Environment America: Protecting Our Natural Wonders

June 2, 2024 by Krishna Patel

Table of Contents

As part of the Public Interest Network, Environment America and its state affiliates are dedicated to safeguarding our nation’s air, water, and open spaces. Through research, advocacy, and grassroots organizing, this federation of citizen-funded environmental groups works to promote clean energy, curb pollution, and address the pressing challenges of our time, including global warming and plastic pollution.

Leveraging the power of state-based advocacy and public policy initiatives, Environment America and its partners strive to create a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for all. From lobbying for renewable energy and clean water policies to joining forces with the Sierra Club and League of Conservation Voters in endorsing pro-environment candidates, this organization is at the forefront of the fight to protect our natural wonders and wild places.

Key Takeaways

Environment America is a federation of state-based, citizen-funded environmental advocacy groups.
The organization works to promote clean energy, curb pollution, and address global warming and plastic pollution.
Environment America leverages state-based advocacy and public policy initiatives to create a more sustainable future.
The organization collaborates with partners like the Sierra Club and League of Conservation Voters to support pro-environment candidates and policies.
Environment America is committed to protecting America’s natural wonders and wild places.

The Vision: Conserving and Restoring America the Beautiful

The vision for “Conserving and Restoring America the Beautiful” is a collaborative, inclusive and locally-driven effort to protect America’s lands, waters and natural resources for the benefit of all people. This initiative, launched by the Biden-Harris Administration, is guided by eight key principles:

Pursuing a Collaborative and Inclusive Approach

The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to working in close collaboration with state and local governments, Tribal Nations, private landowners, conservation organizations, and a diverse array of stakeholders to develop a shared vision and implementation strategy for conserving America’s natural heritage.

Conserving Lands and Waters for All People

The initiative aims to increase access to green spaces, parks, and outdoor recreation opportunities, ensuring that all communities, especially those that have been historically underserved, can benefit from the physical, mental, and spiritual health benefits of connecting with nature.

Supporting Locally Led Conservation Efforts

Rather than a top-down, one-size-fits-all approach, the Biden-Harris Administration is committed to empowering locally led conservation efforts, respecting the unique needs and priorities of different regions, ecosystems, and communities across the United States.

Key Principles	Description
Collaborative and Inclusive Approach	Engaging with state and local governments, Tribal Nations, private landowners, conservation organizations, and diverse stakeholders to develop a shared vision and implementation strategy.
Conserving Lands and Waters for All	Increasing access to green spaces, parks, and outdoor recreation opportunities, especially for historically underserved communities.
Supporting Locally Led Efforts	Empowering locally driven conservation initiatives that respect the unique needs and priorities of different regions, ecosystems, and communities.
Tribal Sovereignty and Indigenous Priorities	Honoring the role of Tribal Nations as the original stewards of the land and supporting their conservation priorities.
Science-based Decision-making	Utilizing the best available science to guide conservation and restoration efforts and ensure their long-term effectiveness.
Private Landowner Stewardship	Recognizing and supporting the voluntary conservation efforts of private landowners, who manage a significant portion of the nation’s working landscapes.
Job Creation and Community Benefits	Ensuring that conservation efforts create jobs, support rural livelihoods, and contribute to the overall health and resilience of local economies.
Durable and Equitable Solutions	Developing conservation strategies that are designed to withstand changing environmental and social conditions, while prioritizing fairness and access for all.

Honoring Tribal Sovereignty and Indigenous Priorities

Honoring tribal sovereignty and supporting the conservation priorities of Indigenous peoples is a central tenet of the “Conserving and Restoring America the Beautiful” initiative. Tribal Nations are recognized as the original stewards of the land, possessing deep, place-based knowledge and a profound spiritual connection to the natural world.

The Biden-Harris Administration has made a concerted effort to strengthen the nation-to-nation relationship with Tribal Nations and elevate Indigenous priorities in land management and conservation decisions. This includes collaborating with Tribes like the Patwin People, Serrano People, Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians, Gabrieleno San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians, Yocha Dehe Tribe, and San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, all of whom possess invaluable traditional ecological knowledge and a deep understanding of the cultural significance and sacred lands within their respective territories.

By honoring tribal sovereignty and amplifying Indigenous voices, the Biden-Harris Administration aims to foster more biodiversity conservation and climate resilience efforts that are rooted in holistic, community-driven approaches to self-determination and environmental stewardship.

