How California lawmakers are trying to speed up spending on voter-approved climate projects

"Assemblymember David A. Alvarez (D-San Diego) introduced Assembly Bill 35 to cut certain regulations tied to Proposition 4 to more quickly disburse the billions of dollars voters approved for water improvements, wildfire and drought preparedness plans. The bill, which advanced from the Assembly Appropriations Committee on Thursday, would exempt Proposition 4 funding from review under the Administrative Procedure Act, which dictates how state agencies follow rules and regulations and can cause lengthy delays in implementing programs."

"California voters have approved a slew of multibillion-dollar bonds over the last two decades, some of which have faced long delays from regulatory obstacles that balloon costs. Voters in 2014 approved Proposition 1, allocating $1 billion for a water storage project in the Sacramento Valley that remains under construction. A proposal to speed up building high-speed rail by streamlining permitting failed in the Legislature last year despite voter approval of the $10-billion bond to construct it nearly two decades ago."

Assembly Bill 35 would exempt Proposition 4 funding from review under the Administrative Procedure Act to accelerate disbursement of $10 billion for climate-related programs. The funds target water-system upgrades, wildfire and drought preparedness, and other resilience projects, with $3.8 billion designated for drinking water updates and drought resistance. The bill advanced from the Assembly Appropriations Committee and could speed funding by 12 to 18 months. The measure could provide up to $30 million for sewage cleanup near the Tijuana River, addressing pollution affecting border communities. Previous multibillion-dollar bonds experienced regulatory delays that raised costs and slowed projects.

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