As a nation, and as a state, we’ve arrived at a fork in the road. The path we follow will decide what we leave behind for our children and grandchildren.
We could double down on our past decisions to continue drilling, mining and developing every possible stretch of our lands and waters in search of ever-diminishing returns.
Or we could go a different way. We know our natural areas and outdoor spaces bring countless benefits for Nevada’s people and economy, and our future is in jeopardy if we don’t protect and restore our lands and waters.
Instead of a 19th century mindset, we should embrace a 21st century approach that accelerates the pace of conservation, safeguards our public lands and expands access to these places for every resident in this state.
Those are goals I’ve worked toward in the Nevada Legislature, and that’s why I’m supporting a national effort to conserve and restore at least 30% of America’s lands and waters by 2030. Recently, I had the opportunity to join a leader of this effort, Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., at a virtual event alongside fellow Nevadans who are working to carry out this 30x30 vision.
Udall, the author and lead sponsor of the Thirty by Thirty Resolution to Save Nature, describes it like this: “We must set a national goal of protecting and restoring 30% of our lands and ocean by 2030 to stem the collapse of our natural world. This is the mass mobilization we need — the collective action that will save the planet.”
Nevada’s abundance of public lands gives us the opportunity to lead the 30x30 effort. From Red Rock Canyon to Lake Tahoe — and all the majestic landscape in between — our outdoor spaces are the envy of the world. In addition to bringing us health and happiness, Nevada’s protected places support a booming outdoor recreation economy that generates $12.6 billion annually and supports 87,000 direct jobs.
A new report from the Hispanic Access Foundation and Center for American Progress found that communities of color are three times more likely than white communities to live in nature-deprived places. These disparities are partly the result of discrimination, economic segregation and dispossession of lands, and are particularly alarming as we face the coronavirus pandemic. Clean air and water, and safe outdoor spaces to enjoy nature, are more important than ever. We must ensure that every community can access parks and natural areas.
The work to conserve and restore Nevada’s lands is far from over, and federal and state governments must do so alongside local communities and tribal nations who know better than any politician these places, including the cultural sites, the hunting areas, the hiking spots, and the watersheds, where we should be focusing our efforts to protect.
I hope all Nevadans will join me in this effort to accelerate conservation. Together, we can preserve our biodiversity, expand access to recreation and health benefits it brings, grow Nevada’s economy, and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
Howard Watts III was elected to the Nevada Assembly in 2018. He serves the 15th District.