The 2017-18 Budget: Resources and Environmental Protection

Feb 15, 2017 - The estimated construction and equipment costs for the project have increased by $53  million since 2015 ‑ 16 —from $360  million to $413  million. According to ARB, the major factors that contribute to the higher cost estimates are: Grading and Roadways —$21  Million.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/3558

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

Feb 17, 2026 - To achieve budgetary savings, the 2025-26 budget eliminated 4,994 vacant state government positions, reducing annual costs by about $360  million on an ongoing basis. These savings included about $130  million General Fund, with the remainder from special funds.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5124

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 Salton Sea: A Status Update

Aug 29, 2018 - The Salton Sea is California ’s largest inland lake, stretching about 35 m iles long and up to 15 m iles wide, with a water surface of approximately 360 square miles —almost twice the surface area of Lake Tahoe.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/3879