California lawmakers seek to speed up spending on voter-approved climate projects

Assemblymember David A. Alvarez introduced AB 35 to exempt Proposition 4 funds from the Administrative Procedure Act so $10 billion in voter-approved climate funding can be disbursed more quickly; the bill advanced from the Assembly Appropriations Committee and now awaits a floor vote.

Assemblymember David A. Alvarez introduced Assembly Bill 35 to speed the disbursement of $10 billion approved by voters under Proposition 4. The bill would exempt those funds from review under the Administrative Procedure Act, a step supporters say would shorten regulatory delays. Proposition 4 was approved by voters more than a year ago to fund water improvements, wildfire and drought preparedness, with $3.8 billion earmarked for drinking water systems and drought resistance. AB 35 advanced from the Assembly Appropriations Committee and awaits a floor vote. What is known now: - AB 35 would exempt Proposition 4 funding from review under the Administrative Procedure Act. - Supporters say the measure could speed funding for climate projects by about 12 to 18 months. - Alvarez has said the bill could provide up to $30 million for cleanup projects along the Tijuana River in his district. - The largest portion of the bond, $3.8 billion, is approved for drinking water system updates and drought resilience. - A legislative analysis estimates the bond will cost taxpayers about $16 billion to pay off over 40 years. - About $250 million from the $10 billion bond was previously allocated by lawmakers to district projects; AB 35 would not change those earmarks. Summary: If enacted, AB 35 would shorten certain regulatory reviews and could move Proposition 4 funds into projects sooner, particularly for water and local cleanup work. The bill has support from local governments and some environmental groups and was co-authored by members of both parties; it now awaits an Assembly floor vote.