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Urban Wildlands — Center for Biological Diversity

@urbanwildlands.bsky.social
373 followers 201 following 56 posts

The Center's Urban Wildlands program works to halt unsustainable sprawl development and fight for land-use policies that protect communities and wildlife.

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Urban Wildlands — Center for Biological Diversity @urbanwildlands.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Attn California voters! Early voting starts Mon. and we need you to join us in defeating Prop. 45. This initiative makes it easier for developers to build data centers and landfill gas facilities AND it makes it easier for them to sue cities and counties that challenge polluting projects. #NoOn45
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Urban Wildlands — Center for Biological Diversity @urbanwildlands.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
There might be some difficult choices for California voters in Nov but one proposition is obvious: #NoOnProp45. As communities come to grips with the environmental harms of data centers, why are we asking voters to give polluters and Big Tech more leeway? medium.com/center-for-b...
medium.com
California Voters Uninterested in Polluting Projects Promoted by Prop. 45
In November California voters will be asked whether to return the state to the bygone days when land was developed with very few…
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Urban Wildlands — Center for Biological Diversity @urbanwildlands.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Vetoing Senate Bill 954 is a big mistake. Climate change and poor land-use decisions are putting our state's biodiversity at grave risk. Now @governor.ca.gov is making things worse by allowing endangered species habitat to be paved over without thorough review. calmatters.org/commentary/2...
calmatters.org
Opinion | Gavin Newsom paddles to the political right with 3 notable vetoes
Newsom's rejection of pension, work-from-home and environmental bills won points with the right but angered some unions and advocacy groups.
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Urban Wildlands — Center for Biological Diversity @urbanwildlands.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
We’re pleased that California lawmakers are behind #SB954. Now let’s get @cagovernornewsom.bsky.social to sign it. We can’t allow manufacturing projects be built without first conducting a survey to determine the presence of threatened or endangered species.
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Urban Wildlands — Center for Biological Diversity @urbanwildlands.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
It's true. When plants in the reservoir and dam decompose, it releases harmful climate-warming emissions. Having this information gives us a better sense of water infrastructure's environmental threats.
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Urban Wildlands — Center for Biological Diversity @urbanwildlands.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
Don't believe the corporations that claim Prop 45 is about affordability. Because why isn't there a single provision that increases affordability? Why is it full of carveouts for gas pipelines & freeway expansions to skip a thorough enviro review? #NoOnProp45 www.bakersfield.com/news/prop-45...
bakersfield.com
Prop. 45 divides business groups, environmental advocates on proper way to reform CEQA
The latest attempt to reform the state’s landmark environmental quality law is stirring passions on both sides of the issue as it heads to the Nov. 3 general election.
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Urban Wildlands — Center for Biological Diversity @urbanwildlands.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
We're part of a coalition of nearly 300 groups opposing #Prop45. Now the @cademocrats.bsky.social are joining us to safeguard CA's environmental protections. Prop 45 would make it easier for developers to pollute our communities and for developers to sue cities/counties. #PeopleOverPolluters
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Urban Wildlands — Center for Biological Diversity @urbanwildlands.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
We're asking Ventura County supervisors to reject this mining expansion. Pacific Rock would block a very narrow corridor for pumas and potentially harm the Conejo buckwheat, a plant so rare, it's only found in this corner of the county. nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com?url=https%3A...
nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com
Approval of rock mine's expansion and 60-year permit faces backlash
An environmental group appealed a decision to allow a Ventura County mining operation to expand. Here's what happens next.
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Urban Wildlands — Center for Biological Diversity @urbanwildlands.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
You might've heard about our ongoing fight over "Alligator Alcatraz" in Fla. Well, here in CA, we're fighting ICE, too. We believe that to build a detention facility, you have to follow state enviro laws. Read more in @sacbee.com about our latest legal filing. www.sacbee.com/news/politic...
sacbee.com
California environmental groups seek to stop development of ICE detention center
The Center for Biological Diversity and other groups say a new ICE facility near Gilroy would destroy sensitive habitat.
