Thanks to the efforts of every individual who took action and raised their voices, Californians will be able to cast their votes in support of Proposition 4 on the November ballot!
As California faces devastating wildfires, vulnerable drinking water supplies, extreme summer heat, and other major threats from a changing climate – Yes on Prop 4 makes urgent investments in proven solutions to protect our communities, health, and economy. It addresses threats to our iconic landscapes, coast, and wildlife before the damage becomes too costly and unmanageable.
Who benefits from Yes on Prop 4? We know the facts: that recent wildfires have burned millions of acres of forest and cost taxpayers billions of dollars; that millions of Californians don’t have access to clean drinking water; and that our state’s precious farmland and wildlife are at risk from the impacts of a changing climate. Yes on Prop 4 is particularly special because it allocates at least 40% of its funding to underserved and climatevulnerable communities, many of which have not received funding in past bond efforts. It will benefit communities throughout the state with the below major funding categories, including:
• $100 million to expand recreational opportunities and public access to state and public park nonmotorized trails
• Safe drinking water, drought, flood, and water resilience: $3.8 billion
• Wildfire and forest resilience: $1.5 billion
• Sea level rise and coastal resilience: $1.2 billion
• Protect biodiversity and implement nature-based climate solutions: $1.2 billion
• Clean air programs: $850 million
• Park creation and outdoor access: $700 million
• Climate-smart and sustainable farms, ranches, and working lands: $300 million
• Extreme heat mitigation: $450 million
Water
A changing climate, more frequent droughts, crumbling infrastructure, and water pollution are putting our water supplies under pressure. Yes on Prop 4 invests in proven solutions that will help us restore groundwater supplies, recycle more water locally, and capture stormwater to prevent flooding. All of this will help ensure we have water supplies when we need them most. Safe, clean drinking water is already at risk for millions of Californians and there are hundreds of thousands who live in communities with contaminants and toxins in their water supplies, making it unsafe for families to turn on the tap to drink or even take a shower. Yes on Prop 4 will help clean up these communities’ water, to ensure all Californians have access to clean safe drinking water.
Fire
Recent California wildfires have burned two million acres, released toxic smoke into our air, and polluted drinking water supplies. The largest fire damage and smoke have harmed our quality of life and health, resulting in higher levels of asthma and other respiratory illnesses, in every corner of California. Yes on Prop 4 invests in proven solutions to prevent wildfires, reduce their intensity when they do occur, and improve disaster response – strategies that will help keep our air clean and protect our communities.
Wildlife
Our beaches, forests, and mountains make California special, and we have a responsibility to protect them for our children and future generations. Protecting natural areas and wildlife is more urgent today than ever before, as we lose wildlife habitat, farm and ranchland, and even beaches wash away. We are already seeing impacts of a changing climate on nature and California communities. Investing in smart planning and action to better manage forests to reduce the risk of fires, or to restore lands along rivers that can absorb floodwaters, pays off. A study found that for every dollar invested to reduce our risk from disasters before they occur, we save roughly seven dollars in emergency response and clean-up. Yes on Prop 4 protects these natural areas from wildfire, pollution, and other threats from a changing climate.
YES on 4 marks a historic shift from investing in disaster response to investments in disaster prevention, saving billions of dollars in future costs from devastating fires and water shortages. Wildfire risks are already driving up insurance and utility bills. Droughts, floods, rising sea levels, and extreme heat are poised to inflict billions more in damages.
