California could soon add extra protections for wildlife. In the wake of a mystery spill that affected birds on the Bay, two local lawmakers are stepping in to make sure if similar situations happen in the future, they'll be able to better protect the animals.
It's all about the money and it's all about helping agencies like the International Bird Rescue organization in Fairfield. This is in response to the birds that were recently found in the bay covered in a mystery goo. Officials figured out the hard way that the state has a system in place to respond and pay for an oil spill. But, there isn't money available to pay for a spill of any other substance. This placed a huge burden on the non-profit agencies trying to rescue these birds. More than 300 birds died in January when this unidentified goo was spilled into the Bay.
Lawmakers were surprised to hear there was no immediate state response and the non-profits were doing all the work and paying for it. They were able to save and release 154 birds. It cost the center in Fairfield $150,000.
Senators Mark Leno and Loni Hancock want to change that and want the state to help. They will hold a press conference on Monday to announce the bill.
Click here if you would like to make a donation.
PHOTOS: Clean seabirds released back into wild after being covered in mystery goo