Environment and Natural Resources Publications

Promoting Electric Reliability; Recent State Actions

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August 29, 2023 - Presented to: Senate Committee on Energy, Utilities and Communications

Leveraging Federal Climate Funding; Recent State Actions

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August 29, 2023 - Presented to: Joint Legislative Committee on Climate Change Policies

Overview of California Ports

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August 17, 2023 - Presented to: Assembly Select Committee on Ports and Goods Movement

New Infrastructure Legislation: Summary and Issues for Legislative Oversight

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August 8, 2023 - The Legislature recently adopted a package of bills aimed at expediting infrastructure projects. In this post, we provide a summary of the key components of the bills that comprise this infrastructure package, including provisions related to legislative oversight. We conclude by identifying key issues for the Legislature to consider as it oversees the implementation of this legislation.

Governor’s Infrastructure Proposals: Issues for Legislative Consideration

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June 8, 2023 - Presented to: Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Water

The 2023-24 Budget: Improving Legislative Oversight of CalFire’s Emergency Fire Protection Budget

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May 1, 2023 - In this brief, we discuss the design of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection's budget for emergency wildfire response, known as the Emergency Fund (E-Fund). We also provide recommendations for modifying the structure of the E-Fund to enhance legislative oversight and control over department expenditures, while preserving necessary budgetary flexibility.

Cap-and-Trade Spending Overview

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March 30, 2023 - Presented to: Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 2 on Resources, Environmental Protection and Energy

The 2023-24 Budget: Proposed Energy Policy Changes

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March 10, 2023 - This brief considers the Governor’s proposals to (1) establish a new central procurement role for the state to secure energy resources, and (2) require electric utilities that experience energy deficiencies to make payments for state-operated emergency backup electricity resources.

The 2023-24 Budget: Cap-and-Trade Expenditure Plan and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund Revenue Estimates

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March 2, 2023 - This post summarizes the Cap-and-Trade Expenditure Plan and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund revenue estimates.

The 2023-24 Budget: Crafting Climate, Resources, and Environmental Budget Solutions (Presentation)

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March 2, 2023 - Presented to: Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 2 on Resources, Environmental Protection, and Energy

The 2023-24 Budget: Department of Water Resources

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March 2, 2023 - This brief analyzes the Governor’s budget proposals for the Department of Water Resources related to flood management and ongoing implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act.

The 2023-24 Budget: California Volunteers Proposed Program Expansions

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March 1, 2023 - This brief reviews proposals to expand two California Volunteers programs: The Youth Jobs Corps and Climate Action Corps.

Overview of Climate, Resources, and Environmental Budget Proposals

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March 1, 2023 - Presented to: Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Climate Crisis, Resources, Energy, and Transportation

Assessing California’s Climate Policies—The 2022 Scoping Plan Update

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March 1, 2023 - Presented to: Senate Environmental Quality Committee Joint Legislative Committee on Climate Change Policies Assembly Committee on Natural Resources

The 2023-24 Budget: CalRecycle’s Zero Waste Plan Proposal

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February 28, 2023 - In this brief, we analyze the Governor’s 2023-24 budget proposal to provide funding from various special funds for the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery to develop and implement a zero waste plan.

Updated (3/2/23): Date of SB 54 requirement was corrected.