Action Alert: Support AB 2045 Urban Forestry Act

Sign on to a support letter from Sustainable California

Sustainable California is collecting support for Assembly Bill 2045, authored by Assemblymember De La Torre, which will update and broaden the Urban Forestry Act of 1978. The Act has language that directs the California Department of Forestry and Fire (Cal Fire) in administering its urban forestry program. The Act is now in its 30th year, during the height of activity around reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the effects of climate change. It is an opportune time to make update the Act to highlight the role that urban forests play in reducing greenhouse gases, improving air and water quality, conserving energy and water, and providing recreation and other environmental benefits.

Please show your support for this bill – below is a copy of a support letter to Assemblymember Hector De La Torre, the author of the bill. If you would like to sign on to the letter, please email jessica@csgcalifornia.com or fax 916-553-3071 Attention: Jessica your name and organization, no signature is required. We will collect names in support of the bill and submit a group support letter from Sustainable California.


Sample Support Letter:


Sustainable California

May 28, 2008


Assemblymember Hector De La Torre
State Capitol, Room 3173
Sacramento, CA 95814

RE: Assembly Bill 2045 (De La Torre) – SUPPORT

Dear Assemblymember De La Torre,

On behalf of Sustainable California, a group of organizations focused on urban sustainability policy development and funding programs, we write to express our collective support for Assembly Bill 2045, which would update the Urban Forestry Act of 1978 to reflect the many benefits of urban forestry.

The benefits of urban forests are wide ranging and varied. They improve community and neighborhood aesthetics, and thereby provide economic and social benefits. Urban forests also reduce green house gas emissions, improve air quality, reduce urban heat island effects, sequester carbon, filter air pollutants, and conserve energy by shading homes and buildings. Urban forests also absorb water and keep soil intact, and thereby reduce stormwater flows and keep pollutants out of our water.

AB 2045 would build upon and expand the benefits of the existing Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire) Urban Forestry program and other programs the state may develop related to urban greening and urban sustainability.

AB 2045 helps provide more attractive and livable California communities through urban forestry programs and projects that provide multiple benefits, including improved air and water quality, energy and water conservation, climate change mitigation, and recreational and other community benefits.

We collectively support AB 2045 because it supports urban forestry and other urban greening activities in California communities. We believe urban forests, and the environmental and social benefits they provide, are a vital component to moving California forward. We thank you for considering this bill.

With best regards,