Features

“The California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks and Coastal Protection Act.” 

Issues $2.6 billion in debt to pay to improve water and air quality; protect beaches; improve parks; and preserve open space, farmland and wildlife habitat. 

Estimated cost: $4.3 billion over 25 years, including $1.7 billion in interest, or $172 million a year from the state’s general fund. Potential annual cost of tens of millions of dollars to maintain or operate parks. 

Supporters include the National Audubon Society, National Wildlife Federation, League of Women Voters of California. 

Opponents, including the National Tax Limitation Committee, say the state can’t afford more debt in a faltering economy, and that the money will be spent “on more pork, not ... parks.” They note voters approved $4 billion in bonds for parks and clean water efforts in 2000.