Power In Nature Coalition Highlights State Legislators and Leaders at the Third Annual Force for Nature Awards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 4, 2026
Contact: Stefanie Lao, stefanie@fcpcommunications.com

SACRAMENTO, CA —This week, the Power In Nature coalition honored state legislators and leaders at the 2026 Force for Nature Awards. These awards recognize leadership in advancing California’s 30×30 commitment to conserve 30 percent of the state’s lands and coastal waters by 2030. This year’s honorees include Senate President pro Tempore Monique Limón (SD-21), Senator Catherine Blakespear (SD-38), Assemblymember Chris Rogers (AD-02), Assemblymember Nick Schultz (AD-44), Assemblymember Greg Wallis (AD-47), Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez (AD-36), and California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) Deputy Secretary for Biodiversity and Habitat Meghan Hertel. 

“The Third Annual Force for Nature Awards recognize leaders who were instrumental in California’s progress on the state’s 30×30 initiative,” said Sandra Sanchez, Executive Director, Power In Nature Coalition. “As California saw threats from the federal level, these legislators and leaders fought back and secured key policy wins that protect lands, waters, and ecosystems across the state. We proudly celebrate these champions and will continue building this momentum to meet our 2030 deadline.” 

Please see below for the full list of awardees and their accomplishments:

• • Senate President pro Tempore Monique Limón (SD-21) for her work as the Chair of the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee and leadership and commitment to many important conservation priorities such as the removal of the Matilija Dam and protecting our coast from oil drilling.

• • Senator Catherine Blakespear (SD-38) for her leadership and efforts to protect and fund the Habitat Conservation Fund, a critical funding source for 30×30 projects, as well as staffing and programs at the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

    “I thank the Power in Nature Coalition for the incredible honor of receiving the 2026 Force for Nature Award,” said Senator Catherine S. Blakespear (SD-38). “California is known for its majestic beauty, its sweeping and diverse environment and its biodiversity. It’s crucial that we protect California’s wildlife, water and environment. I applaud the 30×30 initiative and working toward achieving the goal to conserve 30 percent of the state’s lands and coastal waters by 2030.”

• • Assemblymember Chris Rogers (AD-02) for the introduction and passage of Assembly Bill 263, which protects in-stream flows on the Scott and Shasta Rivers.

• • Assemblymember Nick Schultz (AD-44) for successful efforts to defend against federal rollbacks in protections for threatened and endangered species with the introduction and passage of Assembly Bill 1319.

    “From the redwoods to our deserts, California is home to more species of plants and animals than any other state in the nation, and for decades we’ve protected our most vulnerable native and iconic species through the California Endangered Species Act,” said Assemblymember Nick Schultz (AD-44). “With threats looming at the federal level, AB 1319 bolstered those protections with a thoughtful, science-based process to shield at-risk species from federal rollbacks and strengthens our ability to stop the illegal trade of fish and wildlife in our state. I’m grateful to the Power in Nature coalition for their tireless work to protect our natural resources and incredibly honored by this award.”

• • Assemblymember Greg Wallis (AD-47) for his leadership and support of the new Chuckwalla National Monument, public lands in the California desert that are sacred to local tribes, add to the economy, and preserve the region’s military history.
    
    “Theodore Roosevelt believed our greatest responsibility was leaving the land better than we found it. That vision still guides the work we do to protect places like Joshua Tree and Chuckwalla,” said Assemblymember Greg Wallis (AD-47). “Conservation isn’t partisan. It’s practical, and in the desert, it’s essential. I’m honored to be recognized alongside leaders who understand that protecting our public lands is an investment in the communities and generations that come.”

• • Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez (AD-36) for his leadership and support of the new Chuckwalla National Monument, public lands in the California desert that are sacred to local tribes, add to the economy, and preserve the region’s military history.

    “I’m honored to receive the Force of Nature Award from the Power in Nature Coalition,” said Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez (AD-36). “Protecting public lands like Chuckwalla National Monument is about listening to local communities, honoring Tribal voices, and being good stewards of places that belong to all of us. I’m grateful to stand alongside so many advocates working to preserve these lands for future generations.”

• • California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) Deputy Secretary for Biodiversity and Habitat Meghan Hertel, for her strong leadership and collaboration with diverse stakeholders to set California up to meet its 30×30 goal. 

Background on 30×30: 

Scientists worldwide agree that to protect life as we know it, we must conserve at least 30% of the Earth’s lands and coastal waters by 2030. In 2020, Governor Newsom committed California to the 30×30 goal, and in 2023, that goal became state law. 

California is making strong progress towards 30×30, but millions of acres still must be conserved in less than four years. Preserving the state’s lands and coastal waters will help address the impacts of climate change, protect animal and plant species at risk for extinction, and expand access to nature for Californians. 

# # #

About the Power In Nature Coalition

Power In Nature is a statewide coalition of over 250 community groups, environmental and conservation organizations, land trusts, Indigenous organizations, and Tribal members dedicated to advancing California’s 30×30 commitment. The Power In Nature coalition has identified nearly 100 potential 30×30 projects across the state and works on a broad range of issues, including biodiversity protection, climate resilience, equity, recreation, outdoor access, and social justice. For more information, visit PowerInNature.org.