Gov. Newsom signs executive order protecting CA land and coastal waters

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — California will dedicate 30% of its land to preservation, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Wednesday.

In an effort to fight climate change, Newsom declared the order is to conserve 30% of the state’s land and 30% of coastal waters by 2030.

Just last month the governor announced that California would begin phasing out all gasoline-powered cars by 2035. Now he's expanding on his plan by focusing on preserving bio-diversity.

The state said it doesn’t anticipate acquiring costly new lands or requiring significant funding.

Practices that could be put in place include easements to conserve land, better soil practices in farming that helps absorb carbon and retain water and clearing out undergrowth to make forests healthier and more efficient at soaking up greenhouse gases. On the state’s lengthy coastline, it could also expand its marine-protected waters and restore wetlands.