State Leaders Show Support for National 30×30 Conservation Goal

Today 103 NCEL members joined over 400 officials from 43 states in signing a letter supporting a national 30×30 goal, which will protect 30% of the United States’ land, water, and oceans by 2030. According to many prominent scientists, the 30×30 goal is necessary to avoid catastrophic nature crises resulting from human encroachment on much of the nation’s remaining wilderness. 

The letter outlines six critical aspects of a national goal of 30×30: more equitably distributing nature’s benefits; honoring the sovereignty of tribal nations; supporting locally-led conservation; protecting wildlife and biodiversity; supporting private conservation; and being guided by science.  

The implementation of a national 30×30 goal, in conjunction with strong conservation efforts at the state level, is a crucial step in avoiding the worsening nature crisis and provide benefits beyond protecting land and wildlife. States will play a crucial role as partners to the federal government in this process. Some states have already introduced their own 30×30 legislation, further equipping them with the tools and frameworks necessary to move quickly on conservation efforts and meet the goals laid out in a national 30×30 plan over the next 10 years.  

• The full letter can be viewed here: https://www.lcv.org/article/letter-state-and-local-elected-officials-support-protecting-30-of-americas-land-and-ocean-by-2030/
• View an article about the letter: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/states-local-officials-30-2030-conservation-biden-administration_n_600f41c0c5b634dc373790be