Newsom Signs 30x30 Law, Committing California to Biodiverse Future

Defenders of Wildlife applauds California Gov. Gavin Newsom for signing into law State Senate Bill 337 — a measure that commits to conserving 30% of state land and coastal waters by 2030, also known as 30x30. The new law stems from Executive Order N-82-20 issued by Gov. Newsom in October 2020 to combat biodiversity loss and the climate crisis. 

“SB 337 is a critical step in California’s journey to conserve its unparalleled natural treasures,” said Pamela Flick, California Program Director for Defenders of Wildlife. “We thank Governor Newsom and Senator Min for their leadership in codifying 30x30. California is a globally significant biodiversity hotspot with the highest concentration of species that can’t be found anywhere else on earth. California’s future depends on us achieving 30x30, and we are excited to continue working towards this goal.” 

California’s 30x30 effort, as well as the federal government’s America the Beautiful Initiative, are rooted in recommendations from the international science community that we must protect 30% of our lands and waters to avoid the worst impacts from climate change and to reverse the looming extinction crisis.  Scientific models show that we are approaching a tipping point: if habitat conversion is not markedly slowed or halted in the next 10 years, “points of no return” will be reached for multiple ecosystems and species. 

The Newsom administration has shown great leadership adopting this ambitious conservation goal and by setting the goal in statute through SB 337, it ensures an enshrined commitment of future administrations through 2030.