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

Feb 17, 2026 - For example, at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), positions include game wardens who prov ide important law enforcement and wildlife and resource protection services. 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

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

Mar 19, 2026 - As the budget picture becomes more clear in the next few months, we recommend the Legislature decide whether the merits of these proposals outweigh the resulting additional pressure on the General Fund both in 2026-27 and out-years.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5167

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

Nov 14, 2022 - For example, one 2022 study found a relationship between wildfire smoke levels and poorer cognitive performance on a brain‑training game, and another 2022 study found a link between smoke exposure and lower test scores.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4644

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

Feb 10, 2026 - Adequate staffing for the museum will allow it to open to the public on time and with the appropriate maintenance, especially as the number of visitors to Expo Park increases in advance of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5116

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

Mar 18, 2026 - VAs would become binding commitments —not voluntary —upon SWRCB ’s adoption of the updated Bay ‑Delta Plan. (The term “voluntary ” derives from the fact that the parties came together voluntarily to develop an alternative approach.)
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5163

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

Dec 9, 2025 - Certain Effects of Legislation Will Become Clearer Over Time and Will Depend on CARB Decisions. Accurately predicting the net effects of the extension of the cap ‑and ‑invest program on the Legislature ’s key policy priorities —such as GHG reduction and affordability —is difficult, if not impossible.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5097

The 2024-25 Budget: Insolvency Risks for Environmental and Transportation Special Funds

Feb 27, 2024 - For example, the DPR Fund and HWCA are projected to become insolvent within the budget year and therefore require urgent intervention. In contrast, ELPF and MVA likely will be able to use reserves to support anticipated expenditures through 2024 ‑25 but could become insolvent the following year.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4858

The 2024-25 Budget: Salton Sea Management Program

Feb 26, 2024 - Specifically, as the Sea evaporates and salinity and other toxic elements become more concentrated, conditions become increasingly inhospitable for the fish upon which migratory birds depend as a source of food.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4859

The 2025-26 Budget: Cap-and-Trade Expenditure Plan

Feb 12, 2025 - Additionally, we recommend that the Legislature consider updated information on the condition of the General Fund as it becomes available over the coming months before it finalizes its GGRF spending plan.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4960

The 2023-24 Budget: CalRecycle’s Zero Waste Plan Proposal

Feb 28, 2023 - Plan Could Become Quickly Outdated Given Recently Enacted Legislation. As mentioned above, recently enacted legislation has significantly expanded the department ’s responsibilities for certain waste streams.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4719