Amended IN Assembly March 24, 2025 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 900Introduced by Assembly Member PapanFebruary 19, 2025 An act to add Section 71453 to the Public Resources Code, relating to environmental protection. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 900, as amended, Papan. Environmental protection: 30x30 goals: land conservation: science-based management and stewardship.By Executive Order No. N-82-20, Governor Gavin Newsom directed the Natural Resources Agency to combat the biodiversity and climate crises by, among other things, establishing the California Biodiversity Collaborative and conserving at least 30% of the states lands and coastal waters by 2030. Existing law provides that it is the goal of the state to conserve at least 30% of Californias lands and coastal waters by 2030, known as the 30x30 goal. On April 22, 2022, the Natural Resources Agency issued the Pathways to 30x30 California: Accelerating Conservation of Californias Nature report and existing law requires the Secretary of Natural Resources Agency to prepare and submit an annual report to the Legislature on progress made toward achieving the 30x30 goal, as provided.This bill would require the agency, on or before July 1, 2026, to update the Pathways to 30x30 Report, and for the update to include, among other things, recommendations to increase science-based management and stewardship of 30x30 lands, including innovative ways to reduce barriers and increase federal, state, and local support for science-based management and stewardship, as specified. The bill would require the update to be posted on the agencys internet website.The Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024 (bond act), approved by the voters as Proposition 4 at the November 5, 2024, statewide general election, authorized the issuance of bonds in the amount of $10,000,000,000 pursuant to the State General Obligation Bond Law to finance projects for safe drinking water, drought, flood, and water resilience, wildfire and forest resilience, coastal resilience, extreme heat mitigation, biodiversity and nature-based climate solutions, climate-smart, sustainable, and resilient farms, ranches, and working lands, park creation and outdoor access, and clean air programs. Of these funds, the bond act makes available specified funds for grant programs to protect and enhance fish and wildlife resources and habitat and achieve the states biodiversity, public access, and conservation goals, as provided.This bill would, in order to further specified findings of the Pathways to 30x30 Report, require the agency to develop strategies to reduce barriers and increase support for science-based management and stewardship of conserved lands. The bill would authorize the allocation of funds made available pursuant to the bond act, as described above, for science-based management and stewardship funding that is included as part of a land acquisition project, as provided. Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO Bill TextThe people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 71453 is added to the Public Resources Code, immediately following Section 71452, to read:71453. (a) The Natural Resources Agency shall develop strategies to reduce barriers and increase support for science-based management and stewardship of conserved lands in order to further the findings from the Pathways to 30x30 Report, which provided that designating an area as conserved is only the beginning of effective conservation and that protected areas require ongoing stewardship and monitoring.(b) On or before July 1, 2026, the Natural Resources Agency shall update the Pathways to 30x30 Report. The update shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following information:(1) An accounting of backlogged, critical, recurring, and future stewardship needs throughout the state with associated costs.(1)(2) Case studies of successful science-based management and stewardship.(2)(3) A review of science-based management and stewardship best practices for conserved lands that includes, but is not limited to, new technology and innovative practices that improve outcomes and cost-effectiveness.(3)(4) A valuation of the benefits of science-based management and stewardship on biodiversity and ecosystem services.(4)(5) Identification of the ecological workforce needs to for science-based management and stewardship and opportunities to support workforce training.(5)(6) A review of the cobenefits of science-based management and stewardship that includes, but is not limited to, recreation and public access, the provision of habitat and resources for wildlife, carbon sequestration, water and air purification, and climate regulation.(6)(7) Recommendations to increase science-based management and stewardship of 30x30 lands, including innovative ways to reduce barriers and increase federal, state, and local support for science-based management and stewardship.(c) The update required pursuant to subdivision (b) shall be posted on the Natural Resources Agencys internet website.(d) When appropriating funds made available pursuant to Section 93010, science-based management and stewardship funding may be included as part of a land acquisition project to further the goals of this section.(e) For purposes of this section, Science-based management and stewardship includes, but is not limited to, adaptive management, traditional ecological knowledge, and best land management practices across all land types.
