want clear water and Audubon is dedicated to the partnership goals of reconnecting 8 million acres of wetlands and 100,000 miles of rivers and streams.
Birds are telling us we have to do extra to guard habitat all through the hemisphere. Audubon’s Flight Plan units conservation milestones to enhance and increase habitat whereas tackling the impacts and causes of local weather change. The America the Lovely Freshwater Problem targets align with Audubon’s science-based Flight Plan milestones.
Advocated to Finalize Public Lands Rule that Prioritizes Restoration and Stewardship
Audubon mobilized greater than 14,000 members to submit feedback in help of a brand new administration rule that responsibly balances conservation with mining and oil and fuel extraction on federal public lands. The rule prioritizes the restoration and stewardship of intact landscapes, delicate wildlife habitat, cultural lands safety, and entry to nature.
An amazing 92 percent of public comments submitted supported the brand new rule. Along with mobilizing its members, the Nationwide Audubon Society submitted its personal comment letter, along with a letter signed by 194 unbiased Audubon chapters in 41 states.
Protected Birds by Advancing Clean Energy Development
Audubon is partaking on the clear vitality transition to guard North American hen species from local weather change and be sure that infrastructure is deliberate with birds and other people in thoughts. Over the previous yr, employees labored on numerous clear vitality efforts throughout the U.S., from warbler analysis in Louisiana to transmission line placement in Minnesota, and advocated for bird-safe practices on 36 gigawatts of wind and photo voltaic and almost 45 gigawatts of transmission capability.
Helped Secure Millions of Dollars for Conservation Efforts in New Mexico
New Mexico’s 2024 legislative session ended with a historic $300 million appropriation for the Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund. It will help land and water conservation, agriculture, and outside recreation tasks.
Supported Long-Overdue Updated Oil and Gas Rule
Almost 20,000 Audubon members submitted feedback in favor of a change to how the BLM points oil and fuel leases on federal land. The brand new rule, finalized in April, updates the price of doing enterprise on public lands and balances the extraction of pure sources with the conservation of wildlife habitat and the preservation of landscapes sacred to Indigenous peoples.
Passed Working Lands Preservation Act in South Carolina
Audubon performed a key function in advocating for the profitable passage of South Carolina’s Working Agricultural Lands Preservation Act, which permits for the usage of voluntary conservation easements to guard agricultural lands—serving to defend SC farmers and farms, and the important habitat they supply for susceptible grassland hen species just like the Northern Bobwhite and Japanese Meadowlark.
Reduced Bird Collisions in Towns Across the U.S.
Audubon’s regional places of work and native chapters are working to implement easy options to forestall collisions by making buildings and night time skies safer for birds year-round. This contains advocating for laws just like the Fowl-Protected Buildings Act and dealing with property house owners, constructing managers, and native governments to show off extra lighting throughout spring and fall migration as a part of the Lights Out program and set up collision-preventing options on reflective glass surfaces. Audubon’s efforts proceed to develop, with greater than 50 cities and areas concerned in Lights Out Applications, encompassing lots of the most harmful metropolitan areas for migratory birds.
Helped Pass the $10B Climate Bond in California
With over 59 % of the vote, California voters handed Proposition 4, the most important public funding devoted to local weather resilience within the state’s historical past! Proposition 4—also called the Protected Ingesting Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clear Air Bond Act of 2024, will create pressing investments in confirmed options for habitat safety, water conservation, coastal resilience, and restoration. Audubon California was an early a part of the coalition of conservation and environmental organizations that advocated for this measure to be positioned on the poll, and activated their community throughout the state to rally voters.
Passed New Native Plant and Lights Out Policies in North Carolina with Chapter-led Advocacy Efforts
This yr, Greensboro and Winston-Salem handed insurance policies that promote the usage of native vegetation whereas additionally banning invasives. The insurance policies come after years of labor by T. Gilbert Pearson Audubon and Forsyth Audubon to advertise native vegetation and educate choice makers and the general public on the advantages they supply for birds and pollinators. Winston-Salem additionally handed a Gentle Out proclamation, because of advocacy from Forsyth Audubon, including to the rising record of North Carolina cities which might be going darker to assist defend migrating birds.
Secured Policy Wins for Wetlands and the Salton Sea in California
Audubon California and its supporters have been key to the passage of two payments that defend California wetlands and the Salton Sea.