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Urban Wildlands — Center for Biological Diversity @urbanwildlands.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
You've heard of zombie projects right? Well Cadiz is the worst kind. The Trump admin has approved a nasty desert water grab that would destroy CA's Mojave desert wildlife. That's why we're suing ... again. biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press...
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Reposted by Urban Wildlands — Center for Biological Diversity
SFGATE @sfgate.com · 24/07/2026
The contentious lakeside spot had been threatened with development for years.
bit.ly
OpenAI co-founder revealed as giant donor behind Big Bear eagle land
The contentious lakeside spot had been threatened with development for years.
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Urban Wildlands — Center for Biological Diversity @urbanwildlands.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
The @biologicaldiversity.org has successfully fended off this project before and we're poised to do it again. Read more about the Trump administration's latest approval to drain an ancient aquifer from the Mojave Desert. www.latimes.com/business/sto...
latimes.com
Commentary: Trump greenlights California's dumbest water project
The Cadiz water project, a plan to drain water from the Mojave desert, has been fought by environmentalists for a quarter-century. Trump just approved it — again.
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Urban Wildlands — Center for Biological Diversity @urbanwildlands.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
If you're in San Francisco on April 23, save the date! Center for Biological Diversity experts Tiffany Yap and Ben Grundy will help lead a discussion and bioacoustic listening session. What The Whales and Lions Tell Us is part of SF Climate Week. 5:45-8 pm at Frontier Tower
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Urban Wildlands — Center for Biological Diversity @urbanwildlands.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
California has recognized the state's most struggling mountain lion populations as a threatened species. Now what? calmatters.org/commentary/2...
calmatters.org
Opinion | California safeguards pumas as federal rules fail to protect their habitat
The state placed six mountain lion species on the threatened list, so road and land developers must evaluate projects to not isolate pumas.
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Reposted by Urban Wildlands — Center for Biological Diversity
Center for Biological Diversity @biologicaldiversity.org · 24/03/2026
We are saddened to share an update about two CA mountain lion kittens that were orphaned when their mom was struck on a freeway last fall: they have sadly succumbed to a similar fate. Improving existing barriers and getting more wildlife crossings on our roads could have prevented these deaths.
voiceofoc.org
Lack of Fencing Along Ortega Highway Kills Two More Mountain Lions in OC
Orange County's mountain lions face increasing dangers from road crossings, with three protected lions killed in six months.
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Urban Wildlands — Center for Biological Diversity @urbanwildlands.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
Excellent case study on why gutting the California Environmental Quality Act harms some communities more than others. #CEQAProtectsUsAll @calmatters.org's piece explains why #SB131 needs to be fixed. calmatters.org/commentary/2...
calmatters.org
Opinion | Small California communities deserve protection from big polluting manufacturers
Lawmakers passed exemptions for advanced manufacturing in CEQA, the state’s main environmental law. Now they should plug some of those holes.
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Urban Wildlands — Center for Biological Diversity @urbanwildlands.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing is an important step in addressing a key barrier to wildlife movement. The @biologicaldiversity.org is proud to support this project. Crossings help species like mountain lions move safely across the landscape and they protect us from collisions with wildlife.
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Urban Wildlands — Center for Biological Diversity @urbanwildlands.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
We applaud state officials for granting endangered species protections to imperiled pumas. Let's now work on a recovery plan to prevent local extinction!
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Urban Wildlands — Center for Biological Diversity @urbanwildlands.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
Today's vote to give six CA mountain lion populations Endangered Species Act protections shows that conservation work takes time, effort and widespread support. But boy is it worth it!
