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.
February 21, 2014 - In this report, we analyze the Governor's 2014-15 budget for the state's resources and environmental protection programs. We review and make recommendations on a number of major policy proposals, including a review of the administration's recently released Water Action Plan as well as the proposal to reduce or eliminate several programs currently funded by the Beverage Container Recycling Fund (commonly referred to as the "bottle bill"). We find that these policy proposals are generally reasonable approaches, though we identify trade-offs in the proposals and offer recommendations for legislative consideration. The report also identifies several issues included in the Governor's budget that merit additional legislative oversight. This includes the proposal to provide the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection with a total of $43 million from the General Fund to address deferred maintenance backlogs. While we find that it makes fiscal sense to address deferred maintenance, there is uncertainty about what factors have contributed to the large backlogs, as well as how the state can best address maintenance needs on an ongoing basis.
December 8, 1998 - (Cal Update)
February 18, 1997 - Analysis of the 1997-98 Budget Bill, Resources Chapter
November 20, 2007 - Assembly Committee on Natural Resources Hon. Loni Hancock, Chair
November 29, 2007 - Presented to Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Water Hon. Darrell Steinberg, Chair Senate Committee on Governmental Organization Hon. Dean Florez, Chair
February 19, 1997 - Highlights of the Analysis and P & I 1997-98
February 22, 1995 - Analysis of the 1995-96 Budget Bill, Resources Chapter
October 18, 2021 - The 2021‑22 budget package provides a total of $21.7 billion from various fund sources—the General Fund, bond funds, and various special funds—for programs administered by the California Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Agencies. This is a net increase of $4.8 billion (22 percent) compared to 2020‑21 estimated expenditures.
Correction 10/22/21: Funding amount for CDFW has been corrected.
February 22, 1994 - Analysis of the 1994-95 Budget Bill, Resources Chapter
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.
May 22, 1991 - The purpose of this issue paper is to assist the Legislature in understanding the organizational and policy issues surrounding the state's environmental programs, and in evaluating how the specific reorganization proposals address these issues. In this paper we discuss how to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the state's environmental protection efforts through changes in the organization of environmental programs and through changes in the process for setting environmental protection priorities.