Lawmakers

Californian Assemblymember Ash Kalra has put forward a resolution encouraging residents to eat a more sustainable and healthy vegan diet. The resolution, ACR 279, explains that California is already leading the way in terms of environmental protection, animal welfare, and the fight against climate change. But now, the document notes, more attention needs to be given to encourage people to adopt sustainable plant-based diets. "California continues to lead the nation in adopting practices and policies to protect and preserve the environment and natural resources," states the resolution. "As the world's population continues to grow, California should continue to demonstrate how the world's population can reduce its impact on the environment." It continues, "A growing amount of research has demonstrated the health, environmental, and humane benefits of a plant-based diet." The resolution, which details the particular health benefits of a plant-based diet, such as lowering cancer risks, has been praised by the nonprofit organization the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM). In a statement on the PCRM website, Susan Levin, M.S., R.D., the director of nutrition education for the committee says, "Kudos to Assemblymember Ash Kalra for encouraging Californians to eat more plant-based meals. ACR 279 is just the prescription California needs to protect the health of both humans and the environment." In the past few months, California has made a number of significant legislative steps toward protecting the environment, animals, and the health of its people. In June, reports surfaced that the Californian Senate had passed a bill discouraging the use of driftnets, helping to protect marine life, such as turtles and sperm whales, who are often caught up in the nets as bycatch. Again in June, the state moved closer to banning animal-tested cosmetics as the California Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act cleared the Senate. If passed by the Assembly and the Governor, California will be the first in the U.S. to pass a bill of this nature. Further, California made history once again in June when the state Senate unanimously voted in favor of vegan meals in prisons. "Offering plant-based meal options is a great way to give people healthy choices and reduce food-related greenhouse gas emissions," said Senator Nancy Skinner. "But most importantly, I want to make sure we're being fair and giving those in institutional settings food options that meet their individual needs."

California Lawmaker Introduces Resolution Urging Residents to Adopt a Sustainable Vegan Diet