The Legislature handed AB 2875 to guard California’s wetlands following the rollback of federal protections underneath a Supreme Court docket choice final yr. The court docket’s ruling in Sackett vs. EPA redefined the federal scope of wetlands, eradicating protections for a lot of streams that don’t move year-round. This left ephemeral streams, which move solely seasonally, susceptible to improvement and air pollution. Co-sponsored by Audubon California, AB 2875 establishes a coverage of “no internet loss” of wetlands within the state and commits California to long-term features in each the amount and high quality of wetlands.
SB 583 establishes the Salton Sea Conservancy (California’s first new conservancy in almost 20 years). This marks a major milestone within the long-term efforts to revive and handle the Salton Sea. Making certain a sustainable future for the ocean requires lively participation from communities all through the area, who will need to have a voice in planning tasks that impression them. The Conservancy will coordinate initiatives to guard public well being whereas offering vital habitat for shorebirds and shallow-feeding geese, safeguarding an important ecosystem for tens of millions of birds. Audubon labored to construct help for the invoice amongst native communities and leaders on the Salton Sea, assisted with the invoice’s language, and helped safe votes within the state legislature.
Defeated the Destruction of Public Parks in Florida
In August, Audubon employees, members, and outside fanatics celebrated the defeat of a collection of proposals that will have constructed golf programs, accommodations, pickleball courts, and extra in 9 of Florida’s busiest state parks.
Secured Funding for Everglades Restoration
In October, the Military Corps of Engineers introduced three new contract awards to construct vital restoration tasks that proceed the decades-long work to revive America’s Everglades. Audubon has labored to guard and restore the Everglades for greater than 100 years and is a proud accomplice and supporter of this work.
These three contract awards advance vital parts of Everglades restoration and are partially funded via President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Legislation funding, which invested a historic $1.1 billion within the Everglades. These contract awards are a testomony to the continued funding wants for Everglades restoration; as cash is granted to this program, the Corps is demonstrating its means to spend it on vital tasks.
Built Momentum for Renewables Policies in Washington State
Audubon advocates for the fast and accountable construct out of the renewable vitality and transmission wanted to achieve Washington state’s one hundred pc clear electrical energy mandate. We’re constructing momentum with our coalition companions to determine an progressive Construct-Prepared program that identifies and pre-screens potential clear vitality websites for environmental and cultural useful resource values. On the identical time, we’re partaking in strategic challenge stage engagement to enhance protections for birds in tasks just like the proposed Horse Heaven Wind challenge. This improvement will set an necessary precedent for future hen and wildlife safety and our persistent advocacy efforts and mobilization of over 880 emails are serving to make the challenge extra suitable with the wants of birds and different wildlife.
Marshalled Thousands of Comments to Protect the Greater Sage-Grouse
Audubon Rockies developed sturdy feedback on the Bureau of Land Administration’s administration of 67 million acres of Higher Sage-Grouse habitat that 19 conservation and sporting organizations submitted. These efforts additionally recruited 47,000 Audubon supporters to submit feedback.
Awarded a Prestigious WaterSMART Grant to Restore the Lower Gila River
Audubon Southwest—in partnership with the Decrease Gila River Collaborative—was awarded a $298,014 grant via the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART Cooperative Watershed Administration Program to enhance ecosystem well being and water administration. This funding is a part of the newest $8.9 million funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Legislation to guard watershed well being and construct extra resilient water provides within the western United States.
Superior Key Coastal and Marine Payments in Congress
Home members reintroduced the Sustaining America’s Fisheries for the Future Act and the Forage Fish Conservation Act, two payments that enhance the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Administration Act, our nation’s major federal fisheries legislation. Each payments would add new provisions to the legislation, like accounting for the wants of seabirds and different predators when deciding what number of forage fish might be caught. The Sustaining America’s Fisheries for the Future Act additionally elements local weather develop into the fisheries administration course of, prevents seabirds and different wildlife from turning into hooked or entangled by fishing gear, and supplies higher protections for coastal habitats like seagrass beds that function nurseries and feeding grounds for each birds and fish. Lastly, the Coastal Habitat Conservation Act, sponsored by Rep. Jared Huffman (CA) and handed out of the Home in September, would enhance coastal group safety from excessive climate impacts by funding the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Coastal Program.
Hosted the 8th Annual Western Rivers Day in Arizona to Advocate for a Secure Water Future
On February 1, 2024, Audubon Southwest hosted its eighth annual Western Rivers Day on the Arizona Capitol to attach constituents with lawmakers and elevate the significance of the rivers, lakes, and streams that birds and other people depend on.
