Environment and Natural Resources Publications
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State Oil Spill Preparedness and Response
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February 21, 1990 - In this analysis, we review the history of major offshore oil spills near California and the efforts to ensure a reasonable level of safety and environmental protection in this area. We then contrast this with the current system to handle smaller, mostly onshore oil spills in the state. Finally, we present some alternatives to consider in attempting to improve this system.
Air Quality Improvement: An Alternative Strategy
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February 21, 1990 - In this analysis we review command and control regulatory policies (CCR), examine the deficiencies of CCR policies, present an overview of incentives-based regulation (IBR) and discuss specific IBR policies.
State Asbestos Abatement Programs
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February 1, 1989 - State Asbestos Abatement Programs
Solid Waste Management in California
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February 1, 1989 - Solid Waste Management in California
Implementing the California Clean Air Act
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February 1, 1989 - Implementing the California Clean Air Act
An Evaluation of the State's Alternative Energy Finance Program (Safe-Bidco)
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January 1, 1989 - This report, submitted pursuant to the Supplemental Report of the 1988 Budget Act, contains our findings and recommendations concerning the State Assistance Fund for Energy, California Business and Industrial Development Corporation (SAFE-BillCO). Specifically, the Supplemental Report directed our office to evaluate SAFE-BillCO's performance in meeting its original statutory goals and to determine the cost-effectiveness of providing financial assistance to small businesses through the use of federal loan guarantees as opposed to other forms of state assistance.
A Status Report on Proposition 65--The Safe Drinking Water And Toxic Enforcement Act Of 1986
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February 1, 1988 - A Status Report on Proposition 65--The Safe Drinking Water And Toxic Enforcement Act Of 1986
The Safe Drinking Water Bond Program: A Review
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January 1, 1988 - The Safe Drinking Water Bond program provides grants and low-interest loans to assist local water suppliers in meeting minimum drinking water standards. This report presents our findings and recommendations regarding the bond program as required by Section 13819(d) of the Water Code, which was added by the Safe Drinking Water Bond Law of 1984 (Ch 378/84).
The Public Utilities Commission: A Review of Regulatory Fee Funding
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January 1, 1988 - This report is submitted pursuant to Chapter 323, Statutes of 1983. This legislation requires the Legislative Analyst to (1) evaluate the effectiveness of regulatory fees as a method of funding the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and (2) recommend whether regulatory fee funding for the PUC should be continued, amended, or repealed. Chapter 1 describes the PUC's regulatory fee system. Chapter 2 provides the major arguments for and against the use of regulatory fees and contains our recommendation on the commission's ongoing funding source. Chapter 3 describes other issues related to the PUC's regulatory fee structure.
A Review of the State's Plan to Integrate Hazardous Materials Databases
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September 1, 1987 - This report contains our findings and recommendations regarding the hazardous materials integrated data system proposed by the Environmental Affairs Agency (EAA) pursuant to the review requirements specified in Ch 1559/85 (AB 2184).
Leaking Underground Tank Cleanup Pilot Program
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May 21, 1987 - Statement of the Legislative Analyst's Office to the Senate Toxics and Public Safety Management Committee.
Hazardous Waste Site Cleanup Strategy
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February 1, 1986 - Hazardous Waste Site Cleanup Strategy
Alternative Energy Equipment Investments: The Effects of Rapid Amortization
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December 1, 1985 - Assembly Bill 2893 required the Legislative Analyst's office to submit to the Legislature a report on alternative energy equipment investments in California. This report must evaluate the measure's effects on both state revenues and taxpayers, determine the conditions under which the investment incentive of rapid amortization is maximized, and provide data on the number and kind of alternative energy equipment facilities that have been established in California.
Cogeneration Equipment Investments: The Effects of Rapid Amortization
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June 1, 1985 - In 1980, the California Legislature enacted AB 1404 (Chapter 1328, Statutes of 1980), which shortened the time period over which certain cogeneration equipment can be depreciated for California tax purposes. Specifically, AB 1404 provides that certain cogeneration equipment placed in service before January 1, 1986, can be depreciated over either a one-year or five-year period when the equipment is located in-state, and over a five-year period when the equipment is located out-of-state. Prior to AB 1404, the amortization period for cogeneration equipment corresponded to the useful economic life of the equipment. This could be as much as 20 years or more.
An Analysis of California's Tax Credit for Solar-Powered Irrigation Pumping Systems
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May 1, 1985 - Chapter 906, Statutes of 1980 (SB 1687), established a special state tax credit to encourage the installation of solar-powered irrigation pumping systems. This report has been prepared in response to the requirement set forth in Chapter 906. The report (1) describes solar-powered irrigation pumps; (2) summarizes existing state and federal tax provisions aimed at encouraging their installation; (3) analyzes the basic economics and cost-effectiveness of these systems, and (4) discusses both the costs to the state and the statewide benefits resulting from the tax credit.
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