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

New Infrastructure Legislation: Summary and Issues for Legislative Oversight

Aug 8, 2023 - Specifically, the legislation requires Caltrans to ensure that wildlife crossings are built at three priority locations along Interstate 15 if intercity passenger rail is constructed in the right-of-way, and allows Caltrans to contract with Brightline West to build the crossings.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4785

Managing Floods in California

Mar 22, 2017 - One example of an effort to enhance floodplain capacity is currently underway in West Sacramento. The Southport Levee Setback Project —a collaborative effort between the City of West Sacramento, the local flood control agency, the Department of Water Resources, and the U.S.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/3571

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