Across the United States, Tribal Nations are leading the way in developing innovative, culturally-relevant strategies to protect their lands, waters, and living resources. Environment America and its state affiliates are committed to supporting these Indigenous-led conservation initiatives and strengthening the nation-to-nation relationship that is essential for achieving the goals of the “Conserving and Restoring America the Beautiful” plan.

Creating Jobs and Supporting Healthy Communities

The “Conserving and Restoring America the Beautiful” initiative recognizes that conservation efforts can and should create jobs, support the livelihoods of rural communities, and contribute to the overall health and resilience of local economies. By partnering with private landowners, non-profit organizations, and other stakeholders, the Biden-Harris Administration is spearheading innovative approaches to conservation that generate economic opportunities and strengthen community well-being.

Voluntary Stewardship Efforts of Private Landowners

Private landowners play a crucial role in conservation, as they manage a significant portion of the nation’s working landscapes, including forests, rangelands, and agricultural lands. Organizations like the Western Landowners Alliance, American Farmland Trust, Society of American Foresters, and Association of Consulting Foresters are working closely with private landowners to develop and implement voluntary stewardship practices that support climate change mitigation, carbon sequestration, biodiversity protection, food security, and clean water. These efforts not only enhance the environmental health of these working lands but also create jobs and economic opportunities for rural communities.

Using Science as a Guide

The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to grounding its conservation initiatives in the best available science, in collaboration with organizations such as the Society for Range Management and The Wildlife Society. This science-based approach ensures that conservation efforts are strategically targeted, maximizing the benefits for job creation, healthy communities, and the protection of natural resources. By drawing on the expertise of scientists, land managers, and other stakeholders, the administration can develop innovative, evidence-based solutions that address the complex challenges facing our environment and communities.

Conservation Organization	Focus Area	Key Initiatives
Western Landowners Alliance	Working Landscapes	Incentive-based conservation, locally-led conservation, public-private partnerships
American Farmland Trust	Agricultural Lands	Climate change mitigation, carbon sequestration, biodiversity protection, food security
Society of American Foresters	Forestry	Sustainable forest management, climate change adaptation, rural prosperity
Association of Consulting Foresters	Forestry	Voluntary stewardship, science-based forestry, public-private partnerships
Society for Range Management	Rangelands	Sustainable grazing practices, ecosystem services, rural livelihoods
The Wildlife Society	Wildlife Conservation	Habitat restoration, biodiversity protection, public-private collaborations

Expanding Protected Areas and Monuments

As part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s unprecedented commitment to conservation, President Biden has taken action to expand two iconic national monuments in California: the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument and the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument.

San Gabriel Mountains National Monument Expansion

The San Gabriel Mountains, located just north of Los Angeles, are home to diverse ecosystems, wildlife habitats, and cultural significance for the Patwin, Serrano, and Fernandeño Tataviam indigenous communities. By expanding the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, the Biden-Harris Administration has safeguarded these important lands, ensuring continued access for outdoor recreation, protecting vital drinking water sources, and supporting environmental justice for nearby urban communities.

Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument Expansion

The Berryessa Snow Mountain region in northern California is a biodiversity hotspot, providing critical habitat for numerous threatened and endangered species. The Biden-Harris Administration’s expansion of the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument will help conserve this ecologically significant area, strengthen climate resilience, and honor the cultural traditions of the Yocha Dehe Tribe and Gabrieleno San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians. These actions align with the administration’s bold 30×30 goal of protecting 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030.

By leveraging the Antiquities Act, the Biden-Harris Administration has demonstrated a strong commitment to safeguarding America’s natural treasures and empowering Tribal leaders and indigenous communities to play a central role in the stewardship of these protected areas. These monument expansions will not only conserve biodiversity and combat climate change, but also promote sustainable access for outdoor recreation and support the environmental justice priorities of local residents.

Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development

The Biden-Harris Administration has taken significant steps to advance

renewable energy development and promote more sustainable forms of economic growth, both of which are critical for addressing the climate crisis and protecting public health.

