This story is developing quickly, friend. Right out of the gate, President Biden issued an executive order, calling for conservation of 30 percent of US lands and waters by 2030.

With Deb Haaland officially confirmed as interior secretary, efforts are underway to create the roadmap for how to meet that target.

A group of far-right Republican members of Congress from western states have just issued a letter accusing Biden of "dangerous thoughtlessness" — they are preparing to resist the effort. We can't let them succeed.

This could be the most significant conservation effort in US history. To pull this off, we'll engage local communities and mobilize folks all across the country to protect the special places in their region. Right now, only 12 percent of US lands are permanently protected, and about 23 percent of coastal waters. We're talking about doubling the amount of protected lands — such as national parks and state parks — and significantly expanding the ocean areas that are off-limits to drilling and other threats, all in the next decade.

Friend — we're pulling together a campaign to help push this plan forward, and a group of donors has put up a triple-match fund this month — up to $100,000. We're asking for your help.

It's these kinds of changes that can really move the needle on climate change. But winning them is going to take all of us — so we're asking: Triple your impact — even $5 is enough to make a difference »

Biden's plan is called "30 by 30" — and it's not just a catchy name. The 30 percent target is backed by scientists who argue it's absolutely essential to fighting climate change and to protecting the estimated 1 million species at risk of going extinct. And it can also make access to nature more equitable, so that all people in this country have access to green spaces, regardless of race or zip code.

Friend — I really hope you'll take this opportunity to triple your impact — because as huge as this is, it's not the only urgent environmental fight we're up against. Here are just a few more reasons why pitching in is so important right now.

1. Because following passage of the COVID-19 relief bill, Biden's next major move is a climate ambitious infrastructure package. We play this right, and we have a shot — a real shot — at creating millions of green jobs modernizing and cleaning up our energy, transportation, and water infrastructure. But there's also a real risk — if we don't fight like hell, Mitch McConnell will use every procedural trick in the book to block this package from moving forward. This could be huge, but only if the environmental movement shows up »
2. Because H.R.1 — a sweeping voting rights bill reforming automatic voter registration, early voting, vote-by-mail, gerrymandering, and more — has just passed the House in a vote of 220 to 210. The bill now moves to the 50-50 split Senate as soon as next week, where any vote we win will rely on razor-thin margins. This is our shot at the most significant voting reform bill since the Voting Rights Act. The ONLY way this passes is with a major grassroots push. Your support makes that happen. Donate today »
3. Because Biden has paused all new drilling leases on public land to address the broken leasing system that gives Big Oil far too much influence on our public lands. Fossil fuel extraction on public lands generates A QUARTER of America's greenhouse gas emissions. This is HUGE. Predictably, the oil and gas industry is already ramping up pressure campaigns and lobbying efforts hitting lawmakers in vulnerable states. If they go unanswered — we'll be going back to business as usual. Don't let Big Oil restart leasing efforts. We CAN stop them — but we all need to get on board »
4. Because there's also a major public lands package poised to move in the Senate. The House has passed the Protecting America's Wilderness and Public Lands Act, which could permanently protect millions of acres of American public land. That includes protecting areas around the Grand Canyon containing the water source for the Havasupai Tribe — currently at risk of being mined for uranium. We can't give up the Grand Canyon to mining interests. This is our chance to protect it »
5. Because a group of donors is triple-matching every contribution this month. Bottom line, your contribution goes further to win environmental campaigns that matter if you give now. Triple your impact — even $5 makes a difference »

We need to go all out right now — to win each and every one of these fights. But it's only going to happen if the environmental movement shows up during the moments that matter.

Thank you, thank you, thank you — for everything that you do for the environment, friend.

Onward,

Gene Karpinski
President
League of Conservation Voters