The 2019-20 Budget: Natural Resources and Environmental Protection

Feb 14, 2019 - Some of the key questions for the Legislature to explore in the coming months and years could include: State vs. Local Role. Which activities are appropriate for the state to undertake, and which should be local responsibilities?
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/3933

The 2018-19 Budget: Resources and Environmental Protection

Feb 14, 2018 - Specifically, we find that the proposal ( 1)  i s not evidence based; ( 2)  w ould not target high ‑risk, high ‑need individuals; ( 3)  w ould be unlikely to lead to employment for participants; ( 4)  w ould likely not be cost ‑effective; and ( 5)  i ncludes resources that are not fully justified.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/3747

Expanding Access to Safe and Affordable Drinking Water in California—A Status Update

Nov 10, 2020 - In particular, emerging issues the Legislature may want to monitor include ( 1)  w hether continued groundwater pumping practices will place additional water systems at risk of failing, and the degree to which implementation of the state ’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act will —or will not —mitigate these risks; ( 2)  w hether emerging drought conditions
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4294

The 2025-26 Budget: May Revision Trailer Bill Proposals on the Delta Conveyance Project and Water Quality Control Plans

May 27, 2025 - Understanding the impact of each individual change, how they interact, and the range of possible outcomes w ill be important. Our recommendation to defer action on this proposal reflects our view that the Legislature should have sufficient time to fully consider both the broader project and the proposal ’s specific provisions.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5053

Hydraulic Fracturing: How It Works and Recent State Oversight Actions

Dec 1, 2016 - Once the concrete has set, a perforated casing (called a liner) is placed at the bottom of the w ellbore in the oil or natural gas reservoir to allow the oil or natural gas to enter the well and be pumped up to the surface.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/3513

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

The 2024-25 Budget: CalFire—Implementation of a 66-Hour Workweek

Mar 19, 2024 - Also, because the proposal would result in higher overall staffing levels at CalFire, it could increase firefighting capacity and thus somewhat reduce the amount of overtime any individual firefighter might be asked to w ork.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4886

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

Evaluating California's Pursuit of Zero Net Energy State Buildings

Nov 14, 2017 - With regard to renewables, the analysis should compare solar PV (both state ‑owned and third party ‑owned ) w ith options for purchasing utility ‑provided renewable and conventional electricity. Identify Major Assumptions.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/3711

Improving Outcomes for California Conservation Corpsmembers

Feb 9, 2018 - For each professional training program, the department could measure the number of corpsmembers who ( 1)  s uccessfully complete the training and earn the relevant certification, ( 2)  f ind post ‑service employment in the areas of their CCC training, and ( 3)  e arn post ‑service income.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/3742