In the final hours of this year’s legislative session, the Legislature took action to protect and restore California’s state and local parks; coastal, forest, and other natural resources; and water quality and supply by passing SB 5 (de León) The California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access For All Act of 2018. Under the leadership of Senate Pro Tem Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles) and Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella), both the Senate and Assembly worked with the Governor’s administration to reach a deal on the $4 billion park and water bond proposal.
Funding provisions in SB 5:
Senator de León’s bill allocates $2.83 billion in funding for parks and natural resources projects including over $1 billion to local parks throughout the state with the majority going to fund new parks in neighborhoods that are park poor. The bill also provides critically needed funding to protect the state’s natural resources and wildlife with funding to protect coastal redwoods, Sierra forests, and rivers, lakes, and streams in all parts of the state.
SB 5 invests in improving California’s resilience to climate change. It includes a broad portfolio of investments that address the challenges to protecting our coastal resources and maintaining healthy natural systems that provide clean air and water.
The measure also allocates $1.27 billion in funding for water related investments including safe drinking water projects, groundwater cleanup and management as well as funding to better protect California communities from the twin threats of drought and flood. A more detailed breakdown of funding allocations in SB 5 is available here.
Looking forward:
CSG applauds Senator de León and Assemblymember Garcia for their tireless work on behalf of California’s communities and natural resources. SB 5 is the first park bond passed by the Legislature in fifteen years, and has more funding for conservation and natural resources than any previous legislative bond measure.
If signed by the Governor, SB 5 will appear on the ballot in June 2018. CSG is working with groups across California to develop a strong campaign to ensure the successful passage of this measure.
For additional information and assistance on SB 5, contact Joe Caves (joe@csgcalifornia.com) or Cynthia Vitale (cynthia@csgcalifornia.com) at 916-558-1516. To learn about other CSG projects and services check out www.csgcalifornia.com. To stay up to date on major policy issues in California, sign up for our Policy Blog emails here.