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Conservation

The United States relies on the integrity and stability of the natural world to provide economic prosperity, safeguard the health of communities, and weather the effects of a changing climate. But the country is facing a rapid decline of its natural systems. The Center for American Progress seeks to tackle the nature crisis by conserving 30 percent of all U.S. lands, water, and ocean by 2030 and promoting natural solutions to the climate crisis that benefit all communities.

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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

How States Can Turn Polluted Lands Into Clean Energy Report
Turbines from the Roth Rock wind farm are seen in Oakland, Maryland, August 23, 2022.

How States Can Turn Polluted Lands Into Clean Energy

In the absence of federal leadership, states should encourage renewable energy development on contaminated lands—including landfills, abandoned mines, and brownfield sites—in order to reap economic benefits and meet rising electricity demand.

Dylan Nezaj, Alia Hidayat

Fact Sheet: How States Can Turn Polluted Lands Into Clean Energy Fact Sheet
Turbines from the Roth Rock wind farm along the Backbone Mountain are seen on August 23, 2022.

Fact Sheet: How States Can Turn Polluted Lands Into Clean Energy

In the absence of federal leadership, states should encourage renewable energy development on contaminated lands—including landfills, abandoned mines, and brownfield sites—in order to reap economic benefits and meet rising electricity demand.

Alia Hidayat, Dylan Nezaj

The Shutdown’s Impacts on National Parks and Public Lands Offer a Preview of Trump’s Long-Term Vision Article
Person entering national monument past large welcome map

The Shutdown’s Impacts on National Parks and Public Lands Offer a Preview of Trump’s Long-Term Vision

Before and during the government shutdown, the Trump administration has pushed an agenda to sell out America’s public lands for drilling and mining while gutting the funding, staff, and policies necessary to steward those lands for future generations.

Drew McConville

Ocean Progress Symposium: Advancing Conservation Close to Shore Past Event

Ocean Progress Symposium: Advancing Conservation Close to Shore

Please join the Center for American Progress for an event to explore how to navigate ocean conservation in the United States for the next four years.

Center for American Progress and Online via Zoom

Ocean Progress Symposium 2025: Advancing Conservation Close to Shore Past Event

Ocean Progress Symposium 2025: Advancing Conservation Close to Shore

Please join the Center for American Progress for an event to explore how to navigate ocean conservation in the United States for the next four years.

Online via Zoom

The Trump Administration’s Expansive Push to Sell Out Public Lands to the Highest Bidder Report
An oil pumpjack operates in the Great Plains of southeastern Wyoming.

The Trump Administration’s Expansive Push to Sell Out Public Lands to the Highest Bidder

After bipartisan opposition forced Senate Republicans to remove language from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that would have sold off public lands, the Trump administration is still moving forward with proposals to transfer control over tens of millions of acres of public land to the oil and gas, mining, and timber industries.

Drew McConville, Mariel Lutz, Jenny Rowland-Shea

States Can Lead the Way on an Abundant, Pro-Nature Clean Energy Future Article
Wildflowers growing on hills with wind turbines

States Can Lead the Way on an Abundant, Pro-Nature Clean Energy Future

The Trump administration has falsely framed wind and solar power as harmful to wildlife in order to justify stifling affordable, rapid-to-deploy, clean energy. Here’s how state leadership can advance clean energy and conservation goals simultaneously.

Alia Hidayat

Will the U.S. Housing Crisis Be Exploited for a Massive Public Lands Sell-Off? Report
The San Jacinto Mountains are seen from afar at the Big Morongo Wildlife Preserve in Morongo Valley, California, April 11, 2007.

Will the U.S. Housing Crisis Be Exploited for a Massive Public Lands Sell-Off?

Some politicians are using the nation’s housing affordability problems as a pretense to sell off public lands—an extreme agenda that puts America’s treasured lands and waters at risk without substantively addressing housing needs. A new initiative from the Trump administration publicly promises restraint, while specific proposals from Capitol Hill tell a different story.