Amended IN Assembly March 24, 2025 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 900Introduced by Assembly Member PapanFebruary 19, 2025 An act to add Section 71453 to the Public Resources Code, relating to environmental protection. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 900, as amended, Papan. Environmental protection: 30x30 goals: land conservation: science-based management and stewardship.By Executive Order No. N-82-20, Governor Gavin Newsom directed the Natural Resources Agency to combat the biodiversity and climate crises by, among other things, establishing the California Biodiversity Collaborative and conserving at least 30% of the states lands and coastal waters by 2030. Existing law provides that it is the goal of the state to conserve at least 30% of Californias lands and coastal waters by 2030, known as the 30x30 goal. On April 22, 2022, the Natural Resources Agency issued the Pathways to 30x30 California: Accelerating Conservation of Californias Nature report and existing law requires the Secretary of Natural Resources Agency to prepare and submit an annual report to the Legislature on progress made toward achieving the 30x30 goal, as provided.This bill would require the agency, on or before July 1, 2026, to update the Pathways to 30x30 Report, and for the update to include, among other things, recommendations to increase science-based management and stewardship of 30x30 lands, including innovative ways to reduce barriers and increase federal, state, and local support for science-based management and stewardship, as specified. The bill would require the update to be posted on the agencys internet website.The Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024 (bond act), approved by the voters as Proposition 4 at the November 5, 2024, statewide general election, authorized the issuance of bonds in the amount of $10,000,000,000 pursuant to the State General Obligation Bond Law to finance projects for safe drinking water, drought, flood, and water resilience, wildfire and forest resilience, coastal resilience, extreme heat mitigation, biodiversity and nature-based climate solutions, climate-smart, sustainable, and resilient farms, ranches, and working lands, park creation and outdoor access, and clean air programs. Of these funds, the bond act makes available specified funds for grant programs to protect and enhance fish and wildlife resources and habitat and achieve the states biodiversity, public access, and conservation goals, as provided.This bill would, in order to further specified findings of the Pathways to 30x30 Report, require the agency to develop strategies to reduce barriers and increase support for science-based management and stewardship of conserved lands. The bill would authorize the allocation of funds made available pursuant to the bond act, as described above, for science-based management and stewardship funding that is included as part of a land acquisition project, as provided. Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO
Amended IN Assembly March 24, 2025
Amended IN Assembly March 24, 2025
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION
Assembly Bill
No. 900
Introduced by Assembly Member PapanFebruary 19, 2025
Introduced by Assembly Member Papan
February 19, 2025
An act to add Section 71453 to the Public Resources Code, relating to environmental protection.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
## LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
AB 900, as amended, Papan. Environmental protection: 30x30 goals: land conservation: science-based management and stewardship.
By Executive Order No. N-82-20, Governor Gavin Newsom directed the Natural Resources Agency to combat the biodiversity and climate crises by, among other things, establishing the California Biodiversity Collaborative and conserving at least 30% of the states lands and coastal waters by 2030. Existing law provides that it is the goal of the state to conserve at least 30% of Californias lands and coastal waters by 2030, known as the 30x30 goal. On April 22, 2022, the Natural Resources Agency issued the Pathways to 30x30 California: Accelerating Conservation of Californias Nature report and existing law requires the Secretary of Natural Resources Agency to prepare and submit an annual report to the Legislature on progress made toward achieving the 30x30 goal, as provided.This bill would require the agency, on or before July 1, 2026, to update the Pathways to 30x30 Report, and for the update to include, among other things, recommendations to increase science-based management and stewardship of 30x30 lands, including innovative ways to reduce barriers and increase federal, state, and local support for science-based management and stewardship, as specified. The bill would require the update to be posted on the agencys internet website.The Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024 (bond act), approved by the voters as Proposition 4 at the November 5, 2024, statewide general election, authorized the issuance of bonds in the amount of $10,000,000,000 pursuant to the State General Obligation Bond Law to finance projects for safe drinking water, drought, flood, and water resilience, wildfire and forest resilience, coastal resilience, extreme heat mitigation, biodiversity and nature-based climate solutions, climate-smart, sustainable, and resilient farms, ranches, and working lands, park creation and outdoor access, and clean air programs. Of these funds, the bond act makes available specified funds for grant programs to protect and enhance fish and wildlife resources and habitat and achieve the states biodiversity, public access, and conservation goals, as provided.This bill would, in order to further specified findings of the Pathways to 30x30 Report, require the agency to develop strategies to reduce barriers and increase support for science-based management and stewardship of conserved lands. The bill would authorize the allocation of funds made available pursuant to the bond act, as described above, for science-based management and stewardship funding that is included as part of a land acquisition project, as provided.
