Reports on the Environment

View Reports By:
Chronological Listing
Subject
Executive Summaries
Biennial Reports

Report by Subject:
Education
Energy, Environment & Resources
General Government
Health & Human Services
Infrastructure
Public Safety

Report Questions?
littlehoover@lhc.ca.gov

Reports on Energy, Environment & Resources

Beyond Crisis: Recapturing Excellence in California's State Park System
(Report #215, March 2013)
Rewiring California: Integrating Agendas for Energy Reform
(Report #214, December 2012)
Managing for Change: Modernizing California's Water Governance
(Report #201, August 2010)
Clearer Structure, Cleaner Water: Improving Performance and Outcomes at the State Water Boards
(Report #195, January 2009)
Still Imperiled, Still Important: The Little Hoover Commission's Review of the CALFED Bay-Delta Program
(Report #183, November 2005)
Letter Regarding the Governor's Reorganization Plan to Create a Department of Energy
(Report #182, June 2005)
Timber Harvest Plans: A Flawed Effort to Balance Economic and Environmental Needs
(Report #126, June 1994)

In this examination of the State's current Timber Harvest Plan process, the Little Hoover Commission found that the process is complex, inequitable, and costly, producing frustration for administering state departments, the timber industry and environmental advocacy groups. The Commission also found that the process has not proven effective in achieving a sound balance between economic and environmental concerns. In response to these two key findings, the Commission proposes reform in eight recommendations designed to provide better protection for the environment while streamlining the process of timber harvesters, particularly those with logging operations that will have a minimal impact on surrounding ecosystems.
Beyond Bottles and Cans: Reorganizing California's Recycling Efforts
(Report #125, March 1994)

In this report the Commission makes two findings and nine recommendations to address the need for major streamlining and simplification of the beverage container recycling program (known as the AB 2020 program). The Commission found that the placement of overlapping recycling mandates in two separate agencies has resulted in duplication of work, public confusion and lack of effectiveness in implementing state policies. In addition, the complexity of the recycling program hinders its expansion, undermines cost-effective implementation and increases opportunities for fraud. The Commission recommends to the Governor and Legislature that a new comprehensive solid waste management program be established in Cal-EPA to bring both policy focus and program accountability to the State's recycling efforts.
Cal-EPA: An Umbrella for the Environment
(Report #110, June 1991)

Cal-EPA was created to consolidate environmental programs and concentrate on vigorous enforcement of environmental regulations. The report discusses risk assessment activities, uniform permit processes, public involvement, and the advantages and consequences of bringing all environmental entities into Cal-EPA. In addition, the Commission addresses the short- and long-term costs and savings. The Cal-EPA report has seven findings and seven recommendations.
Report on California's Fish and Game Commission and Department of Fish and Game
(Report #99, January 1990)

The Fish and Game Commission and the agency that carries out its policies, the Department of Fish and Game, have a broad mandate to protect California's natural resources. The key focus of the study is the capability and performance of both the Commission and the Department in meeting these increasingly complex demands. In addition to eight findings, the Commission makes 12 recommendations regarding the mandate of the two entities, their relationship and their performance relative to the needs of the State and the intentions expressed by the Legislature.
Report on Solid Waste Management: The Trashing of California
(Report #96, July 1989)

California has a garbage crisis. With the entire state slated to run out of landfill capacity by the year 2000, there is a drastic need for state leadership, a move away from landfills and the aggressive pursuit of alternative disposal technologies. In addition, the Commission found that despite a state law that outlines an effective policy of solid waste management, California continues to rely on landfills to get rid of its garbage. The report's five recommendations include the creation of: a statewide program that makes source reduction the first priority; county programs regarding solid waste management; and a more effective lead agency on solid waste management.
Control of Pesticide Residues in Food Products - A Review of the California Program of Pesticide Regulation
(Report #64, March 1985)
A Review of the Organization and Management of the State "Superfund" Program for Cleaning Up Hazardous Waste Sites
(Report #61, July 1984)
A Study of the Organization and Coordination of Electric Energy Planning and Electric Utility Regulation in California
(Report #59, February 1984)
A Review of California's Vehicle Emission Control Program
(Report #24, January 1975)
A Study of the California State Public Utilities Commission
(Report #23, December 1974)
The Use of Boards and Commissions in the Resources Agency
(Report #8, April 1965)