Duff Joins National Coalition Calling on Congress to Conserve 30% of Land, Water, and Ocean by 2030
Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) joined over 400 state and local officials from 43 states in calling on the United States Congress to set a federal goal of conserving 30% of the nation’s land, water, and ocean by 2030. The implementation of a national 30x30 goal, in partnership with conservation efforts and environment protection policies here in Connecticut, is a crucial step in avoiding our worsening nature crisis.
A national 30x30 goal would have several major benefits from maintaining food and water security to supporting the long-term growth of the outdoor recreation industry.
“Strong action on conserving our natural resources and protecting wildlife is in the best interest of our state and country,” said Sen. Duff. “Even more, a national 30x30 goal will make our outdoor recreation businesses more resilient so they can continue to create jobs in the local communities they reside in and serve.”
“Over the last four years we saw a stream of anti-environment actions by the Trump Administration that endangered our land, water sources, and wildlife,” continued Sen. Duff. “With President Biden and a new Congress, we have a chance to enact meaningful policies that will protect our forests, shorelines, and oceans for future generations.”
The national coalition of state and local officials pressed Congress to incorporate several aspects into setting a federal goal, including:
- Support locally-led conservation and utilize the local expertise of the communities within the areas sought to be protected
- Honor the sovereignty of tribal nations by helping indigenous tribal communities fulfill their visions and priorities for the stewardship of natural, cultural, and historic resources
- Support private conservation through policy-makers respecting private property rights and increase support for voluntary conservation efforts of private land-owners, water users, working waterfronts, and the private sector
The final aspect raised in the letter is a demand that a national 30x30 goal be guided by science underscoring the deep body of knowledge that scientists can lend to communities and leaders in helping to decide how to protect our ocean, waters, and lands.