By Executive Order No. N-82-20, Governor Gavin Newsom directed the Natural Resources Agency to combat the biodiversity and climate crises by, among other things, establishing the California Biodiversity Collaborative and conserving at least 30% of the states lands and coastal waters by 2030. Existing law provides that it is the goal of the state to conserve at least 30% of Californias lands and coastal waters by 2030, known as the 30x30 goal. On April 22, 2022, the Natural Resources Agency issued the Pathways to 30x30 California: Accelerating Conservation of Californias Nature report and existing law requires the Secretary of Natural Resources Agency to prepare and submit an annual report to the Legislature on progress made toward achieving the 30x30 goal, as provided.
This bill would require the agency, on or before July 1, 2026, to update the Pathways to 30x30 Report, and for the update to include, among other things, recommendations to increase science-based management and stewardship of 30x30 lands, including innovative ways to reduce barriers and increase federal, state, and local support for science-based management and stewardship, as specified. The bill would require the update to be posted on the agencys internet website.
The Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024 (bond act), approved by the voters as Proposition 4 at the November 5, 2024, statewide general election, authorized the issuance of bonds in the amount of $10,000,000,000 pursuant to the State General Obligation Bond Law to finance projects for safe drinking water, drought, flood, and water resilience, wildfire and forest resilience, coastal resilience, extreme heat mitigation, biodiversity and nature-based climate solutions, climate-smart, sustainable, and resilient farms, ranches, and working lands, park creation and outdoor access, and clean air programs. Of these funds, the bond act makes available specified funds for grant programs to protect and enhance fish and wildlife resources and habitat and achieve the states biodiversity, public access, and conservation goals, as provided.
This bill would, in order to further specified findings of the Pathways to 30x30 Report, require the agency to develop strategies to reduce barriers and increase support for science-based management and stewardship of conserved lands. The bill would authorize the allocation of funds made available pursuant to the bond act, as described above, for science-based management and stewardship funding that is included as part of a land acquisition project, as provided.
## Digest Key
## Bill Text
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Section 71453 is added to the Public Resources Code, immediately following Section 71452, to read:71453. (a) The Natural Resources Agency shall develop strategies to reduce barriers and increase support for science-based management and stewardship of conserved lands in order to further the findings from the Pathways to 30x30 Report, which provided that designating an area as conserved is only the beginning of effective conservation and that protected areas require ongoing stewardship and monitoring.(b) On or before July 1, 2026, the Natural Resources Agency shall update the Pathways to 30x30 Report. The update shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following information:(1) An accounting of backlogged, critical, recurring, and future stewardship needs throughout the state with associated costs.(1)(2) Case studies of successful science-based management and stewardship.(2)(3) A review of science-based management and stewardship best practices for conserved lands that includes, but is not limited to, new technology and innovative practices that improve outcomes and cost-effectiveness.(3)(4) A valuation of the benefits of science-based management and stewardship on biodiversity and ecosystem services.(4)(5) Identification of the ecological workforce needs to for science-based management and stewardship and opportunities to support workforce training.(5)(6) A review of the cobenefits of science-based management and stewardship that includes, but is not limited to, recreation and public access, the provision of habitat and resources for wildlife, carbon sequestration, water and air purification, and climate regulation.(6)(7) Recommendations to increase science-based management and stewardship of 30x30 lands, including innovative ways to reduce barriers and increase federal, state, and local support for science-based management and stewardship.(c) The update required pursuant to subdivision (b) shall be posted on the Natural Resources Agencys internet website.(d) When appropriating funds made available pursuant to Section 93010, science-based management and stewardship funding may be included as part of a land acquisition project to further the goals of this section.(e) For purposes of this section, Science-based management and stewardship includes, but is not limited to, adaptive management, traditional ecological knowledge, and best land management practices across all land types.
