The Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on Climate Crisis, Resources, Energy, and Transportation convened on March 5, 2025, to discuss critical funding and initiatives aimed at addressing California's pressing environmental and water resource challenges. The meeting featured a series of testimonies from various stakeholders advocating for specific budget allocations and program continuations.

The session began with a strong endorsement for a proposed appropriation of $153.4 million for water recycling projects. Advocates emphasized the importance of maintaining funding for dam safety and water recycling, urging the committee to reject any reversions of these funds.

Dan Jacobson from the advocacy group My First Comment highlighted the urgent need to restore California's kelp forests, which have significantly declined. He noted ongoing scientific efforts to rehabilitate these ecosystems and called for statewide initiatives to support this restoration. Jacobson also pointed out the necessity for California's ports to adopt greener practices, referencing $45 million allocated for offshore wind projects that should be expedited.

Marissa Hagerman from Traton Price Consulting expressed gratitude for the committee's focus on drinking water equity, particularly through the SAFER program, which has successfully provided safe drinking water to 900,000 Californians. However, she noted that 700,000 residents still lack access and advocated for the program's extension as part of any cap-and-trade deal. She also raised concerns about the absence of a low-income rate assistance program for water, which is crucial for preventing residents from falling into debt.

Alex Loomer, representing the Crook tribe, emphasized the cultural significance of salmon and the need for continued attention to salmon strategies, particularly regarding water flows in the Scott and Shasta rivers. He also called for increased investment in multi-benefit land repurposing programs to support landowners transitioning due to the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA).

Eddie O'Campo from Self Help Enterprises requested ongoing support for various water programs, including emergency tanks and the drinking water for schools initiative, highlighting the organization's extensive work in the Central Valley over the past decade.

Rachel Mueller from the Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) underscored the importance of funding for small rural water systems and wastewater programs, advocating for continued support for the SAFER initiative to mitigate climate change impacts on vulnerable communities.

Bridal Bass from KP Public Affairs supported a budget request of $6.8 million to assist the Department of Water Resources (DWR) in updating the California water plan to better address the challenges posed by climate change. Andrea Avergel from the California Municipal Utilities Association echoed this sentiment, advocating for modernization efforts and the rejection of reversions for dam safety and water recycling funds.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the necessity of prioritizing funding for water safety, environmental restoration, and equitable access to clean water, reflecting the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address California's climate and resource challenges. The committee plans to continue discussions on these critical issues in future sessions.