Environment and Natural Resources Publications
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LAO Review of Proposed Hearst Ranch Conservation Transaction
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August 6, 2004 - In a letter to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee dated August 3, 2004, we raise a number of significant concerns about the proposed allocation of state bond and other funds for a conservation-related transaction concerning the Hearst Ranch property in San Luis Obispo County. In particular, we find that the level of resource protection provided by the transaction needs strengthening and greater certainty. We make recommendations to improve the state's oversight of the enforcement of the terms of the transaction to ensure that the state's significant investment is adequately protected in perpetuity.
Proposition 50 Resources Bond: Funding Eligibility of Private Water Companies
May 14, 2004 - The implementation of the Proposition 50 resources bond has raised the issue of whether private water companies should be eligible for these funds. We identify several legal, tax, and policy issues for legislative consideration in evaluating this issue. We recommend that the Legislature declare its policy position on this matter. Our review concludes that the broad public purpose of Proposition 50 bond funds would be served by including private entities as eligible recipients of such funds.
Governor's 2004-05 Budget Proposal: Resources Bonds
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April 29, 2004 - Presented to: Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 2 on April 29, 2004
2004-05 Budget Overview: Resources and Environmental Protection
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March 18, 2004 - Presented to the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee Number 2.
California Teleconnect Fund: An Assessment
February 18, 2004 - The Governor's budget proposes a significant reduction in expenditures for the California Teleconnect Fund (CTF) program, which provides discounts on telephone service and other advanced telecommunication services that provide access to the Internet (such as digital subscriber line [commonly referred to as DSL] services) to schools, libraries, and qualifying hospitals and community-based organizations. While we have concerns regarding the operation of the current program, we find this underfunding to be contrary to legislative direction. To address this, we recommend the California Public Utilities Commission report at budget hearings on the projected funding requirements of the program in the budget year. Furthermore, if the CTF program requires additional funding in 2004-05, we identify options for the Legislature to consider to provide additional funding for the program.
State Park Services: Potential for Increased Private Sector Partnership
February 18, 2004 - We find other park jurisdictions contract with the private sector for the delivery of types of services not contracted out by the Department of Parks and Recreation. We recommend a pilot program to further explore the pros and cons, as well as the costs and benefits, of expanding these public-private partnering activities in state parks.
Governor’s Resources Bond Expenditure Proposal
February 18, 2004 - The Governor has deferred the submittal of most of his resources bond expenditure proposals to later in the spring, leaving major gaps in programs traditionally funded from bond funds. We provide a framework to assist the Legislature in evaluating the forthcoming bond proposals; this includes ensuring that the Governor’s proposals reflect legislative priorities for bond funding.
California Power Authority: Where Now?
February 18, 2004 - The budget proposes eliminating the California Consumer Power and Conservation Financing Authority (CPA). Although CPA has been unable to fulfill its core mission to finance new power plants, this has largely been due to market conditions. Given significant uncertainties regarding the adequacy of the state’s energy supply to meet future demand, we think retaining some of CPA’s functions (either within or outside CPA) has merit
Timber Harvest Fee Proposal Should Go Further
February 18, 2004 - The budget proposes to impose a new fee on timber owners to partially cover the costs incurred by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDFFP) in its review and enforcement of timber harvest plans (THPs) beginning in the current year. While this is a step in the right direction, we recommend the enactment of fee legislation that would go further by fully funding the costs of CDFFP and all other state agencies with THP review responsibilities.
State’s Approach to Flood Management Should Be More Strategic
February 18, 2004 - Development in and around floodplains has contributed to increased losses due to floods, but the state’s efforts to improve floodplain management have been reduced significantly in recent years. We recommend reducing the state’s share of funding for certain flood control projects to better reflect the local benefit from these projects. This would create future savings that could be used to make more strategic flood management investments and benefit the General Fund.
CALFED Bay-Delta Program: At A Funding Crossroads
February 18, 2004 - The CALFED Bay-Delta Program—with a projected $6 billion funding gap—is at a funding crossroads. To date, the state has been the biggest funding contributor by far to the program, with federal and local governments and water users lagging in their support. We recommend a funding framework for CALFED that applies the beneficiary pays principle, including a fee on water users that take water from the Bay-Delta system.
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment History, Programs, and LAO Perspectives
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April 23, 2003 - Handout presented to Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3
2003-04 Budget Overview: Proposition 50 Bond Expenditures and the CALFED Bay-Delta Program
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April 3, 2003 - Presented to Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 2
Funding for Natural Resources And Environmental Protection Programs
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March 27, 2003 - Presented to Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Resources; Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee; Assembly Natural Resources Committee Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee
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