News Subscribe  to Our Newsletter Sign  up for Email Updates CGF  In the News Press  Inquiries Past  Articles Calendar			CPR for state could  choke environmental protections by April Vargas Committee for Green Foothills has been monitoring  a process that could dramatically change the entire structure of California  government, including state provisions for the implementation and enforcement  of vital environmental protections. Stating his goal to make state government more efficient,  Governor Schwarzenegger created the California  Performance Review (CPR) in February 2004 to formulate and recommend  practical changes to governmental agencies, programs and operations. The Governor appointed a 21-member commission to  conduct a series of hearings throughout the state, gather public input  and issue a series of recommendations. Assemblymember  Leland Yee, whose 12th District includes a small part of northern  San Mateo County, is one of four members of the Legislature chosen to  serve on this commission.  I met with Assemblymember Yee recently to learn  more about the proposal and understand how it might affect local environmental  efforts if it is adopted. Restructure would eliminate boards and commissions In August, the CPR released its 2500-page restructure proposal, available  online at: http://www.cpr.ca.gov.  The proposal calls for the elimination of 118 boards  and commissions as well as the consolidation of existing agencies into  11 integrated "super" departments. Environmental agencies would be greatly  impacted by this proposed reorganization.  Individual agencies like the California  Air Resources Board, the state and regional water quality control  boards, the Board of  Forestry , the State  Lands Commission and the California  Energy Commission would be eliminated. Many of these bodies have established  and defended tough environmental standards that have gone on to become  national laws. While the California  Coastal Commission would remain intact, it would lose its authority  to oversee some of its current programs. Centralized mega-departments would reduce local  control All environmental and natural resource functions would be consolidated  within two mega-departments under the Governor, centralizing environmental  decision-making in Sacramento and removing the regional accountability,  accessibility, independence and effectiveness of local boards and commissions. This consolidation would make these departments more  vulnerable to partisan political pressure, decreasing stability during  changes of state administration. Any group regulated by a state agency  can appreciate the value of consistent and coherent policies, guidelines  and mandated enforcement procedures that are not subject to dramatic shifts  when a new Governor is elected. Environmental groups voice concern At the CPR hearing held in Fresno this September, numerous environmental  groups addressed the commission with concerns about the proposed changes.  Representatives from the Natural  Resources Defense Council , Sierra  Club, Nature Conservancy , Planning and Conservation League, The Wilderness Society, Trust for Public Land and  others articulated concerns that adoption of the restructuring proposal  would actually make it harder to achieve long-range goals for environmental  protection and governmental efficiency.  If decision-makers are removed from the community,  it would become more difficult to meet the needs of citizens, protect  our local environment and address issues with the timely, focused attention  and open discussion that occurs at the local level. Importantly, this consolidation will also reduce  the transparency and accessibility of our state government - both functions  served largely by these local boards.  Process for adoption and implementation remains  uncertain While no specific process has been established for adoption of the committee's  final recommendations, there are several options. Through the same powers he used to create the CPR, the Governor could  issue an Executive Order to approve the restructuring plan; The Legislature could adopt or reject the plan; or The plan could be placed on a statewide ballot for the voters to  decide.  Committee for Green Foothills will continue to follow  this issue and will keep our members and action alert subscribers informed  about any specific proposals that may impact our efforts to preserve local  open space and natural resources. Published November 2004 in Green  Footnotes. Page last updated November 8, 2004 .