Drew McConville, Doug Turner

The U.S. terminated its 30×30 conservation plan but this also presents an opportunity (commentary) In the News

The U.S. terminated its 30×30 conservation plan but this also presents an opportunity (commentary)

In an op-ed published by Mongabay, Angelo Villagomez and Alia Hidayat argues that while President Trump's nixing of Biden's historic “30x30” conservation plan is a significant loss, a hopeful post-30x30 conservation framework may already be emerging.

Mongabay

Angelo Villagomez, Alia Hidayat

Protecting Public Land Revenue-Sharing Governments From the Fiscal Risks of Economic Transitions Report
Joshua Tree National Park

Protecting Public Land Revenue-Sharing Governments From the Fiscal Risks of Economic Transitions

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerability of state, local, and Tribal governments’ dependence on payments tied to resource extraction on public lands. The Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund offered a temporary solution and a framework for a permanent one.

Sharon Ferguson, Mark Haggerty

Disappearing Parks: How Project 2025 Would Decrease Protections for Nature Article
One of the towering pinnacles in Valley of the Gods within the Bears Ears National Monument is illuminated as the sun sets.

Disappearing Parks: How Project 2025 Would Decrease Protections for Nature

Eight landscape-level national monuments designated by the Biden-Harris administration have helped close the nature gap for millions of Americans, but their protections are at risk from extreme anti-conservation measures in Project 2025.

Sam Zeno

The Agenda of the 118th Congress’ Antiparks Caucus Article
A view of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, with downtown Los Angeles visible in the background.

The Agenda of the 118th Congress’ Antiparks Caucus

A new CAP analysis identifies the latest congressional antiparks caucus and their wide targeted agenda to dismantle America’s most beloved public lands.

Sam Zeno

State Leadership To Conserve Nature Past Event

State Leadership To Conserve Nature

Join the Center for American Progress and the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators for a discussion with state leaders about conservation policy successes.

1333 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20005

Upwell: A Wave of Ocean Justice Online Past Event

Upwell: A Wave of Ocean Justice Online

Please join Azul, the Center for American Progress, and Urban Ocean Lab for an online symposium on the rising tide of justice and equity in ocean policy.

Online via Zoom

Upwell: A Wave of Ocean Justice Past Event

Upwell: A Wave of Ocean Justice

Please join Azul, the Center for American Progress, and Urban Ocean Lab for an in-person symposium on the rising tide of justice and equity in ocean policy.

1333 H ST NW, Washington, DC, 20005

Beyond 30×30: Global Ocean Conservation Quality Is Lagging Behind Quantity Article
A green sea turtle swims among the corals of Lady Elliot Island.

Beyond 30×30: Global Ocean Conservation Quality Is Lagging Behind Quantity

The international community’s commitment to protect at least 30 percent of our ocean by 2030—a goal known as “30x30”—is both inspiring and challenging; but this effort must go beyond mere numbers and strive for quality, effectiveness, and holistic conservation.

Angelo Villagomez

5 Early Takeaways From the Biden Administration’s Conservation Atlas Article
People view the sunset from a proposed expansion area of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument.

5 Early Takeaways From the Biden Administration’s Conservation Atlas

The Biden administration has released long-awaited metrics for U.S. land and water conservation that show national progress made toward ambitious “30x30” goals; but there’s also a deeper story to explore about the path ahead for ocean and land protection as well as the value and limits of numeric targets.

Drew McConville, Angelo Villagomez

Dreaming of a Protected Ocean In the News

Dreaming of a Protected Ocean

In the spring 2024 issue of the Smithsonian's American Indian magazine, Angelo Villagomez draws on personal memories growing up on Saipan to describe how his culture, heritage, and family continue to inform his approach to conservation advocacy today.

