Peace 4 Animals Co-Sponsors New California 'No Deforestation Policy' That Could Save Many Endangered Species from Extinction in the Wild

LOS ANGELES, March 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Animal welfare organization Peace 4 Animals announced this morning that it is co-sponsoring AB 572, The California Deforestation-Free Procurement Act; a critical bill designed to combat threats, such as climate change and the palm oil industry. This important legislation will save rainforests and precious endangered species such as: orangutans, tigers, rhinos, and elephants that call them home. 

This marks Peace 4 Animal's first official co-sponsorship of a California state bill.

AB 572 calls for all California state contracts involving forest-risk commodities, such as palm oil, soy, cattle, rubber, paper/pulp and timber, to require their suppliers to have a No Deforestation, No Peat, No Exploitation (NDPE) policy. 

"I have long advocated for change in the palm oil industry and bring an impassioned and unique perspective to this issue, as I have experienced the devastation of the palm oil industry first-hand," said Katie Cleary, founder of the nonprofit and its breaking animal news network World Animal News. "Most recently, during a life-changing trip to Borneo and Sumatra while filming my new documentary 'We Are One,' where we successfully rescued an orangutan that was four months pregnant with the help of The Orangutan Information Center from a palm oil/rubber plantation." 

Cleary's work to enact change in the palm oil industry began six years ago when Peace 4 Animals created the "Palms Off Palm Oil" campaign to educate the public about the severe ramifications of buying products containing unsustainable palm oil and encouraging local grocery stores to stop selling it.

"Extinction is permanent," continued Cleary, who also serves as a Social Compassion In Legislation board member working to ensure the passage of key legislation such as AB 572. "When a species is wiped out, it's forever. With this important bill, California has the chance to stop contributing to this global epidemic, encourage ethical purchasing, and help restore a healthier planet that includes the protection and preservation of our world's most iconic animals."

Assemblymember Ash Kalra of San Jose authored the bill. Co-sponsors also include Social Compassion in Legislation (SCIL) and Friends of the Earth.

About Katie Cleary

Katie Cleary is an international model, award-winning producer and a leader in the animal welfare community who spends her time helping animals around the world. She is the founder of Peace 4 Animals, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting wildlife, companion animals, and advocating for a plant-based lifestyle. She is the creator of World Animal News, delivering breaking news to readers worldwide. She is also the executive producer of the 2015 documentary, "Give Me Shelter," which premiered on Netflix. She is currently working on her second documentary, "We Are One," which highlights the leaders around the world who dedicate their life to protecting animals. 

For further information or to schedule a time to speak with Katie Cleary, please contact Lauren Lewis at [email protected] or (818) 970-0052.

SOURCE Peace 4 Animals