SACRAMENTO, CA – On April 21^st, 2026 Senator Lena Gonzalez’s (D-Long Beach) SB 1268, which would codify the Outdoors for All initiative in state law passed the Senate Natural Resources Committee on a 5-0 vote.

Califoria is home to hundreds of state, regional, and local parks and a nation-leading outdoor recreation industry. Yet access to the outdoors is not equal across different geographic areas, ethnicities, and income levels. In 2021, the state took a major step forward by launching the Outdoors for All initiative with an initial investment of over $1 billion, designed to increase access to the outdoors and prioritize underserved communities. Now, as the federal government repeatedly attacks public lands, deploys federal immigration agents to stage raids in public parks, and rolls back equity programs, it is more important than ever to strengthen the state’s commitment to outdoor equity and conservation.

As the world celebrates Earth Day, SB 1268 seeks to ensure that all communities have access to nature, parks, and open spaces, recognizing that spending time outside has important health benefits and inspires conservation and responsible stewardship of the environment. This bill will codify the Outdoors for All initiative and Deputy Secretary for Access at the California Natural Resources Agency in state law, require regular updates of the Outdoors for All strategy, and ensure opportunities for public feedback to continue progress on this important initiative and safeguard it against changes in federal and state administrations.

“Ensuring all Californians can enjoy the outdoors is key to building a strong, healthy California,” said Senator Lena Gonzalez. “As the federal government continues to threaten our public lands and create fear—especially among immigrant families—our commitment to equitable access must be stronger than ever. That is why this Earth Day, I’m proud to reaffirm my commitment to protecting access to the outdoors through SB 1268, ensuring all Californians feel safe, welcomed, and represented in our shared green spaces.”  

“Advancing true park equity drives progress across California’s biodiversity, public health, and conservation goals—but it requires consistent, long-term commitment,” said Pedro Hernández, California State Director of GreenLatinos. “At a time when federal actions threaten public lands, environmental protections, and equitable access to outdoor spaces, SB 1268 is a critical step in making the Outdoors for All Initiative permanent, reaffirming California’s leadership in protecting our natural and cultural resources while ensuring these spaces are inclusive, welcoming, and reflective of the state’s diversity.”

“Everyone deserves the opportunity to connect with nature and experience the many benefits it offers; from physical and mental well-being, to a sense of belonging. Latino Outdoors proudly supports SB 1268 because it brings us closer to closing the nature gap and expanding equitable access to the outdoors,” said Jazzari Taylor, Policy Advocate at Latino Outdoors. “This bill reflects California’s commitment to ensuring every community can thrive in and feel a sense of belonging in our shared natural spaces.” 

“California’s SB 1268 and the Outdoors for All initiative represent a critical investment in both our environment and our people. At the Conservation Corps of Long Beach, we see every day how access to outdoor spaces and hands-on environmental work can transform lives - especially for young adults from communities that have historically been left out of these opportunities,” said Dan Knapp, Executive Director and CEO of the Conservation Corps of Long Beach. “This initiative not only expands equitable access to nature, but also creates meaningful pathways into careers in conservation and climate resilience. We are proud to support SB 1268 because it aligns with our mission to prepare the next generation of leaders while building healthier, more sustainable communities across California.”

“Through our Outdoor Connections program, we see every day how transformative access to nature can be—for a child’s confidence, a family’s well-being, and a community’s connection to place,” said Carla Mena, Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs for Los Padres ForestWatch. “SB 1268 is essential because it addresses some of the barriers that have left low-income and underrepresented communities disconnected from public lands and ensures that access to these spaces is protected for generations to come.”

"Audubon California will always champion access to our state's incredible outdoor spaces, and we’re grateful to Senator Gonzalez for continuing California's leadership in outdoor equity and conservation,” said Mike Lynes, Director of Public Policy for Audubon California. “As original co-sponsors of the Equitable Outdoor Access Act in 2022, we are proud to support SB 1268 to expand green spaces, accessibility, and inclusion for all communities. Equitable access to the outdoors will mean healthier, happier Californians, and more avenues to experience the transformative joy of birds."

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Senator Lena Gonzalez proudly represents one million residents in California’s 33rd Senate District, which encompasses Southeast Los Angeles, the City and Port of Long Beach, Lakewood, Signal Hill, and Catalina Island. She serves as Chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus and is a dedicated advocate on key priorities that impact Californians from economic development and environmental justice to LGBTQ+ and women’s rights, digital equity and more. Senator Gonzalez has championed major policies, including broadband for all, expanding paid sick leave, advancing clean transportation incentives, and ending neighborhood oil drilling. She lives in Long Beach with her family. To learn more, visit www.sen.ca.gov/gonzalez.

GreenLatinos is an organization dedicated to advancing a California that meets the social, cultural, political, economic, and environmental needs of Latine, Indigenous, and other communities of color. Through advocacy at the local, state, and federal levels, the organization coordinates collective action, shares resources, and conducts research to address its most pressing priorities. 

Latino Outdoors inspires and connects communities to the outdoors, centering cultura, celebrating family and heritage, and uplifting our history and leadership as part of the outdoor experience.

For nearly 40 years, the Conservation Corps of Long Beach (CCLB) has been empowering young adults through paid job training, education, and hands-on service that strengthens local communities. Corpsmembers gain valuable work experience and industry-recognized certifications while completing projects focused on environmental conservation, public infrastructure, and community improvement. By combining workforce development with meaningful service, CCLB creates pathways to long-term careers while building a cleaner, safer, and more resilient Long Beach.

Los Padres ForestWatch is a community-based nonprofit organization that protects Los Padres National Forest and other public lands along California’s central coast.

Audubon California is a regional office of the National Audubon Society. The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come.