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Center for Biological Diversity @biologicaldiversity.org · 12/02/2026
Huge win for California mountain lions: Today they were granted protection under the state #EndangeredSpeciesAct 🙌🐾 Now, six populations within Southern #California and the Central Coast will receive much-needed protections under the Act. More info on this win for the wild ➡️ bit.ly/4tzC4FI
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Urban Wildlands — Center for Biological Diversity @urbanwildlands.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
Tiffany Yap, science director at @biologicaldiversity.org explains to @calmatters.org why today’s vote is so important. “These populations are facing an extinction vortex. We need these protections to get more connectivity on our roads.” calmatters.org/environment/...
calmatters.org
Caged by concrete, killed by cars: California moves to save coastal mountain lions from extinction
Isolated by freeways and cities, coastal mountain lions risk inbreeding to extinction. The state just gave them new protections.
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Urban Wildlands — Center for Biological Diversity @urbanwildlands.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
Breaking: The California Fish and Game Commission voted to protect mountain lions from the Bay Area to the Mexico border. This is fantastic news for the imperiled puma populations! biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press...
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Urban Wildlands — Center for Biological Diversity @urbanwildlands.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
Important news this wk on mtn lions. A CA commission is set to vote on declaring SoCal & Central Coast pumas threated under the state Endangered Species Act. This could be a new chapter for the beleagured cats. Find out mtg deets, how to comment on Thurs. biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press...
biologicaldiversity.org
California Commission to Vote Thursday on Permanent Mountain Lion Protections
Center for Biological Diversity: Decision Would List Central Coast, Southern California Pumas
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Urban Wildlands — Center for Biological Diversity @urbanwildlands.bsky.social · 31/01/2026
Fantastic news! For years, Tribal members, neighbors & nature lovers have voiced concerns about the proposed 400+ acre mining operating. Now the land, a sacred Amah Mutsun Tribal Band site, is permanently protected. @kurtisalexander.bsky.social reports. www.sfchronicle.com/california/a...
sfchronicle.com
Land trust buys scenic Bay Area ranch, halting controversial plan for a quarry
One of the South Bay’s largest remaining private rural properties will be protected from new development — and plans for a quarry will be scrapped.
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Reposted by Urban Wildlands — Center for Biological Diversity
Center for Biological Diversity @biologicaldiversity.org · 28/01/2026
Tiffany Yap, our Urban Wildlands Science Director, was quoted by the @sfchronicle.com saying: “We can coexist. We have incredible biodiversity. We have coyotes. We have native butterflies. We have so much life, and we can do more to support it with our parks and green space.” ⬇️
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Urban Wildlands — Center for Biological Diversity @urbanwildlands.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
Even in a big city like San Francisco, there's wildlife all around us. Here's to keeping California wild for this mountain lion and other species! www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/m...
sfchronicle.com
S.F. mountain lion tranquilized, will be released into wild
San Francisco officials have apprehended a young mountain lion that had been roaming an area near Lafayette Park for the last 30 hours.
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Urban Wildlands — Center for Biological Diversity @urbanwildlands.bsky.social · 23/01/2026
CA officials will soon consider giving permanent protections to Central Coast & Socal pumas. We hope they make the right call so we can get more wildlife crossings and make our iconic landscapes more wildlife friendly. www.latimes.com/california/s...
latimes.com
Baby mountain lion found with 'concerning' injuries in middle of L.A. County roadway
Officials have captured a juvenile mountain lion that was spotted injured in the middle of a thoroughfare in Castaic.
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Urban Wildlands — Center for Biological Diversity @urbanwildlands.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
We have wonderful news to share! The CA Dept. Fish & Wildlife is recommending that pumas from Bay Area & Central Coast and SoCal received state Endangered Species Act protections. The @biologicaldiversity.org petitioned to protect these majestic cats. biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press...
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Reposted by Urban Wildlands — Center for Biological Diversity
Center for Biological Diversity @biologicaldiversity.org · 07/11/2025
For nearly two decades the Center has used its voice to speak on behalf of wild places, endangered species, clean water and clean air, working to protect California's great biological diversity and dynamic ecosystems and helping keep the state the extraordinary place that we all want it to be.
