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October 17, 2019 - The 2019-20 budget includes over $12 billion for the state’s natural resources and environmental protection programs. This post describes budgetary actions related to the annual cap-and-trade expenditure plan, support for a new safe and affordable drinking water program, funding for a variety of wildfire prevention and response activities, as well as other significant changes.
June 21, 2019 - Recent catastrophic wildfires caused by utilities in California have caused tens of billions of dollars in property damage. Under current legal standards, these damages will directly lead to increased costs for utilities, which could be passed on to ratepayers. Moreover, the recognition of increased potential costs associated with wildfire risks has affected the credit markets, contributing to one investor owned utility (Pacific Gas and Electric) declaring bankruptcy, as well as credit downgrades for other utilities. These credit effects will make it more difficult and expensive for utilities to secure financing for capital investments, which will also increase costs for ratepayers, as well as potentially affect other policy goals. The goal of this report is to be a resource for policymakers and the public seeking to better understand the complicated issues surrounding utilities and the costs associated with wildfire risks.
May 31, 2019 - Presented to: Budget Conference Committee
May 31, 2019 - Presented to: Budget Conference Committee
May 9, 2019 - Assembly Governmental Organization Committee And Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee
April 30, 2019 - Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee
April 4, 2019 - Presented to Senate Budget and Fiscal Review, Subcommittee No. 2 on Resources, Environmental Protection, Energy and Transportation
March 27, 2019 - Presented to Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Resources and Transportation
March 26, 2019 - Presented to Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Water
March 7, 2019 - Presented to: Senate Budget and Fiscal Review, Subcommittee No. 2 on Resources, Environmental Protection, Energy and Transportation
March 6, 2019 - Presented to: Assembly Committee on Governmental Organization and Senate Committee on Governmental Organization
March 6, 2019 - Presented to: Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Resources and Transportation
February 20, 2019 - Presented to: Senate Environmental Quality Committee
February 14, 2019 - In this report, we assess several of the Governor’s budget proposals in the natural resources and environmental protection areas. Based on our review, we recommend various changes, as well as additional legislative oversight. We provide a complete listing of our recommendations at the end of this report.
February 13, 2019 - Presented to: Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 3 on Resources and Transportation and Assembly Committee on Natural Resources