Policy and Advocacy in California

Our advocacy work drives policies that protect critical habitats, secure water for birds and communities, and advance climate resilience. 

For decades, Audubon California has worked to protect birds, habitats, and the people who care about them. From the wetlands of San Francisco Bay to the shores of Mission Bay, from the agricultural landscapes of the Central Valley to the evolving ecosystems of the Salton Sea, our work spans the state. Through conservation efforts on working lands, habitat restoration along our coasts and in our deserts, and community-driven initiatives in places like Richardson Bay, Los Angeles, and the Salton Sea, we are building lasting solutions that benefit both people and wildlife. Our advocacy work drives policies that protect critical habitats, secure water for birds and communities, and advance climate resilience. 

We advocate for science-based policies that:

  • Address the impacts of climate change on communities, wildlife, and landscapes

  • Protect California’s birds, habitats, and natural treasures

  • Expand access to nature for all Californians

  • Support underserved and climate-vulnerable communities

  • Secure funding for conservation through bipartisan efforts like Prop 4, the Climate Bond

Audubon California's 2025 State Policy Priorities
AB 929 (Connolly, 2025) Sustainable Groundwater Management

Managed Wetlands: exempts managed Wetlands and small community drinking wells from Groundwater Sustainability Plans under SGMA. Additionally, also prohibits fees from being imposed on managed wetlands and small community drinking wells.

SB 427 (Blakespear, 2025)
SB 427 (Blakespear, 2025)

Protecting the Habitat Conservation Fund: Securing ongoing funding for critical habitat conservation: Removes the sunset date of July 1, 2030 on the Habitat Conservation Fund (HCF). (Co-sponsored by Audubon California and the National Wildlife Federation).

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