American Indian magazine

Angelo Villagomez

The Biden Administration Can Deliver on Ocean Conservation Promises Made by the Bush and Obama Administrations Article

The Biden Administration Can Deliver on Ocean Conservation Promises Made by the Bush and Obama Administrations

Publishing final management plans for three marine monuments that have languished in bureaucratic limbo for as many as 15 years would deliver effective management for nearly half the protected waters in the United States.

Angelo Villagomez, Beth Pike, Laurie Peterka, 1 More Jen Felt

2023 Progressive Wins Video

2023 Progressive Wins

This year saw protections for transgender rights, women's rights, the environment, and U.S. democracy overall, as well as strides in building the economy and keeping communities safe.

Hai-Lam Phan, Toni Pandolfo, Ming Gault, 1 More Jeremy Hill

The Biden Administration Has Reached Conservation Records in 2023 Article
U.S. President Joe Biden walks to sign a proclamation to designate Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni - Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument.

The Biden Administration Has Reached Conservation Records in 2023

After three years in office, it is clear that the Biden administration is safeguarding public lands at a record rate; in the coming year, it must continue its conservation progress through community-led, justice-centered landscape protections.

Sam Zeno

Victory in Montana! Children, the Constitution, and the Climate Crisis Past Event

Victory in Montana! Children, the Constitution, and the Climate Crisis

Please join the Center for American Progress and Our Children's Trust for an online event discussing the climate crisis and the constitutional rights of youth.

Online only

A Framework for Federal Mining Reform: Impact Planning, Benefits Sharing, and Asset-Based Revenue Management Report
A reclamation inspector takes a call while standing under a gallows frame located near the Berkeley Pit.

A Framework for Federal Mining Reform: Impact Planning, Benefits Sharing, and Asset-Based Revenue Management

Building a new clean energy economy will require mining for minerals used in renewable energy technologies, creating a mining boom that policymakers should leverage by helping affected communities build resilient and equitable economies.

Mark Haggerty, Jackson Rose, Toni Ruth

Ecosystem Benefits of the Thompson Divide Mineral Withdrawal Article
Capitol Peak can be seen in the distance from the Upper Capitol Creek Trail.

Ecosystem Benefits of the Thompson Divide Mineral Withdrawal

The Thompson Divide hosts more than 110,000 acres of some of Colorado’s most high-quality, undeveloped, and valuable habitat for wildlife, making it worthy of a 20-year withdrawal from oil and gas leasing.

Sharon Ferguson, Jenny Rowland-Shea

Upwell: A Wave of Ocean Justice Past Event
Upwell: A Wave of Ocean Justice logo

Upwell: A Wave of Ocean Justice

Please join Azul, the Center for American Progress, and Urban Ocean Lab for an online symposium on the rising tide of justice and equity in ocean policy.

Online only

A Day in the Life of a Conservation Advocate Video

A Day in the Life of a Conservation Advocate

Follow Tina Sablan, former representative of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, as she goes to Washington, D.C., to advocate for a management plan for the Marianas Trench Marine National Monument—and for the inclusion of the Indigenous people of the Mariana Islands in the conservation of their lands and water.

Margaret Cooney, Angelo Villagomez, Toni Pandolfo, 2 More Ala Al Sadi, Hai-Lam Phan

Why the Farm Bill May Be the Highest-Stakes Climate Fight Flying Below the Radar Report
A farmer harvests soybeans in a field along the Mississippi River.

Why the Farm Bill May Be the Highest-Stakes Climate Fight Flying Below the Radar

Major climate and conservation gains hang in the balance as Congress reauthorizes the expiring farm bill; passing strong legislation that builds on historic investments from the Inflation Reduction Act is critical for the United States to lead the world on climate-smart agriculture and meet national land conservation goals.

Drew McConville, Jasia Smith, Mariel Lutz

‘Under the Pala Pala’: Special Edition Episode Video

‘Under the Pala Pala’: Special Edition Episode

In this special edition episode, six national marine sanctuary advocates came together for a storytelling event hosted by the Center for American Progress and the National Ocean Protection Coalition at the fifth International Marine Protected Area Congress in Vancouver, Canada, to talk Indigenous-led conservation.

