In a win for outdoor access, on September 29, 2026, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed California's Outdoors for All Act, SB 1268, and called for greater federal investment to expand outdoor access nationwide.
The legislation, authored by Senator Lena Gonzalez, establishes California's Outdoors for All initiative in state law, making equitable access to parks and nature a lasting state commitment.
The law builds on California's efforts to address barriers that keep many residents from spending time outdoors, including the lack of nearby parks and the cost of reaching them. It requires the California Natural Resources Agency to implement the state’s Outdoors for All Strategy and ensure conservation strategies expand access and benefits for disadvantaged and low-income communities.
"This is a major victory for Californians and for the community advocates who have worked for years to expand access to the outdoors. Congress and the administration must build on this momentum with sustained investment in parks and outdoor access so more families across the country can experience the benefits of time in nature."
- Jackie Ostfeld, Director, Sierra Club Outdoors for All campaign
Federal leaders can and must follow the lead on these and other local achievements by increasing investment in community parks and ensuring agencies have the resources and staff to implement outdoor access programs. These investments should reach communities that have long lacked adequate access to safe, affordable places to spend time outdoors.
This victory was a coalition effort and is thanks to Senator Gonzalez, Governor Newsom, and all of the California organizations and community advocates who helped secure this achievement and advance the nationwide movement for Outdoors for All.