David Alvarez Proposes Faster Distribution of Prop. 4 Climate Funds
TL/DR –
Assemblymember David Alvarez is advocating a proposal to expedite the release of Proposition 4 funds over a year after voters approved the largest climate bond in California history. Alvarez introduced Assembly Bill 35, which seeks to cut certain regulations tied to Prop. 4 to rapidly distribute billions of dollars approved for water improvements and wildfire and drought preparedness plans. The proposed legislation, which has gained support from both Democrats and Republicans, has the potential to expedite climate project funding by 12 to 18 months.
Proposal to Expedite Prop. 4 Climate Bond Funding
Assemblymember David Alvarez is driving a proposal to expedite the disbursement of Prop. 4 funds. Prop. 4, California’s largest climate bond to date, was approved by voters over a year ago.
Aiming to reduce the bureaucracy associated with Prop. 4, Alvarez introduced Assembly Bill 35. The bill aims to cut certain regulations, thus accelerating the allocation of billions of dollars for water improvements, wildfire, and drought preparedness plans.
The bill, already approved by the Assembly Appropriations Committee, proposes to exempt Prop. 4 funds from Administrative Procedure Act review, a process that often causes lengthy delays.
California voters have approved several multibillion-dollar bonds over the past two decades, some of which have been delayed by regulatory obstacles that increase costs. Alvarez maintains his bill is a priority for addressing sewage pollution in the Tijuana River, which impacts his district.
The bill, which has attracted support from environmental groups and local governments, could expedite funding of other climate projects by 12 to 18 months. There is no formal opposition as yet.
For the climate bond, the largest slice of the pie, $3.8 billion, has been approved to upgrade drinking water systems and boost drought resistance.
Critics of the climate bond were skeptical about the debt burden on taxpayers, potential project delays, and the lack of funding accountability. Prop. 4 is expected to cost taxpayers $16 billion over 40 years, according to a legislative analysis.
Assemblymember Alvarez believes that voters approved Prop. 4 expecting swift action on climate-related issues and his bill aims to fulfill that expectation. AB 35 is set for a floor vote in the Assembly next week.
State Senate Opposition and Support
The state Senate opposition, led by Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones, a San Diego Republican, criticized Prop. 4 in 2024 and its subsequent earmarks. However, Jones is among 30 bipartisan co-authors of the bill, stating, “Its purpose is to eliminate delays and waste in getting these processes removed.”
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