The 2023-24 Budget: Crafting Climate, Resources, and Environmental Budget Solutions

Feb 22, 2023 - We recommend the Legislature develop its own package of budget solutions based on its priorities and guiding principles. Figure 4 highlights some of the criteria we suggest the Legislature use to guide its decisions.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4692

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

Dec 9, 2025 - Extension Helps Ensure Key Climate Strategy Can Continue … The continued operation of the cap ‑and ‑invest program through 2045, as authorized by A B  1207 , could be a key tool in helping the state achieve its climate goals cost ‑effectively.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5097

The 2022-23 Budget: Pesticide Enforcement

May 5, 2022 - This information could then be used to guide whether (and at what level) to continue funding these efforts. Recommendations Approve DPR Authority to Enforce Administrative Penalties for Pesticide Use Violations.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4592

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 2022-23 Budget: Wildfire Response Proposals

Jan 28, 2022 - The purpose of the plan would be to inform and guide state policymakers regarding the most effective strategies for responding to wildfires and mitigating wildfire risks. In particular, the plan should include guidance on future funding allocations to ensure the highest‑priority and most cost‑effective programs and activities receive funding and that the state supports an optimal balance of funding for resilience and response.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4504

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: Proposition 4 Spending Plan

Feb 10, 2026 - The bond measure includes a number of requirements to guide how funds are administered and overseen by about 30 different state agencies, departments, boards, commissions, conservancies, and offices.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5115

Options for Creating a Forestry Management Training Center

Jan 4, 2022 - This could be valuable given the limited information available around workforce gaps and the effectiveness of existing programs to guide decision ‑making. However, a downside to undertaking a pilot would be that it could be difficult to do for approaches that have large capital or other start ‑up costs.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4487

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

Feb 10, 2026 - Given the high stakes involved, it will be important for the Legislature to consider whether it is comfortable with deferring decisions on the structure of the credi ts to CPUC, as is envisioned in this proposal, or whether it would like to provide CPUC with further statutory direction to guide its approach.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5120

Cap-and-Invest: November 2025 Auction Update and 2026-27 Budget Context

Dec 9, 2025 - Starting in 2026-27, Allocation of Revenues Will Be Guided by New Legislation. Senate Bill 840 made various modifications to the allocation of GGRF revenues starting in 2026-27, such as (1)  changing some allocations from being set percentages of GGRF revenues to fixed dollar amounts and (2)  changing the order in which certain allocations are made.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5096