Offshore Wind Energy Goals

The U.S. Department of the Interior, through the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), has set ambitious targets to expand offshore wind energy production along the nation’s coasts. This includes a goal of deploying 30 gigawatts of capacity by 2030, which would power millions of homes and create thousands of jobs. In California, Governor Gavin Newsom and the state’s Geologic Energy Management Division are working to streamline the permitting process for offshore wind projects, laying the groundwork for a more sustainable energy future.

Public Health and Safety Measures

As the prioritizes the development of sources, it is also taking steps to mitigate the public health and environmental justice impacts of fossil fuel extraction and use. This includes cracking down on operations that contribute to air pollution, which can exacerbate and increase in fenceline communities. By promoting and the 30×30 goal of protecting 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030, the administration is working to safeguard and address the disproportionate burdens faced by marginalized populations due to and

Safeguarding Wildlife and Natural Resources

The Biden-Harris Administration has taken decisive action to safeguard wildlife and natural resources across the United States. This includes protecting the iconic Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Minnesota and restoring critical safeguards under the Endangered Species Act.

Protecting the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, located in northeastern Minnesota, is a vast, pristine ecosystem that is home to a diverse array of wildlifeamerica> and natural resourcesamerica>. In a move to preserve this natural treasure, the Biden Administration has taken steps to halt the proposed development of copper-nickel miningamerica> projects in the region, which posed a significant threat to the delicate biodiversityamerica> and climate resilienceamerica> of the Boundary Waters.

By protecting the Boundary Waters, the Administration is safeguarding a beloved public landsamerica> resource that provides unparalleled opportunities for recreationamerica>, including canoeing, fishing, and camping. This decision demonstrates the Administration’s commitment to environmental protectionamerica> and its recognition of the Boundary Waters’ immense cultural and ecological significanceamerica>.

Restoring Endangered Species Act Protections

The Endangered Species Actamerica> is a cornerstone of wildlife protectionamerica> and habitat conservationamerica> in the United States. The Biden-Harris Administration has taken steps to restore critical safeguards under this landmark legislation, which had been weakened by the previous administration.

By strengthening the Endangered Species Act, the Biden Administration is reaffirming its commitment to biodiversityamerica> and ensuring that vulnerable species and their habitatsamerica> receive the protectionamerica> they need to thrive. This action is crucial for climate resilienceamerica> and maintaining the natural balanceamerica> that supports healthy ecosystemsamerica> across the country.

Through these bold measures, the Biden-Harris Administration is demonstrating its dedication to safeguarding wildlifeamerica> and natural resourcesamerica> for current and future generations. By working closely with the U.S. Interior Departmentamerica> and U.S. Agriculture Departmentamerica>, the Administration is poised to build on these efforts and continue its work to protect America’s precious public landsamerica> and natural heritageamerica>.

Environment America’s Campaigns and Initiatives

As a prominent member of the Public Interest Network, Environment America spearheads a diverse array of campaigns and initiatives aimed at advancing clean energy solutions, promoting conservation efforts, and fostering a more sustainable future for all.

Clean Energy and Climate Solutions

Through tireless advocacy and grassroots organizing, Environment America is at the forefront of the renewable energy movement, working to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels and towards a greener, emissions-reduction future. The organization’s climate advocacy efforts include pushing for bold environmental policies that prioritize renewable energy and fossil fuel divestment, while also engaging in citizen science and environmental education initiatives to empower communities in the fight against climate change.

Conservation and Public Lands Protection

Recognizing the vital importance of safeguarding our natural treasures, Environment America is a champion of conservation and public lands protection. Through collaborative partnerships and grassroots organizing, the organization works to expand protected areas, defend iconic landscapes like the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, and support locally-led conservation efforts that secure the long-term health of our outdoor spaces and wildlife habitats.

Greener Together Project

Leveraging the power of community engagement, Environment America’s Greener Together Project encourages individuals and families to forge deeper connections with nature, participate in citizen science initiatives, and adopt more eco-friendly practices in their daily lives. By fostering a sense of environmental stewardship and outdoor engagement, this initiative aims to build a groundswell of support for the organization’s broader conservation and climate solutions campaigns.

Measuring Progress and Tracking Impact

Achieving the ambitious goals set forth in the “Conserving and Restoring America the Beautiful” initiative will require robust systems for measuring progress and tracking impact over time. Environment America and the Public Interest Network are committed to working with the Biden-Harris Administration, Tribal Nations, state and local governments, and a wide range of other stakeholders to develop rigorous, science-based metrics that can guide decision-making and ensure accountability.

