California Assembly Bill 454 secures permanent protection for migratory birds

The California State Assembly has taken a significant step to protect the state's migratory birds by advancing Assembly Bill 454, which aims to make the California Migratory Bird Protection Act permanent. This legislation is crucial in light of recent federal rollbacks to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), which had historically safeguarded over a thousand native bird species.

In 2017, a federal legal opinion weakened the MBTA, stating it no longer applied to incidental take—activities that unintentionally harm birds, such as industrial operations. This shift left many migratory birds vulnerable, especially after the California Migratory Bird Protection Act expired in January, which had previously codified protections at the state level.

AB 454 seeks to eliminate the sunset date of the California Migratory Bird Protection Act, ensuring ongoing protection against unauthorized take. By making these protections permanent, the bill aims to shield California's migratory birds from the adverse effects of renewed federal rollbacks.

The urgency of this legislation was emphasized during the Assembly Floor Session, with advocates calling for immediate support to safeguard these vital species. The Assembly's commitment to this bill reflects a proactive approach to environmental conservation and the protection of California's rich biodiversity.