30×30 Land and Water Conservation in the States

International and national momentum has developed around a movement to conserve 30% of the world’s land and ocean by 2030. These 30×30 goals are viewed as the first major step to conserving half of the world’s land and oceans, which many prominent scientists have stated is essential for the long-term health of the planet. Identical bills committing the U.S. to the 30×30 goals have been introduced into the House and Senate. For more information on this movement please read NEC’s 30×30 blog. NEC Blog: 30×30 in the States

Seeing the opportunity to take the lead with 30×30, two states have introduced legislation committing to protect 30% of the state’s land and water by 2030:

• South Carolina S.B.1024/H.B.5125: Establishes a Thirty-By-Thirty Interagency Taskforce to coordinate with state agencies and tracks progress toward 30×30 goals. The bill also requires the head of each state agency to develop and implement a plan for how the agency will help achieve the 30×30 goals.
• California A.B.3030: Requires working with the federal government, local communities, Native American tribes, and private landowners to conserve natural places and resources.

If you are currently working on or are interested in a 30×30 bill in your state, contact Kate Burgess, NEC’s Conservation Coordinator.