Environment and Natural Resources

Preparing for Rising Seas: How the State Can Help Support Local Coastal Adaptation Efforts

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December 10, 2019 - This report responds to increasing legislative interest in determining how the state can best prepare for the impacts of climate change, including sea‑level rise (SLR).

Also see this Summary Fact Sheet for the report

Background on Public Safety Power Shutoffs

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November 18, 2019 - Presented to: Senate Energy, Utilities, and Communications Committee

The 2019-20 Budget: California Spending Plan—Resources and Environmental Protection

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October 17, 2019 - The 2019-20 budget includes over $12 billion for the state’s natural resources and environmental protection programs. This post describes budgetary actions related to the annual cap-and-trade expenditure plan, support for a new safe and affordable drinking water program, funding for a variety of wildfire prevention and response activities, as well as other significant changes.

Allocating Utility Wildfire Costs: Options and Issues for Consideration

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June 21, 2019 - Recent catastrophic wildfires caused by utilities in California have caused tens of billions of dollars in property damage. Under current legal standards, these damages will directly lead to increased costs for utilities, which could be passed on to ratepayers. Moreover, the recognition of increased potential costs associated with wildfire risks has affected the credit markets, contributing to one investor owned utility (Pacific Gas and Electric) declaring bankruptcy, as well as credit downgrades for other utilities. These credit effects will make it more difficult and expensive for utilities to secure financing for capital investments, which will also increase costs for ratepayers, as well as potentially affect other policy goals. The goal of this report is to be a resource for policymakers and the public seeking to better understand the complicated issues surrounding utilities and the costs associated with wildfire risks.

Cap-and-Trade Expenditure Plan

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May 31, 2019 - Presented to: Budget Conference Committee

Item 3940 and 8570 Safe and Affordable Drinking Water Program

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May 31, 2019 - Presented to: Budget Conference Committee

Overview of Flood Management in California

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May 9, 2019 - Assembly Governmental Organization Committee And Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee

Funding Water-Related Activities

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April 30, 2019 - Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee

Coastal Adaptation

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April 4, 2019 - Presented to Senate Budget and Fiscal Review, Subcommittee No. 2 on Resources, Environmental Protection, Energy and Transportation

Coastal Adaptation

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March 27, 2019 - Presented to Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Resources and Transportation

Climate Change and State Bonds

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March 26, 2019 - Presented to Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Water

Overview of Proposition 68

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March 7, 2019 - Presented to: Senate Budget and Fiscal Review, Subcommittee No. 2 on Resources, Environmental Protection, Energy and Transportation

Overview of Wildfire Budget and Technology Proposals

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March 6, 2019 - Presented to: Assembly Committee on Governmental Organization and Senate Committee on Governmental Organization

Overview of Proposition 68

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March 6, 2019 - Presented to: Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Resources and Transportation

Assessing California’s Climate Policies

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February 20, 2019 - Presented to: Senate Environmental Quality Committee