This measure would recognize the role of Latinos in protecting and preserving the land, water, and wildlife of the United States and would also support and encourage the inclusion and meaningful engagement of Latinos and all Californians in environmental protection and conservation efforts.

This measure would recognize the role of Latinos in protecting and preserving the land, water, and wildlife of the United States and would also support and encourage the inclusion and meaningful engagement of Latinos and all Californians in environmental protection and conservation efforts.

This measure would recognize the role of Latinos in protecting and preserving the land, water, and wildlife of the United States and would also support and encourage the inclusion and meaningful engagement of Latinos and all Californians in environmental protection and conservation efforts.

WHEREAS, Latinos are the largest ethnic group in California, with more than 15,000,000 Latinos making up 39 percent of the population in the state; and

WHEREAS, California has the largest population of Latinos out of all 50 states; and

WHEREAS, Latinos ought to have greater representation that is illustrative of their population in the decisionmaking process relating to, and management of, public land; and

WHEREAS, Latino conservation initiatives break down barriers, improve access to public land, and encourage outreach to, and new opportunities for, the Latino community to enjoy public land; and

WHEREAS, Increased access to outdoor recreation opportunities for Latino families and youth fosters outdoor appreciation as well as a commitment within the Latino community to conservation; and

WHEREAS, Access to green spaces promotes healthy and active lifestyles, which helps address numerous health disparity issues, such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease, facing the Latino community and disadvantaged communities of color generally; and

WHEREAS, The participation and exposure of Latinos in conservation efforts can encourage interest and involvement of Latinos in careers in conservation; and

WHEREAS, Each person should have the opportunity to discover his or her history, culture, and heritage by exploring and experiencing the public lands of California; and

WHEREAS, The people of California must ensure that the states public lands and natural surroundings are protected, and equally accessible, for all people in future generations; and

WHEREAS, The largest ethnic group in the state will have a significant role in the future success and preservation of Californias public land, especially as that group continues to grow; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature does all of the following:

(1)Recognizes the role of Latinos in protecting and preserving the land, water, and wildlife of the United States.

(2)Supports and encourages the inclusion and meaningful engagement of Latinos and all Californians in environmental protection and conservation efforts.

(3)Encourages Latinos in this country to participate in ceremonies, activities, and programs that engage the community in the outdoors and bring awareness to the importance of conservation; and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.

WHEREAS, Latinos are the largest ethnic group in California, with more than 15,000,000 Latinos making up 39 percent of the population in the state; and

WHEREAS, California has the largest population of Latinos out of all 50 states; and

WHEREAS, Latinos ought to have greater representation that is illustrative of their population in the decisionmaking process relating to, and management of, public land; and

WHEREAS, Latino conservation initiatives break down barriers, improve access to public land, and encourage outreach to, and new opportunities for, the Latino community to enjoy public land; and

WHEREAS, Increased access to outdoor recreation opportunities for Latino families and youth fosters outdoor appreciation as well as a commitment within the Latino community to conservation; and

WHEREAS, Access to green spaces promotes healthy and active lifestyles, which helps address numerous health disparity issues, such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease, facing the Latino community and disadvantaged communities of color generally; and

WHEREAS, The participation and exposure of Latinos in conservation efforts can encourage interest and involvement of Latinos in careers in conservation; and

WHEREAS, Each person should have the opportunity to discover his or her history, culture, and heritage by exploring and experiencing the public lands of California; and

WHEREAS, The people of California must ensure that the states public lands and natural surroundings are protected, and equally accessible, for all people in future generations; and

WHEREAS, The largest ethnic group in the state will have a significant role in the future success and preservation of Californias public land, especially as that group continues to grow; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature does all of the following:

(1)Recognizes the role of Latinos in protecting and preserving the land, water, and wildlife of the United States.

(2)Supports and encourages the inclusion and meaningful engagement of Latinos and all Californians in environmental protection and conservation efforts.

(3)Encourages Latinos in this country to participate in ceremonies, activities, and programs that engage the community in the outdoors and bring awareness to the importance of conservation; and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.

