Follow Legislation related to Plant Conservation

The Legislative Program is a sub-program of the Conservation Program. The Legislative Program's mission is to ensure that persons formulating laws and regulations at all levels -- local, state, and federal -- understand the importance of California's native flora and the serious threats facing the long-term survival of many species. A part-time staff legislative advocate helps coordinate state issues, while local chapter volunteers work closely with the Conservation Program.

Because state and federal Endangered Species Acts provide the most fundamental protection for plants in most instances, much of the work of CNPS relies on and invokes these laws.

Current Legislation

• Read a summary of the Governor's proposed CEQA-challenge legislation bill via this link. (PDF 67kb)
• Follow plant conservation-related legislative bills via this LINK.

Legislation Resources

Influencing legislative actions requires raising the awareness of plant conservation needs among our elected officials. Here is some helpful information for CNPS members who want to communicate effectively with their legislators.

• CNPS Legislative Program Overview -- A handout to share with CNPS members.
• Words, Aren't They Awesome! -- An article summarizing (the negative) public opinion of the words we use to describe the environment.
• Writing to Your Legislator
  • Some tips on effective letter writing to influence elected representatives
  • Contacting Your Legislator (PDF 313kb) - The Beginnings of an Effective Constituent Relationship
• Legislative Focus, Growing Native Grassroots -- An informative summary of a recent book on the California legislative process and grassroots activism.
• Ideas and Activities to Grow Our GRASSROOTS -- An ideas list to share with chapter board members and other CNPS activists. Plus a Chapter Grassroots Planning Worksheet for you to use.
• Legislation Web Links