What’s Happening
Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and Representative Scott Peters (D-CA) introduced a bill titled the Save Our Sequoias Act, which would protect California’s famous and beautiful sequoia groves that are acutely threatened by wildfires.
This bill would direct approximately $325 million in funding toward sequoia groves and engage local stakeholders such as the Giant Sequoia Lands Coalition to ensure their effective management.
Why It Matters
Wildfires are increasing in both number and severity in the American West, and since 2020, nearly one-fifth of California’s sequoias were burned so badly during wildfires that they ultimately died. Some of the oldest trees on the planet, sequoias are truly iconic America landmarks.
While we often think of planting new trees as a natural climate solution, the stewardship of existing forests is equally – if not more – important. Wildfires are not only exacerbated by climate change, the emissions from wildfires also contribute to climate change. . The cyclical relationship between climate change and wildfires means that protecting sequoia groves and other forests should be a priority.
My Take
Once again, natural climate solutions prove to be one of the few issues that can unite Republicans and Democrats in Congress. Cosponsored by bipartisan members of the California delegation, the bill is also expected to garner broad bipartisan support once introduced.
Just as ACC’s Rooted in America campaign proved, natural climate solutions are actionable, cost-effective, and pragmatic. Pursuing these solutions are a crucial step toward real climate action, despite the intense partisanship that dominates Congress.
Quote Me On It
“Protecting California’s sequoias is not only valuable conservation work, but it’s effective climate action in a time when the climate conversation is often all talk and no substance. I applaud Leader McCarthy and Representative Peters for collaborating on this important bill.” – ACC VP of Government Affairs Quill Robinson