Earlier this month, we reached out with an update on a historic conservation effort underway within the Interior Department. We haven't heard back — and the truth is, this is too serious to miss.

Here's the situation: Shortly after inauguration, President Biden issued an executive order calling for the conservation of 30 percent of U.S. lands and waters by 2030. With Deb Haaland confirmed as Interior Secretary, the roadmap is coming together for how we get there.

Right now, only 12% of US lands are permanently protected, and about 23% of coastal waters. We're talking about doubling the amount of protected lands — working with local communities to expand and create new national and state parks and other protected landscapes, and significantly expanding the ocean areas off-limits to drilling and other threats.

The problem is that a group of far-right members of congress have issued a letter accusing Biden of "dangerous thoughtlessness" — they are trying to derail the plan. Friend — if their efforts go unanswered, they're going to succeed.

Since we first reached out, folks from all over the country have been pitching in — some becoming members for the first time ever, and many have started monthly gifts.

We're reaching out again because we hadn't heard back from you — and this could be the most significant conservation effort in US history. A group of donors has put up a triple match fund this month — up to $100,000. We're calling for a response from every LCV member right now to get this effort over the finish line.

Please — pitch in. Whatever you can afford will make a huge difference right now, even if it's just $5 »

Biden's plan is called "30 by 30" — and it's not just a catchy name. The 30% target is backed by scientists who argue it's absolutely essential to fighting climate change and protecting the estimated one 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 an ambitious infrastructure package with climate justice at the heart of it. 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 tackling automatic voter registration, early voting, vote-by-mail, gerrymandering reform, and more — passed the House in a vote of 220 to 210 and just got a hearing in the 50-50 split Senate, 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. 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 »

Bottom line — this is a moment that everyone in the environmental movement needs to be heard. I hope to hear from you.

Thank you so much for your support. We couldn't do this work without you.

Onward,

Gene Karpinski
President
League of Conservation Voters