Some hopeful news as The California Deforestation-Free Procurement Act, AB 416, passed the California Senate last week with an astounding vote of 30 to eight.
Shockingly, an area of rainforest which is the equivalent of 300 football fields is being destroyed every hour. We must do something to protect this critical habitat before it is too late.
Authored by California Assemblymember Ash Kalra, this important bill is currently on the desk of Governor Gavin Newsom awaiting his signature by October 10th.
Once signed into law, California will become the first state in the country to require companies which sell forest-risk commodities to California to initiate state government procurement contracts that certify that products such as palm oil, soy, cattle, rubber, paper/pulp, and timber maintain a No Deforestation, No Peat, No Exploitation (NDPE) policy. They will also have to certify that their operations are not linked to tropical forest destruction and degradation or abuses of Indigenous peoples’ rights. If passed, the bill will make California an example for the world to follow.
“If we don’t fight for the protection of critical rainforest habitat, we will lose vital species such as Indonesian orangutans, Sumatran tigers, Javan rhinos, and millions of species that call our rainforests home.” stated Katie Cleary, Founder and President of Peace 4 Animals, whose non-profit is a co-sponsor of The California Deforestation-Free Procurement Act, and World Animal News.
Having traveled through the rainforest in Central Costa Rica more than a decade ago, Cleary was shocked by the destruction of thousands of acres of rainforest for the production of palm oil, paper products, and timber. Determined to create change, in 2013, Cleary launched one of Peace 4 Animals’ first campaigns to encourage grocery stores to go Palm Oil free.
“Eight years later, we are still fighting and will continue to fight for the protection of our rainforests from deforestation after we witnessed first-hand the destruction of critical habitat in Borneo and Sumatra while filming our second documentary, Why On Earth,” continued Cleary. “Tragically, two-thirds of our Earth’s tropical rainforests have been destroyed or degraded. The California Deforestation-Free Procurement Act will help to aid in the protection of many species on the brink of extinction. We are very hopeful that this important bill will be signed into law by the Governor of California.”
The California Deforestation-Free Procurement Act is co-sponsored by Peace 4 Animals, along with Friends of the Earth, and Social Compassion in Legislation.
To support this crucial bill, please fill out the form.
Select “Have Comment” and enter your information
For Subject, click on the drop-down list and select “AB00416…,” then select “Continue.”
Next, you will select “Pro” and then write your support message urging the Governor to sign the bill into law.
