(MALIBU, Calif.) — September polls show an increase in support from Californians on Proposition 4, a ballot measure providing the state with a bond to fund environmental protection and public facility upgrades that voters will decide on Nov. 5. 

A Sept.9 poll conducted by the Public Policy Institute showed that 65 % of potential voters favor the green initiative compared to the 59 % who said the same in a  July 17 survey. 

According to  the California Secretary of State’s office, a “yes” vote on Prop 4 ‘authorizes $10 billion in general obligation bonds for water, wildfire prevention, and protection of land.’ If it passes, the measure will be the largest publicly funded climate investment in California history, according to the John Muir Land Trust.

Surveys conducted by Public Policy Institute in July, August and September revealed most Californians side with the measure and that support has spiked 7% as elections near. As of September, 65% of potential voters approve while 33% reject the bond and 2% are undecided. July polls showed 59% of Californians support the ballot and 41% are against it. 

The Parks, Environment, Energy, and Water Bond measure was referred to the ballot by lawmakers, as seen in Senate Bill No. 867. Organizations such as the Natural Resources Defense Council, the Environmental Defense Fund and the League of Women Voters of California back the measure.

Temperatures soar during summer at local Malibu beach [Credit: Valeria Garcia]

Critics of the bond, such as California State Senator Brian Jones (R-40), cite concerns over the state’s growing debt, questioning its effectiveness and if borrowing the funds would dig into taxpayer dollars.

“These bonds will be paid by people decades from now that didn’t even get to vote for their authorization,” the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association told the LA Times in July.

Per the Secretary of State, the measure would increase state costs by approximately $400 million annually for 40 years until the bond was repaid and require annual audits. 

Come November, voters will weigh in on the environmental benefits and potential challenges of the Parks, Environment, Energy and Water Bond measure. 

For more information on Proposition 4, visit the Legislative Analyst’s Office and the California Voter Information Guide online.