The 2022-23 Budget: Clean Energy Package

Feb 22, 2022 - The other largest pieces of funding —the equitable building decarbonization programs —target one of the largest sources of statewide GHG  emissions. Furthermore, these programs would focus on existing buildings, which represents the vast majority of building ‑related emissions and pose some of the most significant challenges to building decarbonization.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4554

New Infrastructure Legislation: Summary and Issues for Legislative Oversight

Aug 8, 2023 - Specifically, it authorizes DWR and Caltrans to use the progressive design-build procurement process for the construction of up to eight large public works projects per department. Under the progressive design-build procurement process, a single entity typically designs and constructs a project, and the construction price is determined through negotiation.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4785

The 2026-27 Budget: Proposition 4 Spending Plan

Feb 10, 2026 - This  bond measure builds on significant funding for climate ‑related programs —principally from the General Fund —the state has made in recent years. This brief begins with background on Proposition  4, including a description of the first year of implementation funding authorized by the 2025 ‑26 budget package.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5115

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

May 27, 2025 - Building in California Is Hard and Some State Laws Might Warrant Updating, but Relaxing Laws for Individual Projects Should Be Done Carefully. Some of California ’s laws and regulations make building infrastructure projects —particularly big and complex projects like the DCP —difficult, often delaying the project and/or making it costlier.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5053

Assessing Early Implementation of Urban Water Use Efficiency Requirements

Jan 4, 2024 - Identify All “Disclosable ” Buildings and Report Information About These Buildings. Proposed regulations would require suppliers to identify certain large CII buildings that are considered disclosable according to the California Code of Regulations.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4823

Overview of New Updates to the Cap-and-Invest Program

Dec 9, 2025 - For  instance, the newly envisioned Climate Bureau ’s usefulness is likely to be enhanced if its activities are directed to high ‑priority topics and if it is created such that it can build a reputation as a credible source of timely analyses.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5097

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

Feb 10, 2026 - Through the earthquake monitoring network, the state keeps the earthquake early warning system operational and identifies weaknesses in critical infrastructure, which also helps inform building design and codes.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5116

Living Under Smoky Skies—Understanding the Challenges Posed by Wildfire Smoke in California

Nov 14, 2022 - Legislative Considerations for Building on Existing Efforts. Given the significant health and other impacts of wildfire smoke —particularly on those who are vulnerable due to their age, health status, or socioeconomic factors —the Legislature may want to consider what additional steps, if any, it would like to take to build on existing efforts.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4644

The 2023-24 Budget: California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s Major Capital Outlay Proposals

Feb 21, 2023 - According to the department, the cost increases have resulted from various factors, including supply chain delays and inflationary pressures (such as increases in lumber costs, transportation costs, and construction wages), and the update of several building code cycles.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4693

The 2021-22 Spending Plan: Natural Resources and Environmental Protection

Oct 18, 2021 - The budget provides $75  million to CEC to expand the existing Building Initiative for Low-Emissions Development (BUILD) program. The BUILD program provides incentives to construct new residential buildings as all-electric or with energy storage systems.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4463