The Trump Administration Is Erasing American History Told by Public Lands and Waters ArticleOctober 23, 2025 The Trump Administration Is Erasing American History Told by Public Lands and Waters Oct 23, 2025 Angelo Villagomez, Sam Zeno, Gianna Sala
Executive Summary: Nearshore Ocean Progress Fact SheetMay 5, 2025 Executive Summary: Nearshore Ocean Progress May 5, 2025 Alia Hidayat, Grey Gowder, Jasmin Graham, 4 More Jewel Tomasula, Jenna Valente, Alissa Weinman, Angelo Villagomez
Nearshore Ocean Progress ReportMay 5, 2025 Nearshore Ocean Progress May 5, 2025 Alia Hidayat, Grey Gowder, Jasmin Graham, 4 More Jewel Tomasula, Jenna Valente, Alissa Weinman, Angelo Villagomez
Project 2025 Would Be a Disaster for National Marine Sanctuaries ArticleSeptember 9, 2024 Project 2025 Would Be a Disaster for National Marine Sanctuaries Sep 9, 2024 Alia Hidayat
The Trump Administration Is Erasing American History Told by Public Lands and Waters ArticleOctober 23, 2025 The Trump Administration Is Erasing American History Told by Public Lands and Waters Through a series of executive orders targeting place names, signage on, and access to public lands and waters, the Trump administration is erasing important chapters of American history. Oct 23, 2025 Angelo Villagomez, Sam Zeno, Gianna Sala
Ocean Progress Symposium: Advancing Conservation Close to Shore Past EventOctober 15, 2025 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 Oct 15, 2025
Ocean Progress Symposium 2025: Advancing Conservation Close to Shore Past EventOctober 15, 2025 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 Oct 15, 2025
Study protected waters newly opened up to fishing In the NewsAugust 21, 2025 Study protected waters newly opened up to fishing In an article published by Nature, Angelo Villagomez, Kirsten Grorud-Colvert, Jenna Sullivan-Stack, and Steven Mana’oakamai Johnson make a case for studying protected waters that have recently been opened up to fishing. Aug 21, 2025 Nature Angelo Villagomez, Kirsten Grorud-Colvert, Jenna Sullivan-Stack, 1 More Steven Manaoakamai Johnson
Stars & lighthouses: Marine conservation that blends Pacific Islander wisdom and Western knowledge (commentary) In the NewsJune 11, 2025 Stars & lighthouses: Marine conservation that blends Pacific Islander wisdom and Western knowledge (commentary) In an op-ed for Mongabay, Angelo Villagomez makes an argument for why and how we should blend Indigenous islander conservation practices and Western conservation efforts. Jun 11, 2025 Mongabay Angelo Villagomez
Executive Summary: Nearshore Ocean Progress Fact SheetMay 5, 2025 Executive Summary: Nearshore Ocean Progress Increasing focus on nearshore ocean conservation will benefit people and communities and provide more effective protections for wildlife. May 5, 2025 Alia Hidayat, Grey Gowder, Jasmin Graham, 4 More Jewel Tomasula, Jenna Valente, Alissa Weinman, Angelo Villagomez
Nearshore Ocean Progress ReportMay 5, 2025 Nearshore Ocean Progress Increasing focus on nearshore ocean conservation will provide benefits to people and communities alongside more effective protections for wildlife. May 5, 2025 Alia Hidayat, Grey Gowder, Jasmin Graham, 4 More Jewel Tomasula, Jenna Valente, Alissa Weinman, Angelo Villagomez
The U.S. terminated its 30×30 conservation plan but this also presents an opportunity (commentary) In the NewsFebruary 26, 2025 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. Feb 26, 2025 Mongabay Angelo Villagomez, Alia Hidayat
Project 2025 Would Be a Disaster for National Marine Sanctuaries ArticleSeptember 9, 2024 Project 2025 Would Be a Disaster for National Marine Sanctuaries Project 2025 would put a freeze on new national marine sanctuaries, prevent existing sanctuaries from being effectively managed, and open the door for mineral exploration in these vital areas. Sep 9, 2024 Alia Hidayat
Project 2025’s Plan To ‘Drill, Baby, Drill’ Threatens Ocean Health and Economic Stability ArticleAugust 20, 2024 Project 2025’s Plan To ‘Drill, Baby, Drill’ Threatens Ocean Health and Economic Stability Project 2025’s expansion of offshore drilling threatens ocean health through pollution and oil spills; endangers coastal economies reliant on tourism and fishing; and diverts investment from renewable energy, exacerbating climate change. Aug 20, 2024 Angelo Villagomez
