Top Policy Wins for Birds and People in 2023

Also in this issue: At COP28, Audubon stresses the need for nature-based climate solutions |

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AUDUBON ADVISORY December 2023

Top Policy Wins for Birds and People in 2023 Throughout 2023 Audubon continued its advocacy efforts at the federal and state level to secure the space, clean air, and clean water that birds and people need. We saw greater investments in programs that will reduce carbon emissions, conserve lands and waters, and recover bird populations, along with the launch of an ambitious plan to build a constituency for birds in Colombia. Read on to learn more about Audubon's most important advocacy and policy work across the hemisphere this year!

Red-throated Loon.

COP28 Agreement Represents Progress for Biodiversity The final agreement reached by negotiators at the COP28 summit in Dubai contained some historic language on fossil fuels and biodiversity, but ultimately represents the bare minimum of what must be done to address climate change. Read more Great Egret.

Rule Delayed that Could Be a Win-Win for Birds and Businesses Audubon is disappointed that the Biden Administration has delayed a proposed rule that would strengthen the implementation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, one of our most important bird protection laws. Read Audubon's full statement Rufous Hummingbird.

Honoring Native American Policymakers Committed to Conservation During Native American Heritage Month, Audubon highlighted the contributions of three leaders who have made a difference for people and wildlife. Read more Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland speaks in Yellowstone National Park, Montana.

News from the Flyways

Alaska: Examining the 'Special Areas' and Their Need for Maximum Protection in the Western Arctic Arizona: Water Policy Council Recommends Improvements to State's Groundwater Management (en español) California: Emerging Wetlands Around Salton Sea Could be Natural Solution (published by Desert Sun) Colorado River Delta: Audubon Partners With Cocopah Tribe to Bring More Resources to Key Riparian Area (en español) Florida: Corkscrew Watershed Initiative Aims to Conserve Heart of the Western Everglades Michigan: Governor Whitmer Signs Historic Climate Legislation Mississippi: Pearl River Flood Control Plan Destructive to 32 Million Birds North Carolina: A Win for Native Plants and A Loss for Wetlands in the 2023 Legislative Session Pacific Northwest: Audubon and Partners Launching New Efforts to Save Tufted Puffins Pennsylvania: Audubon Urges Governor to Take Climate Action, With Positive Results Texas: Audubon Celebrates 100 Years of Protecting Coastal Birds on Green Island

Impact Updates

Climate Corner At COP28 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced finalized rules that would limit methane emissions and other harmful air pollutants from new and existing oil and gas operations. "While there is still much work to do to reduce carbon emissions, protect landscapes like wetlands and forests that store carbon naturally, and invest in renewable energy, addressing methane emissions is crucial to our shared survival," says Sarah Rose, vice president of climate at the National Audubon Society. Read more Red-winged Blackbird. Your Actions at Work In 2023, 170,000 Audubon advocates like you spoke out on behalf of birds and the places they need, sending more than 800,000 messages to decision-makers. Together, we advocated for keeping Lesser Prairie-Chickens protected under the Endangered Species Act, cutting carbon pollution from power plants, and preventing species from becoming endangered by supporting the Recovering America's Wildlife Act, among other actions. Thank you for your continued efforts on behalf of our birds and the places they need. We look forward to working with you in 2024! Audubon staff and Campus Chapter members gathered at the U.S. Capitol to meet with elected officials as part of the 2023 Seabird Fly-In.

Photos from top: Lisa Hupp/USFWS; Erin Lucas/Audubon Photography Awards; Jace Stenersen/Audubon Photography Awards; Jacob W. Frank/NPS; Mohammed Arif/Audubon Photography Awards (left); Sydney Walsh/Audubon (right)

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