By employing a data-driven, adaptive management approach, the organizations will monitor key environmental indicators, such as the preservation of biodiversity, the expansion of protected areas, and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. This science-based approach will help to inform policy decisions and ensure that conservation efforts are having a measurable, positive impact on the environment.

Collaboration and stakeholder engagement will be essential to this process. Environment America and the Public Interest Network will work closely with local communities, Indigenous groups, and a diverse array of partners to develop meaningful, inclusive metrics that address the needs and priorities of all affected parties. Transparency and accountability will be central to this effort, with regular progress reports and opportunities for public input.

As the nation strives to achieve the ambitious 30×30 conservation goal, the ability to track and measure the success of these initiatives will be crucial. Environment America and the Public Interest Network are committed to leading the way in this critical endeavor, leveraging their expertise and resources to drive progress and ensure a more sustainable, resilient future for all.

At Environment America, our mission is to put the environment first in all aspects of our work. As part of the Public Interest Research Network, Environment America Research & Policy Center, alongside state-based affiliates like Environment California and Environment Texas, we strive to build a greener, healthier world for all. Through door-to-door canvassing, advocating for cleaner air and water, promoting clean energy initiatives such as solar and wind power, and supporting policies like the Clean Water Act and climate action, we make a statement on behalf of the planet. Our advocacy organizations, founded by Ralph Nader, work tirelessly to make their voices heard, from endorsing candidates who prioritize environmental issues to filing lawsuits against corporate polluters like Chevron Phillips for alleged violations of pollution limits. With a focus on renewable energy, combating plastic pollution, and fighting against bee-killing pesticides, Environment America works to shift more hearts and minds toward a livable climate and the world we want to live in, where open spaces, national parks, and wild places thrive alongside sustainable communities.

Also Read: 10 Sustainable Solutions To Clear The Air And Reduce Pollution

Conclusion

“Environment America: Protecting Our Natural Wonders” underscores the urgent need for collective action to safeguard the nation’s environmental treasures. Across the vast expanse of America, from the rugged mountains to the expansive plains, and from the pristine coastlines to the bustling urban centers, there exists a rich tapestry of biodiversity and natural beauty that demands our stewardship.

Through the dedicated efforts of environmental advocates, policymakers, scientists, and concerned citizens, progress has been made in addressing pressing environmental challenges. However, the journey towards sustainability is ongoing and requires unwavering commitment from all sectors of society.

As this publication has highlighted, there are myriad opportunities for innovation and collaboration in the quest to protect our natural wonders. Whether it’s transitioning to renewable energy sources, conserving critical habitats, promoting sustainable agriculture, or advocating for stronger environmental policies, every action counts in preserving the ecological integrity of America.

By embracing a vision of harmony between humanity and nature, we can ensure that future generations inherit a planet that is teeming with life and beauty. Together, let us continue to champion the cause of environmental conservation and create a legacy of stewardship that will endure for centuries to come

FAQs

Q: What is Environment America?

A: Environment America is a federation of state-based, independent environmental advocacy organizations working together to protect our natural resources and promote environmentally-friendly policies.

Q: What does Environment America research focus on?

A: Environment America conducts research on a variety of environmental issues, including climate change, clean energy, water quality, and more to inform their advocacy efforts.

Q: How does Environment America engage in policy advocacy?

A: Environment America engages in policy advocacy by working with lawmakers, organizing grassroots campaigns, and conducting research to influence environmental policy at the local, state, and national levels.

Q: Who is the Climate Campaign Director at Environment America?

A: The Climate Campaign Director at Environment America is responsible for leading efforts to address climate change through advocacy, research, and public outreach.

Q: What is the role of the Georgia Campaign Director at Environment America?

A: The Georgia Campaign Director at Environment America is responsible for overseeing environmental advocacy campaigns in the state of Georgia to promote conservation and sustainability.

Q: What is the Public Interest Network affiliated with Environment America?

A: The Public Interest Network is a network of organizations, including Environment America, that work together on various social and environmental issues to promote the public interest.

Q: How does Environment America work with state affiliates?

A: Environment America collaborates with state affiliates to coordinate advocacy efforts, share resources, and amplify their impact on environmental policy at the state level.

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