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

Feb 10, 2026 - The administration clearly crafted these proposals with careful consideration of the budget condition in mind and by using a discerning set of standards. That said, the Legislature may choose to set its “bar ” for approving funding for new activities at a different level —either because of differing priorities, or by necessity based on its overall strategy to address the evolving budget condition.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5116

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

Feb 17, 2026 - In contrast, maintaining special-funded positions would have no direct impact on the General Fund condition. We recommend the Legislature maintain the special-funded environmental positions it identified in its review (216 of the total 349).
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5124

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

Feb 24, 2026 - In light of these factors and the constrained state budget condition, we recommend the Legislature reject the proposal. Background State Trying to Meet Ambitious Climate Goals and Strict Air Pollution Requirements.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5140

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

Feb 10, 2026 - Very High Bar for Approving New Proposals Under Current Budget Conditions. We also believe the Legislature should apply a very high bar to its review of new spending proposals, whether from the General Fund or GGRF.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5114

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

Mar 18, 2026 - These permits often include conditions —such as diversion limits or implementing habitat improvements —to minimize the incidental “take ” (killing or harm) of state ‑listed threatened or endangered species.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5163

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

Mar 19, 2026 - However, Current General Fund Condition Means Spending Augmentations Will Require Additional Budget Solutions. Taken together, this set of proposals represents a new ongoing General Fund commitment. While we find that the proposals have merit, like all other General Fund augmentations they must be considered in the context of the state ’s projected multiyear structural deficits —which are estimated to range from about $20  billion to $35  billion annually.  
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5167

The 2026-27 Budget: California Public Utilities Commission’s Implementation of AB 1207

Feb 10, 2026 - In light of the state ’s budget condition —and as we discuss in greater detail in our recent publication, The 2026-27 Budget: Framework for Approaching the Natural Resources, Environmental Protection, and Agriculture Budget —we recommend the Legislature apply a very high bar to its review of new proposals.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5120

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

Feb 24, 2026 - These refineries can shift production between these two types of fuels with relative ease depending on market conditions, as the industrial processes for producing RD and SAF are similar, using the same feedstocks and much of the same equipment.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5139