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

Mar 18, 2026 - Although the Sacramento Superior Court rejected all 116 claims in March  2024, petitioners have since appealed the decision. Separately, SWRCB also agreed to evaluate whether VAs could serve as an alternative to the regulations.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5163

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

May 27, 2025 - In March  2024, the superior court denied the petitioners ’ combined 116 claims, ruling that SWRCB had complied with CEQA, the public trust doctrine, and other legal obligations. Another source of delay has been consideration of VAs.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5053

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

Oct 18, 2021 - The budget provides $137  million from the General Fund in 2021 ‑22 ($116  million and 591 positions ongoing) to support 16 new CalFire hand crews staffed by seasonal firefighters to undertake vegetation management and fuel reduction projects, and assist with wildfire suppression.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4463

The 2023-24 California Spending Plan: Resources and Environmental Protection

Oct 16, 2023 - The budget provides $118  million ($116  million from the General Fund and $2  million from reimbursements and special funds) on a one-time basis as well as 503.5 positions to augment fire protection resources, including crews staffed by CalFire and California Military Department personnel, from July through December 2023.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4807