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Urban Wildlands — Center for Biological Diversity @urbanwildlands.bsky.social · 06/11/2025
The California Environmental Quality Act is being attacked by special interest groups and lawmakers, including Gov. Newsom. But what actually is CEQA and what does it do? Here we bust some myths.
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Urban Wildlands — Center for Biological Diversity @urbanwildlands.bsky.social · 16/10/2025
This tiny mouse is only found in Orange and San Diego counties. Read on to learn more about why the Pacific pocket mouse deserves more protections. fox5sandiego.com/news/pacific...
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Urban Wildlands — Center for Biological Diversity @urbanwildlands.bsky.social · 25/09/2025
We're calling on Calif. Fish & Game Commission to protect the western spadefoot. These frogs were once common in CA but their habitat is under threat. Spadefoots rely on vernal pools but unfortunately these seasonal wetlands are under development pressure. biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press...
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Urban Wildlands — Center for Biological Diversity @urbanwildlands.bsky.social · 18/09/2025
We've reached an agreement with a Coachella Valley warehouse developer to bring rooftop solar & EV infrastructure to a Thousand Palms project. This is a big improvement from the original project, which would have brought 500 diesel truck trips a day to area. biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press...
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Urban Wildlands — Center for Biological Diversity @urbanwildlands.bsky.social · 12/09/2025
CEQA has taken a beating this year from politicians like @governor.ca.gov and @scottwiener.bsky.social. But the more we exempt CEQA for pet projects, the more likely it is we’ll lose the open landscapes and amazing biodiversity the law was meant to protect. www.montereyherald.com/2025/09/10/g...
montereyherald.com
Guest commentary: Central Coast has much to lose if CEQA rollbacks stay
If S.B. 131 is left unchanged, we’ll also see unchecked development on endangered species habitat at a time when the environment is already under attack from a hostile Trump administration.
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Urban Wildlands — Center for Biological Diversity @urbanwildlands.bsky.social · 09/09/2025
CA legislators this wk could consider a trailer bill to #FixSB131, a dangerous piece of legislation that gives a free pass to manufacturing projects and development on endangered species habitat. Let's hope our officials make the right call and protect #CEQA. capitolweekly.net/lets-seize-o...
capitolweekly.net
Let’s seize opportunity to fix CEQA - Capitol Weekly
OPINION – Sacramento gets a bad rap for its slow bureaucracy. But when it comes to dismantling environmental protections, it can operate at lightning speed.
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Urban Wildlands — Center for Biological Diversity @urbanwildlands.bsky.social · 08/09/2025
Californians, we need you to call Senate President Pro Tempore Mike McGuire at 916-651-4002, and urge him to #FixSB131. The next 24 hours is crucial. SB 131 opens the door to advanced manufacturing and development on endangered species habitat to skip crucial environmental review.
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Urban Wildlands — Center for Biological Diversity @urbanwildlands.bsky.social · 06/09/2025
It's crucial lawmakers in Sacramento amend and #FixSB131 by Sept. 12, otherwise dangerous projects can be approved without the necessary environmental study. Read more on how SB 131 harms endangered species habitat. biologicaldiversity.org/programs/urb...
biologicaldiversity.org
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Urban Wildlands — Center for Biological Diversity @urbanwildlands.bsky.social · 06/09/2025
Californians, we need your help! Call Assembly Speaker Rivas 916-319-2029 to #FixSB131. This bill allows advanced manufacturing projects & development on endangered species habitat to skip environmental review. Tell Assembly leadership we need science-based review on potentially harmful projects.
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Reposted by Urban Wildlands — Center for Biological Diversity
Ian James @ianjames.bsky.social · 20/08/2025
Gov. Newsom is pushing to build a water tunnel in the Delta. A new state report calls it the “single most effective” action to adapt the water system to climate change. Opponents are touting a new analysis that says the costs would be much higher than state estimates. www.latimes.com/environment/...
latimes.com
Newsom says California needs to build a water tunnel. Opponents argue costs are too high
Gov. Gavin Newsom is pushing his proposal for a 45-mile water tunnel beneath California's Delta, saying it's vital for the state. Opponents argue the cost to ratepayers would be excessive.
