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

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

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

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

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

May 27, 2025 - If the state proceeds with the DCP, the proposed changes could speed up litigation over the project, which could in turn expedite construction and reduce costs (given that delays lead to inflationary cost increases).
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5053

Improving California's Forest and Watershed Management

Apr 4, 2018 - The state typically pays 75  p ercent of the overall costs of the project, but is authorized to pay up to 90  p ercent if the project meets certain criteria (such as responding to substantial fire damage).
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/3798

Reducing the Destructiveness of Wildfires: Promoting Defensible Space in California

Sep 30, 2021 - Large, destructive wildfires not only increase response costs, but can also result in significant costs to governments, private property owners, insurers, and others related to cleaning up damage and rebuilding homes and infrastructure.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4457

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

Feb 24, 2026 - Most recently, the federal Inflation Reduction Act included a tax credit of up to $7,500 per vehicle for the purchase of new light ‑duty ZEVs and up to $4,000 per vehicle for the purchase of used light ‑duty ZEVs.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5140

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

The 2026-27 Budget: Governor’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel Tax Credit Proposal

Feb 24, 2026 - The federal government also currently offers a tax credit of up to $1 per gallon for SAF that meets certain  requirements. The above policies work together to create a “stack ” of incentives for SAF production.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5139