Yes on Prop 4: A Brighter Future 4 Everyone

Proposition 4—also known as the Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024—is a rare opportunity for Californians to make a real impact on climate change with their vote on the Nov. 5, 2024 ballot. If passed, it will authorize the state to borrow $10 billion to make urgent investments in proven solutions that address the threat of climate change to California communities, wildlife, and habitat.

Prop. 4 offers us a real opportunity to ensure a better future for California’s natural treasures, including its incredible birds and landscapes, while at the same time protecting California’s diverse communities. [Audubon California joined forces with more than 180 conservation and environmental justice organizations, as well as key legislative partners, to give Californians this chance to make a real difference on climate change]. Audubon also knows that bond measures like Prop 4 provide real benefits for birds, other wildlife, and our communities. *For example: Proposition 1 in 2014 provided over $100 million to deliver much-needed water to drought-stricken Central Valley wildlife refuges. Proposition 68 in 2018 led to the creation of new parks along the Los Angeles River, provided habitat and outdoor recreational opportunities in some of our most densely urban neighborhoods.

Investments from Proposition 4 will focus on eight key categories. First, $1.2 billion will be allocated to protect biodiversity and implement nature-based climate solutions. Next, $1.5 billion will support wildfire and forest resilience efforts. Additionally, $3.8 billion is designated for safe drinking water, as well as drought, flood, and overall water resilience. For addressing sea level rise and coastal resilience, $1.2 billion will be invested. Clean air programs will receive $850 million, while $700 million is earmarked for park creation and enhancing outdoor access. Furthermore, $300 million will support climate-smart and sustainable farms, ranches, and working lands, and $450 million will be allocated for extreme heat mitigation.

Prop. 4 makes important investments to reduce wildfires, improve forest resilience, land protection, habitat conservation, working lands partnerships, and parks.

The bond will address critical needs in California State Parks by investing $175 million in deferred maintenance projects, such as repairing roads and trails, creating more opportunities for Californians throughout the state to connect with birds and nature. Additionally, Proposition 4 allocates $50 million to sea level rise adaptation projects on state beaches, ensuring that they will continue to be available for recreational use in the future—and great places to watch marine birds.