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Climate and Environment

Governor's Budget Proposes $2.9B In Cuts To Climate Programs

Waves on the right crash into raised beach sand in the middle. On the left are homes and apartments
In an aerial view, a newly constructed sand berm protects against strong Pacific Ocean surf, two days after a rogue wave inundated the area and injured eight people, on Dec. 30, 2023 in Ventura.
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Courtesy NWS
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Getty Images
)

Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.

Topline:

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposed budget was released today, and it includes a total of $2.9 billion in cuts to climate-related programs as part of an effort to make up a projected $38 billion dollar shortfall.

Proposed reductions: Water-related programs ($796 million reduction), wildfire and forest resilience ($101 million), extreme heat ($40.1 million), community resilience ($90 million) and coastal resilience ($452 million).

What are the implications?: We could see cuts to funding for individual programs like those that deal with PFAS (forever chemicals) and extreme heat and community resilience.

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What’s actually going to happen?: We don't know. By the time a budget is approved later this year, it’ll likely look much different than the governor's proposed budget that was released today.

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Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.

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