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Urban Wildlands — Center for Biological Diversity @urbanwildlands.bsky.social · 27/08/2025
When projects on wildlife corridors violate state law, we sue. Read more about our latest lawsuit against Twentynine Palms.
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Urban Wildlands — Center for Biological Diversity @urbanwildlands.bsky.social · 25/08/2025
Whether we like it or not, AI has snuck their way into our phones and lives. The data centers that support AI are loud, polluting operations that use an enormous amount of water to cool servers. Worst part is, we subsidize them with higher electricity bills. www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/open...
sfchronicle.com
There goes the neighborhood: AI data centers are moving in
OPINION: “Big Tech companies are forcing us to live with new technologies… but these innovations mean nothing if we let the digital world destroy the natural world.”
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Urban Wildlands — Center for Biological Diversity @urbanwildlands.bsky.social · 20/08/2025
This luxury glamping resort just outside of Joshua Tree National Park is a bad idea. We want visitors to enjoy the great outdoors but not if it destroys precious desert tortoise habitat and wildlife corridor. That's why we're suing. biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press...
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Urban Wildlands — Center for Biological Diversity @urbanwildlands.bsky.social · 20/08/2025
Lawmakers are back in Sacramento. Their 1st action should be to amend SB131. This trailer bill allows advanced manufacturing projects and development on endangered species habitat to be approved WITHOUT environmental study. Tell your reps to #FixSB131 sites.biologicaldiversity.org/california-e...
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Urban Wildlands — Center for Biological Diversity @urbanwildlands.bsky.social · 13/08/2025
Question for Californians: DYK lawmakers quietly passed S.B. 131, which would allow development on endangered species habitat and advanced manufacturing facilities to skip environmental review? Tell your representative that when they get back from recess next week they need to FIX S.B. 131.
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Urban Wildlands — Center for Biological Diversity @urbanwildlands.bsky.social · 12/08/2025
We've secured conservation for 3,700+ acres in Lake County as part of the Guenoc Valley project agreement. That's permanent protection for habitat of western pond turtles and other wildlife. Read ahead to learn about other climate measures in the pact. lakeconews.com/news/82335-e... 📸: Rick Swart
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Mary K. Reinhart @mkreinhart.bsky.social · 31/07/2025
Great @nytimes.com story by @dmain.bsky.social on @biologicaldiversity.org report showing the cruelty and stupidity of Trump's latest border wall in one of the most biodiverse regions in the US www.nytimes.com/2025/07/31/c...
nytimes.com
Trump Wants a New Border Wall. It Would Block a Key Wildlife Corridor.
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Urban Wildlands — Center for Biological Diversity @urbanwildlands.bsky.social · 29/07/2025
Her generosity and vision inspires all of us to do the hard work of restoring the natural world. Thank you, Wallis Annenberg, and all the wildlife in need of connected landscapes are grateful, too!
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Urban Wildlands — Center for Biological Diversity @urbanwildlands.bsky.social · 23/07/2025
In the years since we've been fighting to protect the Kern River, the waterways have been gone from free-flowing to bone dry with thousands of dead fish. Now the CA Supreme Court is taking our case. biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press...
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Urban Wildlands — Center for Biological Diversity @urbanwildlands.bsky.social · 18/07/2025
City of Santee in San Diego skipped a thorough environmental review and bypassed voters for exurban sprawl. That's why we're challenging Fanita Ranch (again.) fox5sandiego.com/news/local-n...
fox5sandiego.com
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Urban Wildlands — Center for Biological Diversity @urbanwildlands.bsky.social · 28/06/2025
In the 11th hr, @cagov.bsky.social put a poison pill in the CA budget to eviscerate the state's premier environmental protection law. The @biologicaldiversity.org believes protections for wildlife & frontline communities are important. If you agree, tell your representatives to oppose the budget.
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