In 1965, a group of citizens stood up to the uncontrolled development throughout the state, and the environmental destruction that accompanied it. They formed the Planning and Conservation League (PCL) to remedy the state’s fast paced development.

rural California ocean cliffs

Since then, PCL has literally changed the landscape of California through the sponsorship of bond measures that have preserved hundreds of thousands of acres of wilderness, miles and miles of sandy beaches and many square miles of habitat for endangered wildlife.

gavel and scales of justice

PCL has placed more initiatives on the statewide ballot than any other organization in California history. These successful bonds have generated more than $16 billion in new public financial resources for environmental protection, health, and transportation.

kids playing ball

PCL also played a key role in the passage of several legislatively sponsored park, environmental protection and water bonds, totaling more than $7 billion.

Working together with hundreds of partners, our collaborative successes include:

  • Establishment of a giant health and environmental fund based on tobacco taxes
  • Creation of the habitat conservation fund
  • Passage of the waste reduction act and bottle bill
  • The outlawing of mountain lion sport hunting
  • Establishment of the land conservation tax credit
  • Conception of the oil spill prevention program

We have been active for more than fifty years, winning major successes that protect California’s environment and communities. Read details in the Historic Timeline of PCL and the PCL Foundation.