Prop 4: What you need to know about California’s climate bond
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Proposition 4 Approved by Voters
We’re thrilled to announce that Proposition 4 has officially been approved by California voters! Amid national uncertainties, California continues to lead on climate action by passing the largest natural resources bond in U.S. history. This is a landmark achievement—one made possible by the unwavering dedication and support of our coalition and partners across the state. Congratulations to everyone involved—this win is worth celebrating!
Californians Have Spoken
We did it! Californians understand the urgent need to address climate change and the high costs we’re already paying. Prop 4 empowers us to take bold steps now—preventing wildfires, safeguarding water supplies, and preserving what makes our state extraordinary for generations to come.
This victory sends a powerful message: Voters are doubling down on climate action, prioritizing resilience and preservation in the face of increasing challenges.
A Unifying Effort
This victory didn’t happen overnight. A persistent, unprecedented coalition made it possible. Lawmakers broke through a years-long stalemate to place Prop 4 on the ballot, and from there, a dynamic, modern campaign sprang to life. Firefighters, water districts, community leaders, workers, businesses, and activists joined forces to secure this historic outcome.
We owe a deep thanks to our champions in the Legislature who stood by us. After nearly five years of effort, Prop 4 presented voters with a thoughtful, comprehensive plan to address California’s most pressing needs.
The Work Ahead
Now, the real challenge begins: translating Prop 4 into meaningful, on-the-ground results. This bond provides critical resources for East Bay communities, enabling JMLT to scale up proven nature-based solutions that protect vulnerable landscapes and help mitigate climate-related threats and their impacts when they do occur.
BACKGROUND
On the November 5th ballot is a bond measure for the single largest investment in public funding ($10 billion) for climate resilience in California's history. If approved by voters, California Proposition 4 Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024 will reduce the risk of wildfires, expand clean drinking water supplies, protect land for wildlife habitat, create parks for people, and complete coastal projects to address sea level rise. More than 170 environmental groups, including John Muir Land Trust, have been working to advance this climate bond for the past year.
What Will Prop 4 Do Exactly?
Prop 4 aims to bolster California's resilience against climate change through substantial investments in several key areas. Here’s where the funding will go:
- Safe Drinking Water and Water Resilience: $3.8 billion for water projects, including groundwater storage, recycled water, and desalination
- Wildfire and Forest Resilience: $1.5 billion for wildfire resilience, mainly thinning forests and controlled burns
- Sea Level Rise and Coastal Resilience: $1.2 billion for sea level rise, including restoring beaches, wetlands, coastal bluffs
- Biodiversity and Nature-Based Solutions: $1.2 billion for wildlife habitat, such as restoring endangered salmon runs
- Clean Air Initiatives: $850 million for renewable energy and clean air programs
- Park Creation and Outdoor Access: $700 million for park creation and outdoor access
- Extreme Heat Mitigation: $450 million for extreme heat mitigation urban greening, cooling centers, and other heat mitigation strategies
- Climate-Smart Agriculture: $300 million to support climate-friendly technology upgrades for farmers and ranchers
Proposition 4 is particularly unique because it allocates at least 40% of its funding to underserved and climate-vulnerable communities, many of which have not received funding in past bond efforts.
We urge every Californian to vote to approve Proposition 4, the historic climate bond measure on the November 5th ballot. Looking ahead just a few years, JMLT is actively putting under contract new land acquisitions that will protect clean drinking water, mitigate the risk of devastating wildfires, preserve vital wildlife habitat, and create new opportunities in our beautiful outdoors for healthful recreation. This new funding could make all of that a reality. Approving the measure will be a high value investment in our future. Photo: Adam Weidenbach
The Importance of Prop 4
As climate change increasingly impacts California, proactive measures are more urgent than ever. Prop 4 not only addresses immediate environmental issues but also lays the foundation for the state's long-term sustainability and resilience. These investments will protect natural resources, support vulnerable communities, and ensure a healthier future for all Californians.
How You Can Help
Prop 4 is an essential investment in our beautiful natural resources, benefiting both human and wildlife communities in the East Bay and across California. Getting this bond measure on the ballot is already a significant achievement. Now, the final challenge lies ahead on November 5th. The outcome rests in the hands of voters like you. By making your voice heard at the ballot box, you can help shape a better California for everyone. Please vote YES on Proposition 4 on November 5th.
For more information, visit the official Prop 4 website.