WHEREAS, Latinos are the largest ethnic group in California, with more than 15,000,000 Latinos making up 39 percent of the population in the state; and

WHEREAS, California has the largest population of Latinos out of all 50 states; and

WHEREAS, Latinos ought to have greater representation that is illustrative of their population in the decisionmaking process relating to, and management of, public land; and

WHEREAS, Latino conservation initiatives break down barriers, improve access to public land, and encourage outreach to, and new opportunities for, the Latino community to enjoy public land; and

WHEREAS, Increased access to outdoor recreation opportunities for Latino families and youth fosters outdoor appreciation as well as a commitment within the Latino community to conservation; and

WHEREAS, Access to green spaces promotes healthy and active lifestyles, which helps address numerous health disparity issues, such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease, facing the Latino community and disadvantaged communities of color generally; and

WHEREAS, The participation and exposure of Latinos in conservation efforts can encourage interest and involvement of Latinos in careers in conservation; and

WHEREAS, Each person should have the opportunity to discover his or her history, culture, and heritage by exploring and experiencing the public lands of California; and

WHEREAS, The people of California must ensure that the states public lands and natural surroundings are protected, and equally accessible, for all people in future generations; and

WHEREAS, The largest ethnic group in the state will have a significant role in the future success and preservation of Californias public land, especially as that group continues to grow; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature does all of the following:

(1)Recognizes the role of Latinos in protecting and preserving the land, water, and wildlife of the United States.

(2)Supports and encourages the inclusion and meaningful engagement of Latinos and all Californians in environmental protection and conservation efforts.

(3)Encourages Latinos in this country to participate in ceremonies, activities, and programs that engage the community in the outdoors and bring awareness to the importance of conservation; and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.

 THIRD READING 

Bill No: ACR 137

Author: Eduardo Garcia (D)

Introduced: 9/7/17

Vote: 21

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 65-0, 1/12/18 (Consent) - See last page for vote

SUBJECT: Latinos: environmental protection and conservation

SOURCE: Latino Outdoors

DIGEST:

This resolution recognizes the role of Latinos in protecting and preserving the land, water, and wildlife of the United States and also supports and encourages the inclusion and meaningful engagement of Latinos and all Californians in environmental protection and conservation efforts.

ANALYSIS: This resolution makes the following legislative findings:

1. California has the largest population of Latinos out of all 50 states.
2. Latinos ought to have greater representation that is illustrative of their population in the decisionmaking process relating to, and management of, public land.
3. Latino conservation initiatives break down barriers, improve access to public land, and encourage outreach to, and new opportunities for, the Latino community to enjoy public land.
4. The participation and exposure of Latinos in conservation efforts can encourage interest and involvement of Latinos in careers in conservation.
5. The largest ethnic group in the state will have a significant role in the future success and preservation of California’s public land, especially as that group continues to grow.

This resolution:

1. Recognizes the role of Latinos in protecting and preserving the land, water, and wildlife of the United States.
2. Supports and encourages the inclusion and meaningful engagement of Latinos and all Californians in environmental protection and conservation efforts.
3. Encourages Latinos in this country to participate in ceremonies, activities, and programs that engage the community in the outdoors and bring awareness to the importance of conservation.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: No Local: No

SUPPORT: (Verified 1/22/18)

Latino Outdoors (source)

American Lung Association in California

Audubon California

Azul

Bay Area Open Space Council

Bolsa Chica Land Trust

California Environmental Justice Alliance

California League of Conservation Voters

California ReLeaf

California Wilderness Coalition

Center for Environmental Health

Earthjustice

Endangered Species Coalition

Hispanic Access Foundation

La Union Hace La Fuerza

Los Padres ForestWatch

Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District

National Parks Conservation Association

National Resources Defense Council

Ocean Futures Society

Peninsula Open Space Trust

Por La Creación Faith-Based Alliance

San Gabriel Mountains Forever

Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority

Save the Redwoods League

Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District

Surfrider Foundation

The Nature Conservancy

Trout Unlimited

Turtle Island Restoration Network

Voces Verdes

OPPOSITION: (Verified 1/22/18)

None received

ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: The supporters write, “As groups representing the interests of all Californians in the face of climate uncertainty, we strongly support the clear message of inclusion and community participation in environmental protection and conservation projects communicated by ACR 137. Through its excellent suggestions to increase Latino access to public lands, ACR 137 engages Latinos in California to encourage their participation in major ongoing efforts to improve ecological conditions across the state and reduce inequities in natural resources conservation. These inclusion efforts will also provide manifold benefits to the state as a whole by increasing overall public involvement in conservation work and awareness of environmental challenges.”