Angelo Villagomez, Margaret Cooney, Madalyn Reagan

CAP Event Highlights Partners in Indigenous-Led Conservation Article

CAP Event Highlights Partners in Indigenous-Led Conservation

Native Americans in Philanthropy and the Center for American Progress are working together to support a 30x30 conservation agenda driven by Indigenous traditional ecological leadership and storied knowledge of U.S. lands and waterways.

Angelo Villagomez, Joel Moffett

Protecting Avi Kwa Ame as a National Monument Would Honor Tribes and Increase Access to Nature Article
Photo shows Avi Kwa Ame at night, against a background of a starry sky.

Protecting Avi Kwa Ame as a National Monument Would Honor Tribes and Increase Access to Nature

President Biden must use the Antiquities Act to designate Avi Kwa Ame as a national monument. He faces a critical opportunity to honor ancient sacred lands; conserve ecologically important sites; advance the administration’s 30x30 goal; and enact community-led conservation to close the nature gap.

Sam Zeno

Proposed National Marine Sanctuaries Provide a Pathway Toward Indigenous-Led Ocean Conservation Report
Three large turtles rest above the waterline on a white-sand beach.

Proposed National Marine Sanctuaries Provide a Pathway Toward Indigenous-Led Ocean Conservation

The United States can move closer to its dual goals of increasing access to nature for all Americans and protecting 30 percent of lands and waters by 2030 by approving and completing the designation of five new Indigenous-led marine sanctuaries.

Anuka Upadhye, Zainab Mirza, Angelo Villagomez

‘Under the Pala Pala’: Episode 4 Video

‘Under the Pala Pala’: Episode 4

In episode 4 of “Under The Pala Pala,” Angelo Villagomez from the Center for American Progress talks about what it’s like for Natives to work for green nongovernmental organizations in Washington, D.C., with Michaela Pavlat from the National Parks Conservation Association and Javan Santos from The Climate Initiative.

Angelo Villagomez, Margaret Cooney, Toni Pandolfo, 1 More Meghan Miller

U.S. Pacific Territories and the America the Beautiful Initiative Can Deliver Ocean Climate Solutions Article
A shallow coral head appears in front of Fatu Rock.

U.S. Pacific Territories and the America the Beautiful Initiative Can Deliver Ocean Climate Solutions

The U.S. Pacific territories are vast—combined, their ocean areas are nearly twice the size of Alaska—and they are home to some of the world's largest marine protected areas. This region will be critical for achieving the Biden administration’s goals to combat climate change, protect 30 percent of lands and waters by 2030, and ensure access to nature for all Americans.

Angelo Villagomez, Anuka Upadhye, Zainab Mirza

Executive Action vs. the Nature Crisis: Top 8 Opportunities President Biden Should Pursue To Meet His America the Beautiful Commitment Report
U.S. President Joe Biden gives a speech before designating Camp Hale as a national monument.

Executive Action vs. the Nature Crisis: Top 8 Opportunities President Biden Should Pursue To Meet His America the Beautiful Commitment

President Joe Biden committed to putting the United States on a path to conserve 30 percent of its lands and waters by 2030; here are eight major opportunities he must pursue immediately to achieve this goal.

Drew McConville, Michael Freeman, Sam Zeno, 4 More Ryan Richards, Angelo Villagomez, Jenny Rowland-Shea, Nicole Gentile

Project Decisions in Alaska Will Help Define Biden’s Conservation and Climate Legacy Article
Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is pictured.

Project Decisions in Alaska Will Help Define Biden’s Conservation and Climate Legacy

From a potential Arctic oil drilling hub to a mine that threatens one of the world’s most productive salmon fisheries, a series of upcoming project decisions in Alaska are poised to shape the Biden administration’s conservation and climate legacy.