Organized Chesapeake Chapters to Converse Up in Protection of Osprey
Researchers in Virginia are sounding the alarm on a dramatic decline in Osprey reproductive success. Calling final yr’s season “a catastrophic failure,” they discovered solely 17 out of 167 nests having dwell chicks throughout one analysis survey. With out sufficient fish to eat, Osprey chicks are ravenous of their nests, and general reproductive charges have dropped even decrease than on the top of the DDT period. The culprit—overfishing of menhaden, a small fish that’s caught within the billions of kilos and boiled all the way down to make fertilizers, dietary supplements, and extra. This yr Audubon members spoke out on this problem, urging the Virginia Marine Sources Fee to enact a buffer zone throughout the Chesapeake Bay to cut back the harm this industrial fishing operation has on coastlines when finished too near the shore. Audubon employees will proceed to advocate for the dietary wants of Ospreys and different seabirds to be added to ecological reference factors throughout the framework that the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Fee makes use of to find out menhaden catch limits.
Helped Get a Colorado Wetland Legislation Handed and Offered Trainings
Audubon Rockies offered intensive steering and help for a Colorado law that addressed the hole in wetland and stream safety created by Sackett vs EPA, making Colorado the primary state within the nation to take action. Audubon supporters submitted 2,532 feedback to their lawmakers in help of the invoice.
Following the invoice’s passage, our stream restoration trainings reached 800 water companions throughout Colorado. We helped them navigate a Colorado legislation handed in 2023 that set a means ahead for stream restoration with out water rights administration. We additionally compiled this data in a coaching handbook.
Helped Facilitate an Historic Agreement to Protect a Vitally Important Watershed in Manitoba
In January, the Seal River Watershed Alliance signed an agreement with the Authorities of Canada and the Manitoba authorities that paves the way in which for establishing one of many largest Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCA) in Canada. The Seal River Watershed helps an estimated 10 million breeding birds, in addition to tens of millions extra that use the watershed’s ample habitats for refueling and resting whereas on their lengthy migratory journeys throughout the hemisphere.
Protected Birds and Bees in New York State with the Birds and Bees Protection Act
We enacted the Birds and Bees Safety Act in New York. This legislation prohibits the usage of corn, wheat, or soy seeds which were coated or handled with harmful neonicotinoid pesticides, bans the usage of neonics on outside decorative vegetation and turf, and requires the Division of Environmental Conservation to proceed to review neonics and determine potential various merchandise.
Audubon Washington’s ongoing relationship constructing with Rep. Rick Larsen paid large dividends as he co-sponsored and helped go laws supporting hemispheric conservation for migratory birds. The passage of The Migratory Birds of the Americas Conservation Enhancements Act was a major nationwide coverage success story.
Worked with Vermont Legislators to Pass Important Conservation Bills
Audubon Vermont helped the state obtain vital legislative milestones that promise to guard its pure heritage, promote sustainable improvement, and put money into the state’s future workforce. The latest passage of payments H.706 and H.687 is a major indication of the state’s dedication to conservation and sensible progress. H.706 will cut back the usage of poisonous neonicotinoid pesticides whereas H.687 balances housing wants with environmental protections. Securing state funding for the Serve, Study and Earn program underscores a dedication to coaching the subsequent era of leaders and Vermonters getting into the workforce.
Mobilized People to Help Pass a Clean-energy School Bus Bill in Washington
Within the truncated, 2024 state legislative session we performed a key function in mobilizing our community – via motion alerts and earned media – to go a one hundred pc clear college bus invoice that may assist promote clear air for teenagers and birds. This yr, 50 Audubon volunteers participated in 17 legislator conferences and 4,250 emails have been despatched to legislators by way of motion alerts.
Supported a Bill to Establish the Mississippi River Restoration and Resilience Initiative
The Mississippi River is one among our most necessary pure belongings, offering ingesting water to over 20 million Individuals. The river’s watershed encompasses 40 % of the contiguous United States and spans 31 states. The various habitats alongside the river host a globally vital flyway supporting greater than 325 species of birds.
That’s simply a part of why Audubon is worked up about laws launched immediately in Congress by Senator Tammy Baldwin (WI) and Consultant Betty McCollum (MN) to create the Mississippi River Restoration and Resilience Initiative (MRRRI) to concentrate on systemic, largescale restoration of the Mississippi River.
From the glacial headwaters of Minnesota’s Lake Itasca to St. Louis and New Orleans, the tributaries and wetlands of the Mississippi River are important to birds and other people. The river is a nationwide treasure and boasts super ecological and financial significance for the nation.
