Environment and Natural Resources Publications

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Letter

LAO's Critique of the AB 32 Scoping Plan Economic Analysis

November 21, 2008 - We were asked to report on the draft scoping plan of the Air Resources Board (ARB) for implementation of the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (Chapter 488, Statutes of 2006 [AB 32, Núñez]). We conclude that (1) the scoping plan’s overall emissions reductions and purported net economic benefit are highly reliant on one measure—the Pavley regulations, (2) the plan’s evaluation of the costs and savings of some recommended measures is inconsistent and incomplete, (3) Macroeconomic modeling results show a slight net economic benefit to the plan, but ARB failed to demonstrate the analytical rigor of its findings, (4) economic analysis played a limited role in development of scoping plan, and (5) despite its prediction of eventual net economic benefit, the scoping plan fails to lay out an investment pathway to reach its goals for GHG emissions levels in 2020.

Report

California’s Water: An LAO Primer

October 20, 2008 - California’s water delivery system is facing a series of challenges due in part to a combination of increasingly variable weather conditions, legal requirements, and system operation and conveyance constraints. These challenges affect water availability, reliability, and delivery. Recent public and private efforts have sought ways to address these challenges. These measures include proposals to increase water through groundwater storage, surface storage, infrastructure changes, and system operation improvements, among others. This report provides, through a “quick reference” document relying heavily on charts to present information, a snapshot of water in California, including: (1) An Overview of California’s Water Governance; (2) Water Supply, Source, and Delivery; (3) How Do We Finance Water Projects? (4) What Drives the Cost of Water?, and (5) Issues for Legislative Consideration

Handout

Proposition 10—The California Renewable Energy and Clean Alternative Fuel Act (Bond Measure)

September 11, 2008 - Presented to Assembly Committee on Natural Resources, Assembly Committee on Utilities and Commerce, Senate Committee on Energy, Utilities and Communications

Handout

Proposition 7—The Solar and Clean Energy Act of 2008

September 11, 2008 - Presented to Assembly Committee on Natural Resources, Assembly Committee on Utilities and Commerce, Senate Committee on Energy, Utilities and Communications

Handout

ABx2 8—Safe, Clean, Reliable Drinking Water Supply Act of 2008

August 26, 2008 - Presented to Assembly Special Committee on Water

Handout

LAO Alternative: Department of Water Resources—LAO Recommended Proposition 84/1E Flood Management Alternative

June 17, 2008 - Item Number 3860, Agenda Pages: 155 and 156 Department of Water Resources—LAO Recommended Proposition 84/1E Flood Management Alternative

Handout

Informational: Department of Water Resources—Proposition 84/1E Integrated Regional Water Management

June 17, 2008 - Department of Water Resources—Proposition 84/1E Integrated Regional Water Management

Handout

Informational: Proposed Appropriations From AB 118 Monies

June 13, 2008 - Informational: Agenda Pages 120, 146, 165, 167, 168, and 369. Items 3360-001-3117, 3790-001-0001, 3900-001-0044, 3900-001-3119, and 6870-111-0001. Proposed Appropriations from AB 118 Monies (Chapter 750, Statutes of 2007, Núñez)

Handout

LAO Compromise: Department of Parks and Recreation. State Park System Funding

June 13, 2008 - LAO compromise for Item 3790 of the 2008 Budget Conference Committee (pages 099, 101, 302).

Handout

LAO Compromise: Funding Wildland Fire Protection

June 12, 2008 - LAO Compromise for Items 0690-001-0001, 0690-011-0214, 3540-001-0001, 3540-001-1014,3540-001-3063, 8940-001-0001, and 8940-001-0217

Handout

2008-09 Cal-EPA Budget Overview

May 13, 2008 - Presented to Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 2 On Resources, Environmental Protection, and Energy

Handout

State Water Resources Control Board: Governor’s General Fund Budget Proposal

April 23, 2008 - Presented to Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Resources

Handout

Groundwater Management and Drinking Water Quality Issues

April 23, 2008 - Presented to Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Resources

Handout

2008-09 CALFED Budget Overview

April 14, 2008 - Presented to Senate Budget and Fiscal Review, Subcommittee No. 2. (Includes small revisions compared to the April 9th handout presented to the Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Resources.)

Handout

2008-09 CALFED Budget Overview

April 9, 2008 - Presented to Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Resources

Environment and Natural Resources Staff

Helen Kerstein
(916) 319-8364
Forestry, Parks, and High Speed Rail
 
Sonja Petek
(916) 319-8340
Water, Coastal Development, and Fish and Wildlife
 
Frank Jimenez
(916) 319-8324
Highways and Roads, Recycling, Agriculture, and Toxics
 
Sarah Cornett
(916) 319-8329
Air Quality, Energy, and Climate Change
 
Rachel Ehlers
(916) 319-8330
Deputy Legislative Analyst: Environment and Transportation