Fiscal Impact: Savings of $40 million

The state's nonpartisan Legislative Analyst's Office has in the past recommended doing away with the Williamson Act subsidy, suggesting instead more efficient means of open space preservation.

By ending the subsidy - which has already been responsible for preserving half of the state's agricultural land - the state saves $40 million, which will go toward establishing a healthy and needed budget reserve.

The Governor has a strong record of preserving open space in California.

The Nonpartisan Legislative Analyst's Office Has Previously Recommended Phasing Out The Williamson Act Subsidy. "Williamson Act-Subventions for Open Space: We recommend that the Legislature provide for the gradual elimination of payments to local governments for the local revenue losses associated with Williamson Act contracts. (Reduce Item 9100-001-0001 by $3.9 million.)" (Legislative Analyst's Office, "Analysis of the 2004-05 Budget Bill," www.lao.ca.gov/analysis_2004, February 2004)

• The Nonpartisan Legislative Analyst's Office Recommended Alternative Ways To Preserve Open Space. "Explore Open Space Alternatives. Given the state's current budget situation and the issues associated with the Williamson Act program identified above, we do not believe an expenditure of almost $40 million for local subventions is an effective use of funds. While the state clearly has an important role to play in open space preservation, we recommend that the Legislature explore more efficient and permanent solutions to the issues related to open space and development pressures. In addition, we believe there are alternative means for open space preservation at the local level-including the direct purchase of land most at risk of development and the adoption of suitable regulatory and zoning policies." (Legislative Analyst's Office, "Analysis of the 2004-05 Budget Bill," www.lao.ca.gov/analysis_2004, February 2004)

Governor Schwarzenegger Has A Strong Record Of Improving Open Space

• The Governor Established The Sierra Nevada Conservancy, Protecting 25 Million Acres Of Important California Territory. "The Sierra Nevada Conservancy will establish funding for environmental preservation while providing support for economic sustainability across 25 million acres from the Oregon border to Kern County. As California's largest conservancy, the Sierra Nevada will provide grants to local governments for environmental protection, resource conservation, recreational opportunities and economic growth." (Office Of The Governor, "Governor Schwarzenegger Signs Historic Legislation Creating Sierra Nevada Conservancy," Press Release, 09/22/04)
• Governor Schwarzenegger Aided The Purchase And Preservation Of 82,000 Acres Of California Coastline Surrounding Hearst Ranch. "Governor Schwarzenegger announced today that the state and its conservation partners have closed escrow on a conservation plan for the historic 82,000 acre Hearst Ranch. The Hearst Corporation, American Land Conservancy and California Rangeland Trust have partnered with the state to preserve 128 square miles of pristine rangeland that includes 18 miles of spectacular coastline along scenic Highway One." (Office Of The Governor, " Hearst Ranch Conservation Plan Finalized; Governor Calls Closing of Escrow, 'Vision for the State's Future, Value for the People,'" Press Release, 02/18/05)
• The Governor Fought To Keep 4.4 Million Acres Of National Forests Roadless. "Gov. Schwarzenegger today filed a petition with the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture beginning the process to permanently protect 21 percent of California's 18 national forests. Specifically, his petition would keep 4.4 million acres of Inventoried Roadless Areas off limits to any further development." (Office Of The Governor, " Gov. Schwarzenegger Petitions Federal Government to Protect National Forest Land, Roadless Areas," Press Release, 07/12/06)