Top 2020 Policy Wins for Birds

In this issue: Wins for Birds, Threats to MBTA and Arctic Refuge, News from the Flyways, State Climate Wins, and Victory in Pebble Mine Trouble viewing this e-mail? Try our [web version](. [National Audubon Society]( ADVISORY December 2020 [Green Heron perched above water. ]( [Top Policy Wins for Birds in 2020]( We're very proud of what we have been able to accomplish together over the past 12 months. 200,000 Audubon members contacted decision-makers more than 783,700 times on behalf of birds. Together, we have defended and strengthened foundational bird conservation laws; saved critical old-growth forest in Alaska; helped pass climate laws around the country; advocated for seabirds in fishery management decisions; and ensured a secure water future for birds and people. [Read more.]( Green Heron. [Wood Duck.]( [Interior Department Moves to Finalize Bird-Killer Policy]( At the same time we celebrate important victories, we are still working to defend birds and the places they need. Late last month, the Department of the Interior released its Final Environmental Impact Statement in one of the last steps in its effort to strip away critical protections in the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). [Read more.]( Wood Duck. [Northern Pintail in flight.]( [Effort to Open Arctic Refuge for Oil and Gas Leasing Advances]( Last month, the Bureau of Land Management issued a “call for nominations” to invite oil companies to drill in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, one of the nation’s most iconic and sacred landscapes. [Read more and take action.]( Northern Pintail. News from the Flyways - [Arizona: Advocates Prepare for Upcoming State Legislative Season]( - [Arkansas: Plant Board Stands Firm Despite Federal Approval of Dicamba Herbicide]( - [California: Federal Bill Would Bring “Much Needed Relief” to Salton Sea]( - [Colorado: New Protections for Wildlife in State’s Energy Future]( - [Florida: Everglades Restoration Takes Three Big Steps Forward]( - [Great Lakes: Natural Climate Solutions Will Protect Sandhill Cranes]( - [Mississippi: Audubon Supporters Deliver Urgent Message on Eve of Yazoo Pumps Deadline]( - [Nebraska: Lincoln Electric System Announces Goal to Reach Net-Zero by 2040]( - [North Carolina: Report Finds State is Well-positioned for Battery Storage Growth]( Impact Updates [Saltmarsh Sparrow.]( [Climate Corner]( Climate was a hot topic around the Audubon network in 2020, with a number of state policy wins that show how climate and natural solutions are bipartisan issues. Both North Carolina and South Carolina addressed coastal resilience to help protect their shorelines from storms and sea-level rise and chapter members in Virginia successfully lobbied for the first statewide clean-energy standard in the southeastern U.S. [Read more about these and other climate victories in Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Louisiana, New York, and Washington.]( Saltmarsh Sparrow. [Black-legged Kittwake with chick.]( [Your Actions at Work]( Over the last two years, more than 55,000 Audubon members have taken action to protect Alaska’s Bristol Bay from the toxic Pebble Mine. We are happy to report that just before Thanksgiving, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers denied a necessary permit to build the Pebble Mine under both the Clean Water Act and the Rivers and Harbors Act. While the mine appears dead for now, the fight isn’t over yet. Proponents of Pebble Mine have already stated they will appeal the permit decision, and we will continue to advocate for permanent protections of Bristol Bay. [Read more.]( Black-legged Kittwake with chick. Photos from top: Edward Cordes/Audubon Photography Awards, Jess Deitz/Audubon Photography Awards, Ruhikanta Meetei/Audubon Photography Awards, Frank Lehman/Audubon Photography Awards (left), Milo Burcham (right) [Join the Audubon Action Network]( Join our Action Network to receive periodic action alerts that connect you with decision makers when your voice matters the most. CONNECT WITH US [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [LinkedIn]( [YouTube]( [DONATE]( [ADVOCATE]( National Audubon Society 225 Varick Street, New York, NY 10014 USA [(844) 428-3826](#) | [audubon.org]( © 2020 National Audubon Society, Inc. [Update your email address or unsubscribe](