Advocated for Offshore Power Choices which might be Good for Birds
The Seabird Institute has extensively tracked terns, puffins, and storm-petrels to tell siting choices for offshore wind vitality improvement within the Gulf of Maine. The best precedence aim has been to reduce overlap between wind farms and the areas nesting birds go to repeatedly through the nesting season to search out meals to feed their chicks.
In April, the Bureau of Ocean Power Administration (BOEM), the federal company main the planning course of in federal waters, introduced Lease Areas for wind vitality improvement that minimally overlap with areas utilized by terns and puffins nesting alongside Maine’s coast. It is a vital win for birds! There are nonetheless issues to research, nevertheless. The Seabird Institute’s monitoring work is now turning into extra centered on understanding attainable interactions between birds and Lease Areas as we proceed to advocate for bird-friendly building and operation practices.
Advanced Advocacy and Funding in the Delaware River Watershed
From forested headwaters to city cityscapes, the Delaware River Watershed is house to tens of millions of birds and other people. The watershed helps greater than 400 species of migratory birds and supplies ingesting water to over 14 million individuals all through New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. Audubon works up and down the watershed to interact communities, restore habitats, and help the river.
Just lately, the Delaware River Watershed obtained some a lot wanted nationwide consideration on Capitol Hill and past.
Secured Critical Funding to Restore Wetlands in Michigan
Michigan’s wetlands, essential for the well being of each birds and other people, are set to obtain important restoration funding because of Governor Whitmer’s newly signed state finances. The FY25 state finances contains $10 million for The Water Infrastructure Initiative – Inexperienced Infrastructure Challenge. As the primary state program of its variety, the initiative will present funding to encourage native municipalities to revive and preserve wetlands and undertake different proactive methods earlier than flooding occasions happen. The finances additionally contains $3 million for the Michigan Division of Pure Sources to accumulate and preserve wetlands all through the state. This necessary work will profit birds, different wildlife and communities. Audubon Nice Lakes and its members mobilized in help of this necessary funding. In June, Audubon members and coverage consultants participated in Advocacy Day on the Michigan State Capitol, assembly with state lawmakers to emphasise the significance of wetlands.
Gathered at the Michigan State Capitol to Call for Wetlands Protections and Climate Change Solutions
Audubon members gathered on the Michigan State Capitol to induce lawmakers to advance coverage options that may defend and restore wetlands and deal with local weather change for the good thing about birds, different wildlife and other people. Through the occasion, 30 Audubon members representing six chapters from throughout the state met with lawmakers.
Celebrated 52 Years of the Clean Water Act
Earlier than the Clear Water Act, there have been nearly no rules governing water air pollution, resulting in extreme impacts on each human well being and wildlife. In New York Metropolis, tons of of tens of millions of gallons of untreated sewage have been dumped into the Hudson River each day, leading to dangerously excessive micro organism ranges. Ohio’s Cuyahoga River famously caught fireplace a number of instances resulting from oil and industrial waste. And these weren’t remoted incidents—lots of the nation’s rivers and wetlands have been dealing with related degradation. In some cases, there have been large fish die-offs, creating profound impacts on birds and communities.
However because of the Environmental Safety Company and the Clear Water Act, our waterways at the moment are in considerably higher situation. The Act established enforceable requirements, leading to cleaner rivers, more healthy ecosystems, and safer communities.
Helped get Wetlands Protection Legislation Passed in Wisconsin and Indiana
Governor Evers signed SB 222, the Pre-Catastrophe Flood Resilience Grant Program, into legislation, a bipartisan victory for Wisconsin’s wetlands and the birds and communities that rely upon them. As the primary state program of its variety, SB 222 will present funding to encourage native governments to revive and preserve wetlands and undertake different proactive methods earlier than flooding occasions happen. Audubon Nice Lakes and its members mobilized in help of SB 222.
Final spring, Audubon members and coverage consultants attended Advocacy Day on the Wisconsin State Capitol to satisfy with 28 elected officers to share the significance of wetlands, and advocate for insurance policies like SB 222. Because the invoice made its means via the legislature, Audubon members despatched greater than 1,500 letters to their legislators in help of its passage. Because of this necessary advocacy, extra birds could have habitat to thrive in Wisconsin within the years to return.
In February, Indiana’s HB 1383 became law, additional decreasing the variety of wetlands which might be protected within the state. A month later, the Indiana Legislature took a step in the fitting path for wildlife and communities that rely upon Indiana’s wetlands by signing SB 246 into legislation. Launched by Sen. Sue Glick (R-LaGrange), the legislation encourages landowners to guard wetlands on their property by permitting some privately owned wetlands to be given “wildland” standing, which qualifies them for tax breaks.
