Outdoor Alliance Statement on Conservation Announcement from Biden Administration
Today, the Biden administration released an ambitious list of new conservation and climate policies. These policies include committing the U.S. to the goal of conserving 30% of our lands and waters by 2030 and making environmental justice a priority across government agencies and policies. The order also creates a Civilian Climate Corps, an idea Outdoor Alliance championed last spring as a way outdoor recreation could be a part of economic recovery. On day one in office, President Biden rejoined the Paris Agreement, and these policies suggest the administration’s ambition to address climate, conservation, recreation, and equity issues during its time in office.
“Outdoor Alliance admires the bold ambition in today’s executive orders. The whole-of-government approach includes essential ideas like getting federal agencies on the same page, pausing new oil and gas leases on federal lands, prioritizing environmental justice, conserving our natural resources, and driving our nation toward a clean energy future. The goal to conserve at least 30 percent of our lands and oceans by 2030 is inspiring, and we support diverse stakeholder engagement on that proposal. Finally, establishing a Civilian Conservation Corps will be a game changer in terms of making conservation personally relevant to everyone who lives in America.” Adam Cramer, Executive Director, Outdoor Alliance.
“Today’s executive orders on conservation and climate, including 30x30, are ambitious proposals that the outdoor community enthusiastically support, and we are tremendously grateful for President Biden’s leadership. Our community looks forward to working with the Biden administration to help advance this vision to conserve our natural resources, support opportunities for their sustainable enjoyment, and build toward a clean energy future.” Louis Geltman, Policy Director, Outdoor Alliance.
"Access Fund is encouraged by President Biden's executive order. Restoring balance to America's public lands is critically important to ensuring that all public land values are considered during decision making processes. The creation of the Civilian Climate Corps is also a big step forward, and Access Fund has been a long-time supporter of corps programs that create jobs, promote equity, address climate change, and benefit outdoor recreation access." Erik Murdock, Policy Director, Access Fund.
“The Surfrider Foundation applauds today’s historic action by the Biden administration to tackle the climate emergency that is threatening our coasts and ocean and the many people that depend on these resources. Offshore oil drilling is a dirty and dangerous practice that pollutes the ocean, harms coastal communities, and exacerbates climate change. We call on the administration and Congress to take additional actions to address the climate crisis, including permanently banning new oil and gas leasing on public lands and waters.” Pete Stauffer, Environmental Director, Surfrider Foundation.
“The Mountaineers is thrilled to see the new administration acting boldly and decisively to combat climate change and protect our public lands. The climate crisis is an existential threat, both to the wild places we love and to human health and communities. Today’s actions are an important first step to ensure future generations of Mountaineers can be inspired by wilderness and outdoor spaces.” Tom Vogl, CEO, The Mountaineers.
“Taking the climate crisis seriously, committing to science-based decision-making, and prioritizing environmental justice are all important steps to improving the health of our planet and all people. With these Executive Orders, we see hope for wild winters for generations to come." Hilary Eisen, Policy Director, Winter Wildlands Alliance.
“The American Alpine Club celebrates the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to combatting climate change and advocating for environmental justice. These executive orders demonstrate their priorities align well with the needs and values of the outdoor recreation community, and that they are committed to improving access to public lands for all. We are excited to work with the administration on the effective management of America’s public lands to mitigate the impacts of climate change and commit to helping the administration see their goals to fruition.” Amelia Howe, Senior Policy Associate, American Alpine Club.
Learn more about today’s executive orders here, and about progress toward our 100 days checklist for public lands here.