Our Mission, Vision, and Values
In 1965, a group of citizens stood up to the environmental destruction following uncontrolled development throughout the state. They formed the Planning and Conservation League (PCL) to prevent nonstop development from further devastating California’s air, lands, and waters, and to protect all those who call it home.
From our founding in 1965, when the environmental movement was just starting to focus on the Capitol, PCL remained at the forefront of California environmental policy. We are proud to have led the creation of some of the state’s most crucial environmental laws and policies, including the California Coastal Act, the Integrated Waste Management Act, and the California Environmental Quality Act.
Learn more about PCL’s history.
As far back as 1967, PCL was officially recognized by Resolution of the California State Legislature, stating that our “participation on every key environmental issue before the State Legislature has demonstrated PCL’s effectiveness in preserving the quality of life for all Californians.” To this day, we work to uphold this mission, preserving and protecting California’s land, water, air, habitats, and communities.
We give all of California a voice in policy it might not otherwise have. We speak for you and the environment in the halls of California’s Capitol to protect the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, and the land we love. PCL and all of our members support effective planning for California’s future and are committed to seeing conservation thrive in California.
What We Stand For
The Planning and Conservation League is committed to protecting and restoring California’s natural environment, and to promote and defend the health and safety of Californians through legislative and administrative action.
We envision a California in which all residents are connected with their government, working together to shape our state into the worldwide leader in sustainable and thriving communities and ensuring a healthy environment and sound economy for all.
PCL's Values
Stewardship
Protecting and restoring our ecosystems and environments is not just our goal, it our duty to the planet and to our future generations.
Collaboration
PCL recognizes the immense power of relationships, building broad-based coalitions, and empowering local communities to collectively defend our shared environment.
Equity
Environmental harms do not impact communities evenly. PCL prioritizes equity and nuanced environmental decision-making in the path toward a better future.
Accountability
We take ownership of our own actions and demand the same from others – key to tackling the most pressing environmental issues facing California today.
Visionary Thinking
PCL works to develop innovative and forward-thinking solutions as we strive to make California a national and global model of sustainability.
Education
We are committed to informing the public, policy-makers, and stakeholders about California’s environmental needs and best solutions.