Legislative Analyst's Office, December 2002

California's Economy and Budget in Perspective

2002 Cal Facts Program Trends Part 6: Resources

Population Centers Rely Heavily On Water Imported From Other Regions of the State

• Four of the state's ten water basins depend significantly on water imported from other regions of the state. These four basins, which are largely urbanized and/or agricultural regions in the central and coastal parts of the state, account for almost half of urban and agricultural water use statewide.
• As the state's water supply largely originates in its northern region, extensive surface water projects (dams, reservoirs, and aqueducts) have been built, supplying about 68 percent of statewide urban and agricultural water use.

State Failing Ozone Standard, But Air Quality Improving in Most Regions

• Although ozone concentrations (a key component of smog) have decreased in most air basins since 1990 reflecting increasingly stringent air pollution controls, most of the state did not attain the state's air quality standard for ozone in 2000. Ozone levels and progress made to improve air quality vary regionally.

Per Capita Electricity Consumption Projected to Increase

• Per capita electricity consumption declined dramatically in 2001 due to conservation and price increases, as well as a general slowdown in the economy. Per capita consumption of electricity is projected to increase, but should remain significantly below the nationwide average—currently over 10 megawatt-hours (MWh) per person annually.
• Total electricity consumption is also projected to increase, growing an average of 2.6 percent annually over the next eight years due mainly to population growth and a projected economic recovery.

Wildland Fire Is a Particular Risk In Many Areas^a

• A significant portion of the state is at risk from wildland fire. This includes about five million acres that are of special concern due to the presence of structures, a history of fire, and conditions on the ground favorable to wildland fire (vegetation, slope, and forest health).
• Areas of special concern are scattered throughout the state, with concentrations in the populated areas around the coastal and interior ranges of Southern California, the hillsides surrounding the San Francisco Bay, and the foothills of the Sierra Nevada.
• Wildland fire protection in a majority of these areas is a joint state and local responsibility.

^aAreas characterized by a history of fire, conditions on the ground favorable to wildland fire, and the presence of structures.

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