Center for American Progress

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Energy and Environment

Conservation Policy

We work to protect our lands, waters, ocean, and wildlife to address the linked climate and biodiversity crises. This work helps to ensure that all people can access and benefit from nature and that conservation and climate investments build a resilient, just, and inclusive economy.

Bald eagles fishing in China Poot Bay, Alaska. (Getty/Louise Heusinkveld/Photodisc)

What We're Doing

Conserve 30 percent of lands, waters, and ocean by 2030

“30×30” is a science-backed goal to address the linked climate and biodiversity crises by conserving 30 percent of U.S. lands, waters, and oceans by 2030. We work with a diverse coalition to achieve on-the-ground protections that benefit nature, the climate, and communities.

Move toward pollution-free public lands and waters

Despite the climate crisis, the oil and gas lobby continues to push for more drilling on public lands and waters. We advocate for energy policy reform and a just transition so that the land, water, and ocean shared by all communities can be used for the common good.

Confront racial and economic disparities in access to nature

People of color and low-income communities disproportionately lack access to nature and bear the impacts of its destruction. We work with front-line communities to advocate for policies that right historical wrongs and affirm Indigenous leadership and tribal sovereignty.

Advocate for nature-based solutions to the climate crisis

We cannot stabilize the climate without increasing protections for nature. One of the most effective strategies for mitigating climate change is to protect and restore more land and water. We work toward policies that connect climate action and nature-based solutions.

The Conservation Policy team works to protect our lands, waters, ocean, and wildlife to address the linked climate and biodiversity crises, boost the economy, and benefit all.

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The Nature Gap: Communities of Color and Those With Low Incomes Are Bearing the Brunt of America’s Nature Loss Report
Chemical plants and factories line the roads and suburbs of

The Nature Gap: Communities of Color and Those With Low Incomes Are Bearing the Brunt of America’s Nature Loss

New analysis reveals persistent environmental inequality in the United States. Communities of color are three times more likely than white communities to live in nature-deprived areas, and three-quarters of residents of these areas have low household incomes.

Sam Zeno, Mariam Rashid, Jenny Rowland-Shea, 2 More Kim Bailey, Rena Payan

Fact Sheet: The Nature Gap: Communities of Color and Those With Low Incomes Are Bearing the Brunt of America’s Nature Loss Fact Sheet
A house is seen with a chemical plant in the background in Louisiana's

Fact Sheet: The Nature Gap: Communities of Color and Those With Low Incomes Are Bearing the Brunt of America’s Nature Loss

New analysis from Conservation Science Partners, the Center for American Progress, and Justice Outside reveals persistent inequality in nearby nature in the United States.

Sam Zeno, Mariam Rashid, Jenny Rowland-Shea, 2 More Kim Bailey, Rena Payan

Fact Sheet: 5 Hidden Ways the Government Rigs the Market in Favor of Fossil Fuels Fact Sheet
The Houston skyline is seen from an oil refinery.

Fact Sheet: 5 Hidden Ways the Government Rigs the Market in Favor of Fossil Fuels

Contrary to the Trump administration’s claims, fossil fuel industries have benefited heavily from government subsidies in the form of direct tax incentives, steep discounts on public lands, reduced permitting barriers, government services, and lack of accountability for their pollution and public health impacts.

Alia Hidayat, Sophie Conroy, Gianna Sala

5 Hidden Ways the Government Rigs the Market in Favor of Fossil Fuels Report
Pumpjacks lift oil from wells at an oil field near Taft, California, on October 17, 2025.

5 Hidden Ways the Government Rigs the Market in Favor of Fossil Fuels

While renewables have received scrutiny from the Trump administration and congressional Republicans over subsidies, the administration’s narrative hides how fossil fuel industries reap the benefits of a distorted market that has made Americans pay more for polluting fossil energy for decades.

Alia Hidayat, Sophie Conroy, Gianna Sala

Applying Indigenous Wisdom to Deep-Sea Mining In the News

Applying Indigenous Wisdom to Deep-Sea Mining

In an op-ed published by DC Journal, Angelo Villagomez discusses the Trump administration’s reckless push to allow deep-sea mining in the U.S. Pacific territories.

DC Journal

Angelo Villagomez

Should the U.S. Drill for More Oil and Gas? In the News

Should the U.S. Drill for More Oil and Gas?

Upfront published a debate between CAP’s Jenny Rowland and the president of an industry trade group about whether the United States should continue drilling for oil and gas or invest in a clean energy future.

Upfront

Jenny Rowland-Shea, Melissa Simpson

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