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

Feb 10, 2026 - We also highlight ways the Legislature could consider modifying certain proposals —such as by shifting their fund source or downsizing their scope —if it finds a compelling rationale for their support but is constrained by the General Fund condition.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5116

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

Feb 17, 2026 - The final budget agreement instead eliminated fewer positions (4,994) and provided the Legislature additional time to review 1,009 additional positions which we refer to as “residual: ” (1)  those associated with implementing legislation chaptered in 2022 and 2023 across numerous departments, and (2)  all of those in nine specified departments which we highlight in Figure  1.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5124

The 2025-26 Budget: Cap-and-Trade Reauthorization and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund Proposals at May Revision

May 19, 2025 - Our report highlights a variety of options for modifying the cap-and-trade program depending on legislative policy priorities, including through changing the design of the program and/or directing the use of the value of the program’s allowances.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5049

Assessing California’s Climate Policies—Cap-and-Trade Reauthorization

May 7, 2025 - Addressing Potential Legislative Priorities In this section, we highlight three potential legislative priority areas for the future of cap ‑and ‑trade: GHG emission reductions, affordability, and other various goals.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5042

The Salton Sea: A Status Update

Aug 29, 2018 - We conclude by highlighting some key issues for the Legislature to monitor in the coming years to ensure the state is effectively meeting its goals for the Salton Sea. Overview of the Salton Sea History of the Salton Sea.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/3879

The 2025-26 Budget: Proposition 4 Spending Plan

Feb 12, 2025 - They also are highlighted in the bond ’s requirements about targeting certain shares of funding to benefit vulnerable populations and disadvantaged and severely disadvantaged communities. In addition, the Legislature made bond expenditures subject to annual legislative appropriation (rather than continuously appropriating the funds), which gives it the chance to stay actively involved in directing funds to meet its priorities.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4958

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

Mar 18, 2026 - We then discuss key findings about the current draft plan update, highlighting the potential benefits of VAs, key uncertainties about implementation of VAs, questions about the potential effectiveness of VAs or regulatory changes to protect native fish, and the urgency of board action.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5163

The 2023-24 Budget: Crafting Climate, Resources, and Environmental Budget Solutions

Feb 22, 2023 - As highlighted above, along with the proposed reductions, the Governor ’s budget also includes a few notable new General Fund spending proposals, including for flood management activities and CalFire capital outlay projects.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4692

Improving Outcomes for California Conservation Corpsmembers

Feb 9, 2018 - Below, we highlight a few of the main factors that contribute to the high percentage of corpsmembers who separate from the CCC prior to completing a year of service. CCC Actively Recruits At ‑Risk Youth.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/3742

What Can We Learn From How the State Responded to the Last Major Drought?

May 13, 2021 - Figure   3 o n the next page shows the 13 different state departments that received a share of the funding highlighted in Figure  1, along with a description of the major drought response activities they undertook.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4429