By the end of October, the California Natural Resources Agency will release the first draft of its Natural and Working Lands Climate Smart Strategy, according to CDFA Secretary Karen Ross, who spoke at a meeting of the State Food and Ag Board on Tuesday.
The two agencies have been working with CalEPA on the document since late 2020. It will focus on nature-based solutions to “to accelerate climate-smart land management in the coming years and decades to contribute to achieving carbon neutrality and building climate resilience,” according to the agency. Topping the list of priorities is safeguarding the state’s economic sustainability and food security.
Following the report will be the administration’s 30x30 Strategic Pathways Document, which will outline steps to meet the governor’s goal of preserving 30% of the state’s land and coastal waters by 2030.
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Ross added that there is also “really serious work going on” within the agencies to update the state’s AB 32 Climate Scoping Plan, with a public review process expected to run through next year.
CDFA staff are also compiling public comments on the latest iteration of implementation regulations for the Prop. 12 animal housing law. Ross expects that to soon be filed with the Office of Administrative Law for review before the regulations take effect in January.
