$10 Billion Climate Bond to Appear on California's November Ballot

Voters will decide on Proposition 4, a climate bond to fund critical state environmental initiatives, including water projects, wildfire risk reduction, sustainable agriculture, and parks to help the state meet its climate goals.

2 minute read

August 29, 2024, 9:00 AM PDT

By Clement Lau


View from the summit of Hazard Peak in Montana de Oro State Park, San Luis Obispo County, California

Michael L. Baird / Wikimedia Commons

In November, California voters will decide on Proposition 4, a $10 billion climate bond designed to fund a variety of environmental initiatives, including water projects, wildfire risk reduction, coastal resilience, sustainable agriculture, and parks. The bond, which comes in response to recent state budget cuts affecting climate programs, has garnered strong support from environmental groups who argue that it is essential for achieving California's ambitious environmental goals, such as conserving six million acres of land by 2030. According to a recent survey, 59 percent of voters are likely to approve the bond, reflecting growing public awareness of the need for urgent climate action.

Assembly member Lori Wilson, one of the legislators who introduced the measure, noted that the decision to consolidate multiple bond proposals into a single $10 billion initiative was driven by concerns over inflation and voter willingness to support multiple bonds. The bond would be paid off over 40 years through California’s general fund, which is largely supported by tax revenue. Supporters emphasize that this funding is crucial not only for helping communities adapt to climate change but also for reducing climate pollution, both of which are necessary to protect the state from the worsening effects of the climate crisis.

Environmental advocates argue that the bond is vital for ensuring the state can meet its long-term environmental objectives, particularly in light of recent budget constraints. Katelyn Roedner Sutter of the Environmental Defense Fund warned that rejecting the bond could jeopardize California’s ability to address pressing climate challenges. As the impacts of climate change become increasingly apparent in the form of wildfires, extreme heat, and flooding, proponents believe that the bond will resonate with voters who recognize the need to protect their communities and the environment.

Tuesday, July 23, 2024 in Capital Public Radio

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Interior of Place Versailles mall in Montreal, Canada.

Montreal Mall to Become 6,000 Housing Units

Place Versailles will be transformed into a mixed-use complex over the next 25 years.

May 22, 2025 - CBC

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 28, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

White and yellow DART light rail train in Dallas, Texas with brick building in background.

DARTSpace Platform Streamlines Dallas TOD Application Process

The Dallas transit agency hopes a shorter permitting timeline will boost transit-oriented development around rail stations.

May 28, 2025 - Mass Transit

Rendering of protected bike lanes painted green in downtown Cleveland, Ohio with people and cars.

Downtown Cleveland Gets First Ever Protected Bike Lanes

The $200,000 “quick build” lanes are the first of 50 planned miles over five years.

1 hour ago - ideastream

Aerial view of Bend, Oregon.

Bend, Deschutes County Move to Restrict Major Homeless Encampment

City and county officials are closing off portions of an area known as Juniper Ridge where many unhoused residents find shelter, hoping to direct people to housing and supportive services.

May 30 - The Bulletin

Metro rail station in Mariachi Plaza with colorful glass pavilion in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, California.

High Housing Costs Driving Down Transit Ridership in LA

When neighborhoods gentrify and displace lower-income residents, transit ridership suffers, new research shows.

May 30 - CALmatters

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.