SACRAMENTO, Calif. — On Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, Californians will vote on 10 statewide ballot propositions. Each would be a new law that needs voter approval to take effect.
One of the state ballot measures, Proposition 4, would authorize the state to sell a $10 billion bond to pay for projects and activities related to conserving natural resources and addressing climate change.
What is Prop 4?
If passed, Prop 4 would authorize $10 billion in bonds to conserve natural resources and respond to the causes and effects of climate change.
The money would mainly be used for loans and grants to local governments, Native American tribes, nonprofit organizations and businesses.
To repay the bond, the state would pull about $400 million from the General Fund annually over a 40-year-period. This would be less than one half of 1% of the state's General Fund budget. The total cost would be about 10% more than if the state paid for the projects upfront, due to interest and inflation.
The funds would be used in several different areas, including efforts to:
- increase the amount and quality of water available,
- improve the health of forests and protect areas from wildfires,
- reduce risks from rising sea-levels,
- protect and restore natural areas,
- reduce the impacts of extreme heat,
- help farms become more sustainable, and
- support California's shift to renewable energy sources.
You can see a more detailed proposal for how the funds would be spent on the state's voter guide website.
What does a YES vote on Prop 4 mean?
A YES vote on this measure means the state could borrow $10 billion to conserve natural resources and fund projects that address the causes and effects of climate change.
What does a NO vote on Prop 6 mean?
A NO vote on this measure means the state will not borrow $10 billion to conserve natural resources and fund projects that address the causes and effects of climate change.
Who supports Prop 4?
Dozens of environmental groups support Prop 4, including:
- Clean Water Action
- CALFIRE Firefighters
- National Wildlife Federation
- The Nature Conservancy
- California Labor Federation
- League of Women Voters of California
- Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
- California Municipal Utilities Association
Groups in support of Prop 4 remind voters that the bond measure will be used for safe drinking water, wildfire prevention, clean air and natural resource protection.
They say the measure is constructed in a way that is fiscally responsible with strict audits and transparency. They argue the proactive approach will save money and avoid worse impacts from climate change, including wildfires, smoke, droughts and pollution.
Who opposes Prop 4?
- Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association
- Senate GOP leader Brian Jones
- Assembly member Jim Patterson
Those against the proposition say bonds are expensive and will cost taxpayers nearly $2 for every dollar spent. They argue that projects to conserve natural resources should be budgeted for rather than paid for through bonds.
Official Ballot Summary
Authorizes $10 billion in general obligation bonds for water, wildfire prevention, and protection of communities and lands. Requires annual audits.
Fiscal Impact: Increased state costs of about $400 million annually for 40 years to repay the bond.
Supporters: Clean Water Action; CALFIRE Firefighters; National Wildlife Federation; The Nature Conservancy
Opponents: Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association