AB 2494 (Rogers) updates decades-old management objectives for California's demonstration state forests, including the addition of "durable onsite carbon storage and sequestration" (DOCSS) as a co-equal objective alongside biodiversity, wildfire resilience, recreation, and other public benefits.

Legislation Aligns Forest Management Objectives with Tribal Stewardship and Conservation Targets

On July 1, 2026, the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee voted to pass AB 2494 (Rogers) with a 5 - 2 partisan split.

Next week AB 2494 (Rogers) will be heard and voted on by the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee. The hearing will start at 9 AM on July 1, 2026, and will be held at the State Capitol in Room 113, 1315 10th St, Sacramento, CA 95814.

Great news! AB 2494 made it out of the Assembly Appropriations Committee and is now up for a floor vote at the Assembly level, which will occur by May 29th.

On May 14, EPIC-sponsored legislation AB 2494 that will end the commercial logging mandate in all state forests, including the Jackson Demonstration State Forest, will be heard in its second committee hearing in the California State Legislature. The Assembly Appropriations Committee will vote on the bill, deciding whether it continues the process through the legislature to eventually get signed into law by Governor Newsom.

There are several petitions to either strengthen or weaken the Marine Protected Area network that will be decided upon by the California Fish and Game Commission this Spring. In order to achieve 30×30 on our coastal waters and prepare our beloved coastline for current and emerging stressors, advocating for more and stronger MPAs is vital. Please consider attending one of the upcoming hearings to support proposed MPAs or the strengthening of existing MPAs in your region.