Flocked to Indiana Statehouse for Audubon Great Lakes Advocacy Day
Greater than 20 Audubon members from throughout the state met with over 32 Indiana lawmakers to advocate for sturdy wetlands protections, sharing the significance that these pure areas present to birds and different wildlife.
Protected Wetlands at the Federal Level
On Could 25, 2023, the Supreme Court docket drastically weakened federal Clean Water Act protections for waterways throughout the nation. The Sackett v. EPA ruling discovered that smaller our bodies of water—like seasonal streams or wetlands—that don’t immediately join to a different federally protected water physique (like a bigger lake or river) don’t fall underneath the jurisdiction of the Clear Water Act. A yr later, the ramifications of the ruling are nonetheless being understood in lots of components of the nation, however general, the choice resulted in drastically fewer federal protections for waterways which might be vital for birds and other people. At Audubon, we proceed to work with companions and federal companies to search out options for this regulatory hole—this contains working at state and native ranges and advocating for elevated federal funding for current applications that defend and restore wetlands.
Lobbied to Ensure State-level Native Plants Policies in North Carolina
North Carolina has seen a trio of breakthrough native vegetation insurance policies since 2023, the tip results of which can be extra native vegetation within the floor throughout the state and on the cabinets at native backyard shops and nurseries. The primary two insurance policies have been introduced final yr and require the usage of native vegetation in any respect state parks, historic websites, and roadways. Then in March of this yr, Gov. Roy Cooper introduced a sweeping conservation govt order, which additionally included a requirement for the usage of native vegetation on all future state-owned tasks. These insurance policies come after years of advocacy by Audubon members and companions, who’ve lobbied lawmakers, signed petitions, and recruited companies as supporters.
Supported Legislation that Led to Saline Lake Ecosystem Science Strategy
America Geological Survey (USGS) issued a brand new saline lake ecosystem Science Technique which follows the passage of landmark bipartisan laws directing USGS to evaluate and monitor saline lake ecosystems and the birds that depend on them to “inform and help coordinated administration and conservation actions to profit these ecosystems, migratory birds, and different wildlife.”
The significance of this work to guard irreplaceable habitats that folks and birds rely upon is obvious within the Science Technique, and ongoing funding on the licensed ranges can be vital to advancing science and collaborative options throughout the Nice Basin and these at-risk saline lake habitats.
Enjoyed a Record-breaking Turnout at Advocacy Day in North Carolina
Greater than 80 Audubon members gathered to satisfy with their lawmakers on the North Carolina Normal Meeting in Could. In conferences all through the day, advocates met with greater than 50 state senators and representatives to bolster simply what number of of their native constituents’ care about birds and conservation. The largest win within the normal meeting was the revival of the Conservation Tax Credit score, which supplies landowners incentives to guard land and habitat and could possibly be a great tool for safeguarding wetlands in gentle of the US Supreme Court docket’s 2023 Sackett choice. We’re additionally working to proceed constructing momentum for wetlands protections.
Restored Federal Climate Protections Through Advocacy
The Council on Environmental High quality restored one of many nation’s bedrock environmental legal guidelines – the Nationwide Environmental Safety Act (NEPA) — to its full capability, together with requiring federal companies to contemplate local weather impacts in proposed tasks, and seek the advice of with communities. The earlier administration rolled again lots of NEPA’s protections. Over 16,000 individuals took our action supporting restoring NEPA, producing over 50,000 messages to senators and representatives. The protections will assist preserve hen habitat and be sure that federal tasks are responsibly sited and carried out in a means that minimizes hurt to wildlife and communities.
Pushed for Cleaner Air for Birds and People
The Environmental Safety Company launched a remaining rule to restrict air pollution from coal and new pure gas-fired energy vegetation, which is able to assist sluggish the rise in international temperatures and cut back dangerous air air pollution. It will cut back emissions and assist cut back local weather threats to birds and other people. Greater than 28,000 Audubon supporters despatched feedback in help of the rule.
Celebrated the Renewal of Constitutional Funding for the Environment in Minnesota
Audubon Higher Mississippi River rallied Minnesota chapters and Audubon supporters statewide in an academic marketing campaign highlighting the impression of a sure or no vote to resume the Surroundings and Pure Sources Belief Fund. The modification to proceed dedicating 40 % of Minnesota Lottery proceeds to the belief fund handed with an amazing 77 % of the vote. This ensures that the work to protect and defend Minnesota’s land and water continues with sturdy public help and funding.