What True Conservation Of The Pacific Remote Islands Involves In the NewsJuly 1, 2024 What True Conservation Of The Pacific Remote Islands Involves Angelo Villagomez and Steven Mana‘oakamai Johnson comment on how the proposed ocean sanctuary in the Pacific Remote Islands ignores the voices and rights of Indigenous peoples in an op-ed published by Honolulu Civil Beat. Jul 1, 2024 Honolulu Civil Beat Angelo Villagomez, Steven Manaoakamai Johnson
Upwell: A Wave of Ocean Justice Online Past EventJune 4, 2024 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 Jun 4, 2024
Upwell: A Wave of Ocean Justice Past EventJune 4, 2024 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 Jun 4, 2024
Centering Access, Quality, and Equity and Justice in a Beyond 30×30 Ocean Strategy ReportJune 4, 2024 Centering Access, Quality, and Equity and Justice in a Beyond 30×30 Ocean Strategy The Biden administration should deliver an ocean conservation framework that includes new metrics for success. Jun 4, 2024 Angelo Villagomez, Jasmin Graham, Alia Hidayat, 2 More Kat So, Jenna Valente
Beyond 30×30: Global Ocean Conservation Quality Is Lagging Behind Quantity ArticleMay 9, 2024 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. May 9, 2024 Angelo Villagomez
Now Is the Time To Secure President Biden’s Ocean Leadership Legacy ArticleApril 15, 2024 Now Is the Time To Secure President Biden’s Ocean Leadership Legacy The Biden administration must use the 2024 Our Ocean Conference in Greece to deliver on past ocean commitments while building toward a modern ocean conservation policy that goes beyond 30x30. Apr 15, 2024 Angelo Villagomez, Anne Christianson
It will take 880 years to achieve UN ocean conservation goals, at this rate In the NewsApril 15, 2024 It will take 880 years to achieve UN ocean conservation goals, at this rate In an op-ed for Mongabay, Angelo Villagomez explains the urgent work that needs to be done to advance ocean conservation. Apr 15, 2024 Mongabay Angelo Villagomez
Dreaming of a Protected Ocean In the NewsMarch 25, 2024 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. Mar 25, 2024 American Indian magazine Angelo Villagomez
5 Ways the Ocean Justice Strategy Will Improve Conservation ArticleFebruary 5, 2024 5 Ways the Ocean Justice Strategy Will Improve Conservation The Biden administration’s Ocean Justice Strategy will serve ocean conservation, and broader conservation efforts, by elevating the importance of ocean justice within the federal government. Feb 5, 2024 Mariel Lutz, Kat So, Angelo Villagomez
The Biden Administration Can Deliver on Ocean Conservation Promises Made by the Bush and Obama Administrations ArticleJanuary 16, 2024 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. Jan 16, 2024 Angelo Villagomez, Beth Pike, Laurie Peterka, 1 More Jen Felt
The Oil and Gas Industry Is Behind Offshore Wind Misinformation ArticleDecember 11, 2023 The Oil and Gas Industry Is Behind Offshore Wind Misinformation A complex network of interest groups funded by the oil and gas industry is spreading anti-offshore wind misinformation. Dec 11, 2023 Mariel Lutz, Jenny Rowland-Shea
Off-shore wind offers opportunity for state to reclaim its place as leader of innovation In the NewsJuly 25, 2023 Off-shore wind offers opportunity for state to reclaim its place as leader of innovation Kat So explains why offshore wind offers an opportunity to offset the devastating impacts of climate change while bringing jobs and economic growth to New Jersey. Jul 25, 2023 ROI-NJ Kat So
CAP Co-Hosted Event Centers Ocean Justice ArticleJuly 13, 2023 CAP Co-Hosted Event Centers Ocean Justice During National Ocean Month, the Center for American Progress and our partners advocated for equitable, just ocean policies that center historically marginalized communities. Jul 13, 2023 Mariel Lutz, Kat So, Angelo Villagomez