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 65-0, 1/12/18

AYES: Acosta, Aguiar-Curry, Arambula, Baker, Berman, Bloom, Bonta, Brough, Burke, Caballero, Calderon, Carrillo, Cervantes, Chau, Chávez, Chen, Chiu, Choi, Chu, Cooley, Cooper, Cunningham, Dahle, Daly, Flora, Fong, Frazier, Friedman, Gallagher, Cristina Garcia, Eduardo Garcia, Gipson, Gonzalez Fletcher, Gray, Grayson, Harper, Holden, Irwin, Jones-Sawyer, Kalra, Kiley, Lackey, Levine, Low, Maienschein, Mathis, Melendez, Mullin, Muratsuchi, Nazarian, O'Donnell, Patterson, Quirk, Quirk-Silva, Rodriguez, Rubio, Salas, Santiago, Steinorth, Mark Stone, Thurmond, Voepel, Waldron, Weber, Wood

NO VOTE RECORDED: Travis Allen, Bigelow, Eggman, Gloria, Limón, Mayes, McCarty, Medina, Obernolte, Reyes, Ting, Rendon

Prepared by: Karen Chow / SFA / (916) 651-1520

1/24/18 15:36:09

**** END ****

Date of Hearing: January 8, 2018

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES

Cristina Garcia, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:ACR 137 (

Author:Eduardo Garcia) – As Introduced Ver:September 7, 2017

SUBJECT: Latinos: environmental protection and conservation

SUMMARY: Supports and encourages the inclusion and meaningful engagement of Latinos and all Californians in environmental protection and conservation efforts. Specifically, this resolution:

1. States a number of findings, including:
   1. Latinos are the largest ethnic group in California;
   2. California has the largest population of Latinos out of all 50 states;
   3. Latino conservation initiatives break down barriers, improve access to public land, and encourage outreach to enjoy public land;
   4. Access to green spaces promotes healthy and active lifestyles, which helps address numerous health disparity issues, such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease, facing the Latino Community and disadvantaged communities of color generally; and,
   5. Latinos in the state will have a significant role in the future success and preservation of California’s public land, especially as the group continues to grow.
2. Resolves that Latinos in this country are encouraged to participate in ceremonies, activities, and programs that engage the community in the outdoors and bring awareness to the importance of conservation.

EXISTING LAW:

1. Requires the State Coastal Conservancy (SCC) to develop and implement a Lower Cost Coastal Accommodations Program to expand access to parks and public lands throughout California to ensure that all Californians and visitors to the state, including those from low-income and underserved communities, are able to benefit from outdoor experiences.
2. Pursuant to the California Constitution, requires protection of coastal access, requires maximum access and recreational opportunities to be provided for all people consistent with public safety needs and the need to protect public rights, rights of private property owners, and natural resource areas from overuse.
3. Requires the Department of Parks and Recreation to establish a local assistance program to distribute grants to the most critically underserved communities across the state for the acquisition and development of parks and recreation areas and facilities.

FISCAL EFFECT: Non-fiscal

COMMENTS:

1. Author’s statement:

Historically, the inclusion of Latinos in broader discussions of conservation have been lacking and by highlighting the reasons that more inclusion of all Californians, including Latinos, is vital to our conservation efforts, this resolution helps create an interest and focus on the matter.

1. Latino conservation. Over the past four years there have been various events and efforts to support the inclusion and meaningful engagement of Latinos in environmental protection and conservation efforts. This has included Latino Conservation Week (July 15 to July 23), which last year had over a hundred events throughout the country, including at National Parks, to highlight these efforts. Bipartisan resolutions have been introduced in this session of Congress in both the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives. These resolutions also support the inclusion and meaningful engagement of Latinos in environmental protection and conservation efforts.

REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:

Support

Latino Outdoors (sponsor)
American Lung Association in California
Audubon California
Azul
Bay Area Open Space Council
Bolsa Chica Land Trust
California Environmental Justice Alliance
California League of Conservation Voters
California ReLeaf
California Wilderness Coalition
Center for Environmental Health
Earthjustice
Endangered Species Coalition
Hispanic Access Foundation
La Union Hace La Fuerza
Los Padres ForestWatch
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
National Parks Conservation Association
Natural Resources Defense Council
Ocean Futures Society
Peninsula Open Space Trust
Por La Creación Faith-Based Alliance
San Gabriel Mountains Forever
Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority
Save the Redwoods League
Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District
Surfrider Foundation
The Nature Conservancy
Trout Unlimited
Turtle Island Restoration Network
Voces Verdes

Opposition

None on file

Analysis Prepared by: Michael Jarred / NAT. RES. /