The Bay-Delta Plan and Voluntary Agreements: Ensuring Effective Legislative Oversight [Publication Details]

Mar 18, 2026 - This report discusses the State Water Resources Control Board’s (SWRCB’s) proposed—and long-overdue—update of the water quality control plan for the San Francisco Bay-Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, which includes an alternative compliance pathway for certain water users called voluntary agreements (VAs, also known as Healthy Rivers and Landscapes).
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/5163

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

Mar 18, 2026 - Two massive water infrastructure projects —the State Water Project (SWP) and the Central Valley Project (CVP) —move water from the Delta to Central and Southern California for municipal and agricultural purposes.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5163

The 2026-27 Budget: Proposition 4 Spending Plan

Feb 10, 2026 - Remaining funding will support state ‑led activities, such as deferred maintenance and wildfire resilience activities at state parks and projects at the Salton Sea. In addition, some key provisions apply to all programs and projects: At least 40  percent of total funds must go to projects that benefit vulnerable populations or disadvantaged
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5115

The 2026-27 Budget: Permitting Support at the State Water Resources Control Board

Mar 2, 2026 - Permits can be issued as a “general ” order that applies to a whole class of projects, or an individual order tailored to a specific project. Individual orders are more workload-intensive for the water boards.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5144

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

Feb 24, 2026 - Overall, these reductions would result in fewer state and local transportation projects being funded each year. Additionally, the administration projects the credit could grow over time, potentially reaching about $300  million annually —nearly doubling the reductions and corresponding fiscal and programmatic impacts.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5139

The 2026-27 Budget: Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation Proposals

Mar 19, 2026 - For example, the Legislature and Governor have tasked the office with additional responsibilities to develop statewide guidance on complying with CEQA and to review applications for projects seeking streamlined CEQA processes.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5167

The 2026-27 Budget: Cap-and-Invest Expenditure Plan

Feb 10, 2026 - This  includes an expected entering fund balance ($250  million), as well as projected GGRF interest income ($500  million). The estimated  GGRF  entering fund  balance is higher than previously anticipated for a couple of reasons, including (1)   a new proposal to undo the $81 million MVA transfer that was approved in the 2025‑26 budget agreement, as the administration
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5114

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

Feb 10, 2026 - The  budget proposes $14  million one time from the General Fund for required habitat mitigation projects associated with Sacramento ‑San Joaquin Delta levee projects. State law requires mitigation when a project disturbs or destroys habitat.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5116

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

Feb 17, 2026 - Some CDFW positions also administer various permits, a key function to ensure that projects —from habitat restoration to infrastructure and housing development —can be completed with less damage to the environment.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5124