The 2017-18 Budget: Resources and Environmental Protection

Feb 15, 2017 - In this report, we assess many of the Governor's 2017-18 budget proposals in the resources and environmental protection areas and recommend various changes. We provide a complete listing of our recommendations at the end of this report.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/3558

The 2026-27 Budget: Proposed Elimination of State Environmental Positions

Feb 17, 2026 - For example, at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), positions include game wardens who prov ide important law enforcement and wildlife and resource protection services. Some CDFW positions also administer various permits, a key function to ensure that projects —from habitat restoration to infrastructure and housing development —can be completed with less damage to the environment.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5124

Improving Outcomes for California Conservation Corpsmembers

Feb 9, 2018 - Re ‑establish geographic parity of residential programs whereby there are residential centers within the most heavily populated areas of the state. Demonstrate correlation of expansion of residential facilities with expanded enrollment and increased reimbursement opportunities.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/3742

The 2022-23 Budget: Pesticide Enforcement

May 5, 2022 - To maintain parity, we recommend the Legislature set the new maximum penalties at a comparable level to those it  establishes for other DPR administrative penalties. This could include approving the Governor ’s proposed penalty levels or establishing somewhat higher or lower thresholds.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4592

The 2026-27 Budget: Framework for Approaching the Natural Resources, Environmental Protection, and Agriculture Budget

Feb 10, 2026 - Adequate staffing for the museum will allow it to open to the public on time and with the appropriate maintenance, especially as the number of visitors to Expo Park increases in advance of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5116

The 2025-26 California Spending Plan: Natural Resources and Environmental Protection

Oct 16, 2025 - Assembly Bill 149 exempts from CEQA the construction of temporary facilities for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games and also exempts any temporary Olympics facility located in the coastal zone from having to obtain a coastal development permit.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5080

Living Under Smoky Skies—Understanding the Challenges Posed by Wildfire Smoke in California

Nov 14, 2022 - For example, one 2022 study found a relationship between wildfire smoke levels and poorer cognitive performance on a brain‑training game, and another 2022 study found a link between smoke exposure and lower test scores.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4644

The 2023-24 Budget: California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s Major Capital Outlay Proposals

Feb 21, 2023 - Specifically, the CFTC ‑Ione master plan that the Legislature funded in the 2022 ‑23 Budget Act is intended to provide insights into the expansion capacity at that facility. As noted above, this assessment is still in progress.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4693

Reducing the Destructiveness of Wildfires: Promoting Defensible Space in California

Sep 30, 2021 - A key strategy for reducing home losses during wildfires is for homeowners to maintain an area free of excess or dead vegetation around their homes, known as defensible space.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4457

Improving California's Forest and Watershed Management

Apr 4, 2018 - This report consists of five sections. First, we review the importance of and benefits provided by California’s forests. Second, we provide information regarding how forests are managed in California, including ownership, state and federal policies and programs, and funding.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/3798