Drew McConville, Jenny Rowland-Shea, Michael Freeman

COP27: Comprehensive Multilateral Approaches to Loss and Damage Past Event

COP27: Comprehensive Multilateral Approaches to Loss and Damage

The event will take place in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, at 5:15 p.m. EGY.

Climate Justice Pavilion, Blue Zone, Sharm El-Sheikh International Convention Center (SHICC) or watch via livestream.

COP27: Embracing Nature as the Foundation for Global Security Past Event

COP27: Embracing Nature as the Foundation for Global Security

Please join CAP and the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) for a panel discussion with esteemed experts at 9:30 a.m. EGY in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.

GEF-GCF Pavilion, Blue Zone, Sharm El-Sheikh International Convention Center (SHICC) or watch via livestream.

CAP Events at COP27 Past Event

CAP Events at COP27

CAP hosted three panel discussions with esteemed experts at COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.

Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt

The US and EU must support climate loss and damage action In the News

The US and EU must support climate loss and damage action

Anne Christianson and Dennis Tänzler urge the United States and European Union to support climate loss and damage action at next month’s United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change conference.

The Hill

Anne Christianson, Dennis Tänzler

How FEMA Can Build Rural Resilience Through Disaster Preparedness Report
Photo shows a flooded street in Kentucky.

How FEMA Can Build Rural Resilience Through Disaster Preparedness

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is vital to the nation’s climate resilience, but pre-disaster resilience funds are not reaching the rural communities most vulnerable to climate risk and least able to prepare.

Kevin Manuele, Mark Haggerty

A Conversation With Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall Past Event

A Conversation With Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall

Discussing Air Force and Space Force personnel, the crisis in Ukraine, competition with China, human rights, and the role of the U.S. in the world

Online Only

Ocean justice can help empower communities of color on the frontlines of the climate crisis In the News

Ocean justice can help empower communities of color on the frontlines of the climate crisis

The Ocean Justice Forum—a collective of 18 environmental justice, Indigenous, community, and national nonprofits—is offering an ambitious vision for strengthening ocean climate policy, addressing injustices, and building more resilient communities.

TheGrio

Colette Pichon Battle, Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, Marce Gutiérrez-Graudiņš, 2 More Miriam Goldstein, Jean Flemma

Offshore Wind Can Lower Energy Prices and Beat Out Oil and Gas Report
Photo shows offshore wind turbines.

Offshore Wind Can Lower Energy Prices and Beat Out Oil and Gas

Offshore wind lease sales are a significantly better use of ocean acreage than oil and gas—for energy consumers, taxpayers, and the climate.

Michael Freeman

Making Castner Range a National Monument Would Help Nature-Deprived Communities Report
Image showing a man speaking in front of the Department of the Interior

Making Castner Range a National Monument Would Help Nature-Deprived Communities

President Biden can use the Antiquities Act to close El Paso’s nature gap by designating Castner Range as a national monument, for which the area’s majority Latino and low-income community has been advocating for more than 50 years.

Sam Zeno, Shanna Edberg, Brenda Gallegos

The Pathways to Decarbonizing Industry Past Event

The Pathways to Decarbonizing Industry

Please join the Center for American Progress and the United Steelworkers of America for a reception beginning at 6:00 PM, followed by a panel discussion with esteemed experts at 6:30 PM.

Pittsburgh's Grand Hall at The Priory
614 Pressley St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212

The Inflation Reduction Act: What It All Means Past Event

The Inflation Reduction Act: What It All Means

Please join the Center for American Progress for a multipanel discussion with OMB Director Shalanda Young, one of the key officials responsible for implementing the IRA, and everyday Americans about the Inflation Reduction Act and what it will mean for the United States and the American people.

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Tackling Climate Change and Environmental Injustice
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Tackling Climate Change and Environmental Injustice

We pursue climate action that meets the crisis’s urgency, creates good-quality jobs, benefits disadvantaged communities, and restores U.S. credibility on the global stage.

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