California's Budget Undercuts Climate Change Policy

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger cultivates the image of a climate change warrior. But the state budget he signed this week portrays very different priorities.

1 minute read

July 30, 2009, 2:00 PM PDT

By Paul Shigley


The state spending plan approved by lawmakers eliminates state funding for transit operations and shifts $2 billion away from urban redevelopment. The governor, though, went further by eliminating all but $1,000 of funding for the state's biggest anti-sprawl program.

You would think that public officials worried about climate change would want to limit sprawl and its correlated traffic and greenhouse gas emissions. But considering the governor's budget-slashing, the question now is whether the program, which provides tax breaks to agricultural landowners who do not develop their property, will survive at all.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009 in California Planning & Development Report

Aerial view of homes on green hillsides in Daly City, California.

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A recent ranking of “declining” cities heavily features some of the most expensive cities in the country — including New York City and a half-dozen in the San Francisco Bay Area.

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California Exodus: Population Drops Below 39 Million

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Median Home Prices Top $1 Million in Over 200 California Towns

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LA County Receives Reconnecting Communities Grants

Seven grant awards totaling $162 million will be used for planning, capital projects, and regional partnerships to reduce environmental harm and improve access in disadvantaged communities.

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Seine Pollution Could Hinder Olympic Swim Events

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