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
## The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
SECTION 1. Section 71453 is added to the Public Resources Code, immediately following Section 71452, to read:71453. (a) The Natural Resources Agency shall develop strategies to reduce barriers and increase support for science-based management and stewardship of conserved lands in order to further the findings from the Pathways to 30x30 Report, which provided that designating an area as conserved is only the beginning of effective conservation and that protected areas require ongoing stewardship and monitoring.(b) On or before July 1, 2026, the Natural Resources Agency shall update the Pathways to 30x30 Report. The update shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following information:(1) An accounting of backlogged, critical, recurring, and future stewardship needs throughout the state with associated costs.(1)(2) Case studies of successful science-based management and stewardship.(2)(3) A review of science-based management and stewardship best practices for conserved lands that includes, but is not limited to, new technology and innovative practices that improve outcomes and cost-effectiveness.(3)(4) A valuation of the benefits of science-based management and stewardship on biodiversity and ecosystem services.(4)(5) Identification of the ecological workforce needs to for science-based management and stewardship and opportunities to support workforce training.(5)(6) A review of the cobenefits of science-based management and stewardship that includes, but is not limited to, recreation and public access, the provision of habitat and resources for wildlife, carbon sequestration, water and air purification, and climate regulation.(6)(7) Recommendations to increase science-based management and stewardship of 30x30 lands, including innovative ways to reduce barriers and increase federal, state, and local support for science-based management and stewardship.(c) The update required pursuant to subdivision (b) shall be posted on the Natural Resources Agencys internet website.(d) When appropriating funds made available pursuant to Section 93010, science-based management and stewardship funding may be included as part of a land acquisition project to further the goals of this section.(e) For purposes of this section, Science-based management and stewardship includes, but is not limited to, adaptive management, traditional ecological knowledge, and best land management practices across all land types.
SECTION 1. Section 71453 is added to the Public Resources Code, immediately following Section 71452, to read:
### SECTION 1.
71453. (a) The Natural Resources Agency shall develop strategies to reduce barriers and increase support for science-based management and stewardship of conserved lands in order to further the findings from the Pathways to 30x30 Report, which provided that designating an area as conserved is only the beginning of effective conservation and that protected areas require ongoing stewardship and monitoring.(b) On or before July 1, 2026, the Natural Resources Agency shall update the Pathways to 30x30 Report. The update shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following information:(1) An accounting of backlogged, critical, recurring, and future stewardship needs throughout the state with associated costs.(1)(2) Case studies of successful science-based management and stewardship.(2)(3) A review of science-based management and stewardship best practices for conserved lands that includes, but is not limited to, new technology and innovative practices that improve outcomes and cost-effectiveness.(3)(4) A valuation of the benefits of science-based management and stewardship on biodiversity and ecosystem services.(4)(5) Identification of the ecological workforce needs to for science-based management and stewardship and opportunities to support workforce training.(5)(6) A review of the cobenefits of science-based management and stewardship that includes, but is not limited to, recreation and public access, the provision of habitat and resources for wildlife, carbon sequestration, water and air purification, and climate regulation.(6)(7) Recommendations to increase science-based management and stewardship of 30x30 lands, including innovative ways to reduce barriers and increase federal, state, and local support for science-based management and stewardship.(c) The update required pursuant to subdivision (b) shall be posted on the Natural Resources Agencys internet website.(d) When appropriating funds made available pursuant to Section 93010, science-based management and stewardship funding may be included as part of a land acquisition project to further the goals of this section.(e) For purposes of this section, Science-based management and stewardship includes, but is not limited to, adaptive management, traditional ecological knowledge, and best land management practices across all land types.
71453. (a) The Natural Resources Agency shall develop strategies to reduce barriers and increase support for science-based management and stewardship of conserved lands in order to further the findings from the Pathways to 30x30 Report, which provided that designating an area as conserved is only the beginning of effective conservation and that protected areas require ongoing stewardship and monitoring.(b) On or before July 1, 2026, the Natural Resources Agency shall update the Pathways to 30x30 Report. The update shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following information:(1) An accounting of backlogged, critical, recurring, and future stewardship needs throughout the state with associated costs.(1)(2) Case studies of successful science-based management and stewardship.(2)(3) A review of science-based management and stewardship best practices for conserved lands that includes, but is not limited to, new technology and innovative practices that improve outcomes and cost-effectiveness.(3)(4) A valuation of the benefits of science-based management and stewardship on biodiversity and ecosystem services.(4)(5) Identification of the ecological workforce needs to for science-based management and stewardship and opportunities to support workforce training.(5)(6) A review of the cobenefits of science-based management and stewardship that includes, but is not limited to, recreation and public access, the provision of habitat and resources for wildlife, carbon sequestration, water and air purification, and climate regulation.(6)(7) Recommendations to increase science-based management and stewardship of 30x30 lands, including innovative ways to reduce barriers and increase federal, state, and local support for science-based management and stewardship.(c) The update required pursuant to subdivision (b) shall be posted on the Natural Resources Agencys internet website.(d) When appropriating funds made available pursuant to Section 93010, science-based management and stewardship funding may be included as part of a land acquisition project to further the goals of this section.(e) For purposes of this section, Science-based management and stewardship includes, but is not limited to, adaptive management, traditional ecological knowledge, and best land management practices across all land types.
