Policy Priorities

With a growing budget deficit, many of the state programs important for the Sierra Nevada region and statewide climate resilience are facing funding cuts. In addition, the legislature is considering a Climate Resilience Bond measure for the November ballot – and critical funding needs for Sierra conservation and restoration could be included. At this year’s Sierra Day at the Capitol, our priorities for legislative support will center on preserving funding to effective state programs through the state budget and supporting passage of a climate bond to advance nature-based solutions and conservation to build climate, wildfire, water, and community resilience.

The importance of our lobby day:

Covering nearly 27 million acres, the Sierra Nevada and Cascade region is home to:

• 60% of the state’s water supply
• 50% of the state’s forest carbon
• 60% of the state’s animal species
• 50% of the state’s plant species
• Over 50 million annual visitors
• Numerous rural towns, communities, and Native American Tribes.

Watersheds and communities in the region are facing unprecedented risks. Wildfires are moving faster, burning larger areas, and are burning at far higher severity than in previous times. Sierra forests are overgrown due to forest management choices in the last century and are also suffering from drought and higher temperatures. At the same time, many Sierra Nevada meadows and streams are degraded and in need of restoration and protection. All this threatens the Sierra Nevada’s ability to sequester carbon in its forests, protect the state’s water supply, provide wildlife habitat, offer unique opportunities for outdoor recreation, and support the vibrant rural communities of the region.

Despite its significance, the Sierra Nevada has historically been underrepresented in legislative and agency decisions about allocating state and federal funding for natural resource protection and management, including climate adaptation and mitigation. Rural communities in the Sierra Nevada are also often left out of equitable resources and funding for climate projects due to the remote, disconnected geographic locations and underrepresented populations. As a result, communities and infrastructure, as well as the entire ecosystems on which these communities depend, are at significant risk.

Sierra Day at the Capitol will raise awareness of the Sierra Nevada’s critical benefits and address key investment issues that can help restore Sierra’s forests, watersheds, and communities to a healthy and resilient state. By joining us, you will help amplify our message and push for funding critical for the region and the entire state’s water supply, air quality, carbon-storing forests, and premier recreation. Sierra Day at the Capitol is also an excellent opportunity to meet other inspiring people and organizations working to build thriving communities and ecosystems.

Speakers

Wade Crowfoot, California Secretary for Natural Resources

Secretary Crowfoot leads efforts to conserve California’s environment and natural resources. He has served as Secretary since 2019 and advises Governor Newsom as a member of his cabinet. Secretary Crowfoot oversees billions of dollars of public investment to protect people and natural places from climate change impacts and has led efforts to navigate California’s record-breaking droughts, floods, and wildfires.

Office of California Senate President Pro Tempore, Kip Lipper

Kip Lipper has served the California Legislature for nearly 40 years, during which time he has been chief policy advisor on energy, environmental, and natural resources matters to four former California State Senate Presidents Pro Tempore; he continues in that capacity serving Senator Mike McGuire today.

Eduardo Garcia, California Assembly Member

Eduardo Garcia represents California’s 36th Assembly District, serving on the Assembly Committees on Budget. Assemblymember Garcia is the author of AB 1567, the California Climate Resilience Bond. AB 1567 proposes over $15.9 billion in proven strategies and equity-focused investments to protect California communities. These investments would support various activities throughout the state to address issues ranging from wildfire risk, drought, sea-level rise, and extreme heat.

Keali’i Bright, California Department of Conservation Assistant Director

With an extensive background in California natural resources and environmental policy development, Keali’i joined the Department of Conservation as assistant director in charge of the Division of Land Resource Protection in December 2019.

Angela Avery, Sierra Nevada Conservancy Executive Officer

Angela leads the Sierra Nevada Conservancy by providing strategic direction and oversight to the Agency’s region-wide staff. As Executive Officer, she is committed to restoring the health and resilience of California’s Sierra Nevada-Cascade region.

Jason Vasques, California Tahoe Conservancy Executive Director.

Jason leads the California Tahoe Conservancy with a mission to restore and enhance the extraordinary natural and recreational resources of the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Event Registration

Space is limited and registration is required. Click here to register.