Conservation Organizations Unite Against Unlawful Reversion of Habitat Conservation Funds
On June 6, 2024, the Resource Renewal Institute and a coalition of over 50 conservation organizations sent a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom and key California legislators strongly opposing the proposed reversion of $45 million in General Funds from the Habitat Conservation Fund (HCF) back to the General Fund. The organizations argue that this reversion is unlawful under the California Wildlife Protection Act of 1990, which created the HCF to protect critical wildlife habitat.
The letter states that reallocating already appropriated HCF monies is expressly prohibited by the Act, unless the funds are reappropriated for the purposes outlined in the initiative. Diverting the $45 million back to the General Fund would be inconsistent with the Act's wildlife conservation goals. The only way to make this change would be through a vote of the people, not the Legislature.
The organizations, including Sierra Club California, National Wildlife Federation, Audubon California, and Defenders of Wildlife, urged the Governor and Legislature to keep the $45 million in the HCF as part of the final budget agreement, in alignment with the letter and spirit of the Act. They emphasize the HCF's effectiveness and popularity in implementing vital conservation efforts across California.
"For over three decades, the Habitat Conservation Fund has provided vital support to safeguard and restore California's biodiversity, from the majestic mountain lions roaming our forests to the vibrant wetlands teeming with migratory birds. It's also been a catalyst for inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards, offering life-changing opportunities for children to explore and connect with nature," said Chance Cutrano of the Resource Renewal Institute, one of the signatories to the letter. "Raiding this fund would be like pulling the rug out from under our state's conservation efforts, betraying the voters who overwhelmingly supported the California Wildlife Protection Act. We implore Governor Newsom and our legislators to uphold the law and protect the Habitat Conservation Fund. California's wildlife and wild places depend on it."
The letter demonstrates the unified opposition of California's conservation community to this proposed reversion of critical habitat protection funds. The organizations call on state leaders to prioritize wildlife conservation and honor the commitment made to voters through the California Wildlife Protection Act.