Assembly Approves Papan Bill to Advance Environmental Stewardship of Conserved Lands

SACRAMENTO, CA — Today, the California State Assembly approved Assembly Bill 900, authored by Assemblymember Diane Papan (D-San Mateo), legislation that strengthens California’s commitment to the long-term stewardship of lands conserved under the state’s landmark 30x30 initiative. 

Assembly Bill 900 directs the California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) to reduce barriers and expand support for science-based management of conserved lands. It also mandates an update to the “Pathways to 30x30” report by July 1, 2026, to include a full accounting of the backlog and future needs for land stewardship across the state. Importantly, the bill also allows funding for land stewardship to be included as part of land acquisition projects under the Proposition 4 climate bond.

“Conserving land is only the first step,” said Assemblymember Papan. “If we’re serious about climate resilience and biodiversity, we need to actively steward these lands and make sure they’re protected, restored, and maintained for generations to come. Assembly Bill 900 ensures California not only sets ambitious goals—but also follows through with durable, science-driven management.”

California’s 30x30 initiative aims to conserve 30% of the state’s lands and coastal waters by 2030. While the state has made significant progress toward these conservation goals, over a quarter of designated conservation areas currently lack sufficient resources for long-term stewardship. Assembly Bill 900 addresses this gap by enabling critical support for activities such as habitat restoration, wildfire resilience, invasive species removal, and climate impact mitigation.

“Our natural lands are among California’s greatest assets,” said Assemblymember Papan. “This bill reinforces our duty to care for them—not just in name, but through real, on-the-ground action that makes our ecosystems stronger and our communities more resilient.”

AB 900 is co-sponsored by the California Council of Land Trusts and The Nature Conservancy and has received broad support from environmental and conservation organizations across the state.

The bill was approved on the Assembly Floor and now moves to the Senate for consideration.