Delivering on Prop 4: The California Problem Solvers Caucus Endorses AB 35 to Speed Up Clean Water and Wildfire Projects
The California Problem Solvers Caucus is a 22-member bipartisan, bicameral group dedicated to addressing the state's most complex challenges through pragmatic policymaking rather than rigid partisan ideology. Recently, our caucus came together to endorse Assembly Bill 35, a critical piece of legislation that cuts through red tape and delivers immediate environmental results for Californians.
"California voters have historically embraced big ideas, and too often, government has historically failed to deliver on them," said David Alvarez, author of AB 35 and a Problem Solvers Caucus co-chair. “Voters approved the climate bond because they want safer communities, clean drinking water, and protection from wildfires and floods - not more paperwork. If we’re serious about building more and delivering faster, then we need to remove unnecessary roadblocks and get these projects moving now.”
What AB 35 Does
In November 2024, California voters passed Proposition 4, a $10 billion bond act intended to fund crucial projects for safe drinking water, wildfire prevention, drought preparedness, extreme heat mitigation, and clean air. However, existing laws require state agencies to navigate the lengthy Administrative Procedure Act to adopt the regulations needed to implement these programs.
Introduced by David Alvarez, a PSC Co-Chair and CA State Assemblymember, AB 35 removes these bureaucratic hurdles. The bill exempts the adoption of these program guidelines and selection criteria from the Administrative Procedure Act, allowing the state to distribute funds and begin critical clean water and wildfire projects much faster.
Prioritizing Speed and Transparency
While AB 35 speeds up the timeline, it does not sacrifice public input or community priorities. Under this legislation, state entities administering these competitive grant programs are still required to:
• Develop draft project solicitation and evaluation guidelines.
• Publish the draft guidelines online for a public comment period of at least 30 days and respond to each comment.
• Offer opportunities for tribal consultation to any impacted tribes.
Bipartisan Action in Practice
This endorsement highlights exactly how the California Problem Solvers Caucus is designed to work. By bringing together diverse stakeholders and focusing on common ground, our members are crafting real legislative solutions. In addition to Assembly Member Alvarez introducing the bill, fellow Caucus Members Anamarie Ávila Farías and Senator Suzette Valladares have also signed on as coauthors, showcasing cross-party and cross-house cooperation.
Through regular in-person meetings and policy summits, the Caucus will continue to generate bipartisan agreements that put Californians first. AB 35 proves that when we set aside partisan ideology, we can accelerate the delivery of essential clean water and wildfire projects and finally make good on the promises made to California.