‘Under the Pala Pala’: Episode 5 VideoJuly 11, 2023 ‘Under the Pala Pala’: Episode 5 “Under the Pala Pala” is a video series that brings together Indigenous ocean advocates to discuss front-line conservation efforts across the United States. Jul 11, 2023 Margaret Cooney, Angelo Villagomez, Hai-Lam Phan, 3 More Ala Al Sadi, Charlie Schuyler, Toni Pandolfo
Offshore wind isn’t killing whales. Big oil and gas just want you to think it is. In the NewsJuly 7, 2023 Offshore wind isn’t killing whales. Big oil and gas just want you to think it is. Michael Freeman debunks misinformation about the impacts of offshore wind on whales. Jul 7, 2023 The Star-Ledger Michael Freeman
President Biden Should Take These Conservation Actions VideoJune 8, 2023 President Biden Should Take These Conservation Actions Front-line advocates with the America the Beautiful for All Coalition lay out what conservation action they’d like President Biden to take. Jun 8, 2023 Margaret Cooney, Angelo Villagomez, Ala Al Sadi, 2 More Hai-Lam Phan, Toni Pandolfo
This is What ‘Just Conservation’ Means to Us VideoJune 8, 2023 This is What ‘Just Conservation’ Means to Us Front-line advocates with the America the Beautiful for All Coalition explain what “just conservation” means to them. Jun 8, 2023 Margaret Cooney, Angelo Villagomez, Ala Al Sadi, 2 More Hai-Lam Phan, Toni Pandolfo
The Special Places We’re Trying To Save VideoJune 8, 2023 The Special Places We’re Trying To Save Front-line advocates with the America the Beautiful for All Coalition talk about the special places they are working to save. Jun 8, 2023 Margaret Cooney, Angelo Villagomez, Ala Al Sadi, 2 More Hai-Lam Phan, Toni Pandolfo
Upwell: A Wave of Ocean Justice Past EventJune 7, 2023 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 Jun 7, 2023
The Truth About Offshore Wind: Busting Oil Money Myths and Misinformation ArticleJune 6, 2023 The Truth About Offshore Wind: Busting Oil Money Myths and Misinformation Misinformation and falsehoods about offshore wind are running rampant online and in legislatures; here’s what they get wrong. Jun 6, 2023 Michael Freeman
Los territorios de EE. UU. serán clave para lograr las metas de America the Beautiful En las noticiasJune 5, 2023 Los territorios de EE. UU. serán clave para lograr las metas de America the Beautiful Los territorios estadounidenses son clave para lograr los objetivos establecidos por la iniciativa "America the Beautiful" del presidente Joe Biden, escriben Angelo Villagomez, Raimundo Espinoza y Tina Sablan. Jun 5, 2023 Sin Comillas Angelo Villagomez, Raimundo Espinoza, Tina Sablan
The U.S. territories will be key for achieving the goals of America the Beautiful In the NewsJune 5, 2023 The U.S. territories will be key for achieving the goals of America the Beautiful Angelo Villagomez, Raimundo Espinoza, and Tina Sablan describe how U.S. territories are key to achieving goals set by President Joe Biden’s America the Beautiful initiative. Jun 5, 2023 Pacific Daily News Angelo Villagomez, Raimundo Espinoza, Tina Sablan
A Day in the Life of a Conservation Advocate VideoMay 31, 2023 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. May 31, 2023 Margaret Cooney, Angelo Villagomez, Toni Pandolfo, 2 More Ala Al Sadi, Hai-Lam Phan
To Conserve the Ocean, Start With the People Who Live There VideoMay 25, 2023 To Conserve the Ocean, Start With the People Who Live There The U.S. Pacific territories will be key to protecting the ocean. May 25, 2023 Angelo Villagomez, Margaret Cooney, Ala Al Sadi, 2 More Madalyn Reagan, Hai-Lam Phan
‘Under the Pala Pala’: Special Edition Episode VideoApril 4, 2023 ‘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. Apr 4, 2023 Angelo Villagomez, Margaret Cooney, Madalyn Reagan
To Protect Whales, We Should Ban Offshore Oil and Gas, Not Wind Farms In the NewsMarch 21, 2023 To Protect Whales, We Should Ban Offshore Oil and Gas, Not Wind Farms In an op-ed for InsideSources, Angelo Villagomez and Chris Parsons debunk speculation that offshore wind development poses a threat to whales. Mar 21, 2023 InsideSources Angelo Villagomez, Chris Parsons