71453. (a) The Natural Resources Agency shall develop strategies to reduce barriers and increase support for science-based management and stewardship of conserved lands in order to further the findings from the Pathways to 30x30 Report, which provided that designating an area as conserved is only the beginning of effective conservation and that protected areas require ongoing stewardship and monitoring.(b) On or before July 1, 2026, the Natural Resources Agency shall update the Pathways to 30x30 Report. The update shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following information:(1) An accounting of backlogged, critical, recurring, and future stewardship needs throughout the state with associated costs.(1)(2) Case studies of successful science-based management and stewardship.(2)(3) A review of science-based management and stewardship best practices for conserved lands that includes, but is not limited to, new technology and innovative practices that improve outcomes and cost-effectiveness.(3)(4) A valuation of the benefits of science-based management and stewardship on biodiversity and ecosystem services.(4)(5) Identification of the ecological workforce needs to for science-based management and stewardship and opportunities to support workforce training.(5)(6) A review of the cobenefits of science-based management and stewardship that includes, but is not limited to, recreation and public access, the provision of habitat and resources for wildlife, carbon sequestration, water and air purification, and climate regulation.(6)(7) Recommendations to increase science-based management and stewardship of 30x30 lands, including innovative ways to reduce barriers and increase federal, state, and local support for science-based management and stewardship.(c) The update required pursuant to subdivision (b) shall be posted on the Natural Resources Agencys internet website.(d) When appropriating funds made available pursuant to Section 93010, science-based management and stewardship funding may be included as part of a land acquisition project to further the goals of this section.(e) For purposes of this section, Science-based management and stewardship includes, but is not limited to, adaptive management, traditional ecological knowledge, and best land management practices across all land types.
71453. (a) The Natural Resources Agency shall develop strategies to reduce barriers and increase support for science-based management and stewardship of conserved lands in order to further the findings from the Pathways to 30x30 Report, which provided that designating an area as conserved is only the beginning of effective conservation and that protected areas require ongoing stewardship and monitoring.
(b) On or before July 1, 2026, the Natural Resources Agency shall update the Pathways to 30x30 Report. The update shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following information:
(1) An accounting of backlogged, critical, recurring, and future stewardship needs throughout the state with associated costs.
(1)
(2) Case studies of successful science-based management and stewardship.
(2)
(3) A review of science-based management and stewardship best practices for conserved lands that includes, but is not limited to, new technology and innovative practices that improve outcomes and cost-effectiveness.
(3)
(4) A valuation of the benefits of science-based management and stewardship on biodiversity and ecosystem services.
(4)
(5) Identification of the ecological workforce needs to for science-based management and stewardship and opportunities to support workforce training.
(5)
(6) A review of the cobenefits of science-based management and stewardship that includes, but is not limited to, recreation and public access, the provision of habitat and resources for wildlife, carbon sequestration, water and air purification, and climate regulation.
(6)
(7) Recommendations to increase science-based management and stewardship of 30x30 lands, including innovative ways to reduce barriers and increase federal, state, and local support for science-based management and stewardship.
(c) The update required pursuant to subdivision (b) shall be posted on the Natural Resources Agencys internet website.
(d) When appropriating funds made available pursuant to Section 93010, science-based management and stewardship funding may be included as part of a land acquisition project to further the goals of this section.
(e) For purposes of this section, Science-based management and stewardship includes, but is not limited to, adaptive management, traditional ecological knowledge, and best land management practices across all land types.