The 2017-18 Budget: Resources and Environmental Protection

Feb 15, 2017 - In addition, ARB estimates $2  million to $7  million in one ‑time staff relocation costs. LAO Assessment Alternative Fund Sources Might Be Available. We find that there are several important considerations when deciding how to fund this project.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/3558

Managing Floods in California

Mar 22, 2017 - Specifically, levees and weirs are used to direct waters out of river channels into large floodplains — “bypassing ” the normal path of the river —so the water can spread and the flow velocity can dissipate.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/3571

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

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

Feb 17, 2026 - This was one of the key arguments JLBC cited for opposing their permanent elimination. 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.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5124

The 2026-27 Budget: Proposed Zero-Emission Vehicle Incentive

Feb 24, 2026 - The Governor proposes $200  million on a one ‑time basis ($115  million from GGRF and $85  million from APCF), along with associated budget trailer legislation to create a new incentive program for light ‑duty ZEVs.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5140

Overview of New Updates to the Cap-and-Invest Program

Dec 9, 2025 - Our comments are not intended to serve as a comprehensive evaluation of these pieces of legislation and their potential impacts, but rather to provide some initial observations to assist the Legislature in its policymaking and oversight roles.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5097

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

Feb 10, 2026 - Expo Park proposes $96.5  million one time ($76  million General Fund and $20.5  million from the Exposition Park Improvement Fund) to repair the sidewalk curbs, streets, and walkways in the park ahead of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5116

The 2018-19 Budget: Fire Recovery Proposals

Mar 1, 2018 - The fire spread quickly due to strong winds and rugged terrain that made fire fighting difficult, eventually burning about 280,000 acres, destroying over 1,000 structures, and killing two people. We note that, in addition to the direct damage caused by the Thomas Fire, the fire also denuded hillsides.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/3767

The Bay-Delta Plan and Voluntary Agreements: Ensuring Effective Legislative Oversight

Mar 18, 2026 - Delta supply is one critical piece of the water supply puzzle for many California water users. When Delta supply is lower, for example, reliance on groundwater increases, which can exacerbate groundwater overdraft and land subsidence issues.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5163

The 2026-27 Budget: Proposed Zero-Emission Vehicle Incentive [Publication Details]

Feb 24, 2026 - In this piece, we review the Governor's proposal to provide $200 million to create a new point-of-sale incentive program for light-duty zero-emission vehicles.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/5140