Prioritizing Implementation at the Our Ocean Conference Would Benefit Ocean Communities and Ecosystems ArticleFebruary 1, 2023 Prioritizing Implementation at the Our Ocean Conference Would Benefit Ocean Communities and Ecosystems The Biden administration must use the 2023 Our Ocean Conference in Panama to refocus ocean conservation efforts on implementation of past commitments. Feb 1, 2023 Anne Christianson, Miriam Goldstein, Angelo Villagomez
Why Conserving 30×30 Is More Than a Numbers Game ArticleJanuary 31, 2023 Why Conserving 30×30 Is More Than a Numbers Game Two years after the establishment of America’s first national conservation goal, it’s time to stop debating what “counts” and focus on action. Jan 31, 2023 Drew McConville, Angelo Villagomez
Proposed National Marine Sanctuaries Provide a Pathway Toward Indigenous-Led Ocean Conservation ReportJanuary 25, 2023 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. Jan 25, 2023 Anuka Upadhye, Zainab Mirza, Angelo Villagomez
4 Ways the Biden Administration Can Ensure Offshore Wind Development Benefits Tribes and Indigenous People ReportJanuary 18, 2023 4 Ways the Biden Administration Can Ensure Offshore Wind Development Benefits Tribes and Indigenous People To develop offshore wind energy responsibly, both government and industry must involve Tribal and Indigenous leadership throughout the entire process. Jan 18, 2023 Zainab Mirza, Lonyx Landry, Miriam Goldstein
‘Under the Pala Pala’: Episode 4 VideoDecember 22, 2022 ‘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. Dec 22, 2022 Angelo Villagomez, Margaret Cooney, Toni Pandolfo, 1 More Meghan Miller
‘Under the Pala Pala’: Episode 3 VideoNovember 29, 2022 ‘Under the Pala Pala’: Episode 3 In episode 3 of “Under the Pala Pala,” six Native speakers came together at the 2022 National Diversity in STEM Conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico, to talk Indigenous-led conservation and how they bring their Native identity to the work that they do every day. Nov 29, 2022 Angelo Villagomez, Margaret Cooney, Andrew Sonntag, 2 More Toni Pandolfo, Hai-Lam Phan
U.S. Pacific Territories and the America the Beautiful Initiative Can Deliver Ocean Climate Solutions ArticleNovember 28, 2022 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. Nov 28, 2022 Angelo Villagomez, Anuka Upadhye, Zainab Mirza
16 National Monuments and Marine Sanctuaries Biden Should Create or Expand ReportNovember 22, 2022 16 National Monuments and Marine Sanctuaries Biden Should Create or Expand Here are some of the many community-led proposals to protect U.S. lands and waters awaiting action by President Joe Biden and his administration. Nov 22, 2022 Drew McConville, Angelo Villagomez, Sam Zeno, 2 More Michael Freeman, Nicole Gentile
COP27: Comprehensive Multilateral Approaches to Loss and Damage Past EventNovember 15, 2022 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. Nov 15, 2022
More work needed on MPAs In the NewsOctober 19, 2022 More work needed on MPAs Steven Johnson and Angelo Villagomez discuss their recent study which assesses the quantity and quality of marine protected areas in the Mariana Islands. Oct 19, 2022 Pacific Daily News Steven Mana‘oakamai Johnson, Angelo Villagomez
‘Under the Pala Pala’: Episode 2 VideoOctober 7, 2022 ‘Under the Pala Pala’: Episode 2 In this episode, Michael Khus from the Northern Chumash Tribal Council and Sol Kaho’ohalahala, chair of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, discuss Indigenous healing through the ocean. Oct 7, 2022 Angelo Villagomez, Margaret Cooney, Zainab Mirza, 2 More Toni Pandolfo, Andrew Sonntag
How To Fix Americans’ Diminishing Access to the Coasts ReportOctober 4, 2022 How To Fix Americans’ Diminishing Access to the Coasts The U.S. government should protect Americans’ right to work and recreate on the coasts by requiring that publicly funded projects provide and improve public access. Oct 4, 2022 Kat So, Miriam Goldstein, Shanna Edberg
Tackling Climate Change and Environmental Injustice IssueNovember 1, 2021 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.