Lawmakers push for bill to speed up climate spending

The measure would hasten sewage cleanup near Tijuana River, among other projects.

- BY NADIA LATHAN

A Democratic lawmaker is pushing a proposal to speed up $10 billion in funding for climate programs more than a year after voters approved Proposition 4, the state’s biggest investment yet to combat climate change.

Assemblymember David A. Alvarez (D-San Diego) introduced Assembly Bill 35 to cut certain regulations tied to Proposition 4 to more quickly disburse the billions of dollars voters approved for water improvements, wildfire and drought preparedness plans.

The bill, which advanced from the Assembly Appropriations Committee on Thursday, would exempt Proposition 4 funding from review under the Administrative Procedure Act, which dictates how state agencies follow rules and regulations and can cause lengthy delays in implementing programs.