FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 29, 2026
Contact: Stefanie Lao, stefanie@fcpcommunications.com, (818) 261-6871
Power in Nature Coalition Responds to California’s Progress Towards Protecting 30% of Lands and Coastal Waters by 2030
SACRAMENTO, CA — Today, the Power in Nature coalition shared highlights from its analysis of California’s progress towards protecting at least 30% of the state’s lands and coastal waters by 2030 (30×30). The coalition is also drawing attention to the critical work that remains to achieve this goal and the threats to California’s environment, biodiversity, and quality of life.
This comes on the heels of the California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA)’s Pathways to 30×30 Annual Progress Report. The report highlights the importance of the 30×30 goal and its benefits to Californians, while also recognizing the many individuals and groups across the state who are contributing to this effort.
In response to this report, Power in Nature coalition members are commenting on the following:
- The progress made in the last year towards 30×30 and the significant need to maintain momentum towards achieving the goal with just over three years left. The 2026 Pathways to 30×30 Annual Progress Report highlights that, as of June 2026, 27.1% of California’s lands and 21.9% of its coastal waters are conserved. This includes 1,023,000 acres of land added over the past year.
- The numerous threats to California’s environment, including federal attacks on national parks and potential rollbacks of public lands protections such as the Roadless Rule.
- The need for greater progress on 30×30 coastal waters protections and the opportunity for the California Fish and Game Commission to make significant progress in this area at their October meeting and consideration of proposed Marine Protected Areas.
Please see below for statements on these topics.
Statement from Sandra Sanchez, Executive Director, Power in Nature Coalition, on the urgency to meet California’s 30×30 commitment:
“Scientists 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. We’re grateful to Governor Newsom for adopting the 30×30 goal in 2020. Now, with just over three years left to meet this goal, it will be critical that the next state administration embrace and champion the 30×30 commitment wholeheartedly.
We are encouraged by the progress made towards the 30×30 goal this year. Reaching this goal will require conserving almost three million more acres of land and 283,000 more acres of coastal waters, but this is achievable.
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 all Californians.”
Statement from Wendy Schneider, Executive Director, Friends of the Inyo, on the federal threats to California’s public lands:
“There is an onslaught of attacks from the federal administration to California’s public lands. Interior Secretary Burgum’s proposed handoff of land within Yosemite National Park to a developer. The proposed repeal of the Roadless Rule, impacting more than four million acres of National Forests in the state. The repeated attempts to push for the sell-off of millions of acres of public lands, including beloved places in the Eastern Sierra.
With these threats and undoubtedly more on the horizon, it’s imperative that California make continued progress towards the state’s 30×30 goal in the coming years. Our leadership is more important than ever.”
Statement from Sandy Aylesworth, Director, Pacific Initiative, NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council), on the need for greater progress on 30×30 coastal waters protections:
“California’s 30×30 goal requires stronger coastal protections now. To deliver real conservation for marine wildlife and habitats, the state must add new Marine Protected Areas over the next three years. In October, the Fish and Game Commission will consider proposals that could strengthen—or weaken—the MPA network. California should create protected areas at Point Sal and Mishopshno, where Tribal Nations have called for stewardship through tribal leadership.”
# # #
About the Power in Nature Coalition
Power in Nature is a statewide coalition of over 500 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.
Photo Credit: Northern Sierra Partnership
