California voters chose to enact a measure to authorize the state to issue $10 billion in bonds for energy, water, and environmental projects, despite critics warning it would impose long-term financial burdens on the state. 

As of Wednesday afternoon, 57.9% of California residents voted for Proposition 4, which needed 50% of votes to pass, according to the New York Times. The proposition would allocate billions of dollars to safeguard drinking water, wildfire prevention, environment restoration, and other climate projects. California faces significant wildfire threats and drought conditions.

It would also require 40% of the money to go to lower-income towns affected by environmental disasters. Supporters of the proposition included the California Fire Chiefs Association, American Lung Association, California Council of Land Trusts, Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, and others. 

However, California Sen. Brian Jones (R) publicly opposed the measure, stating it would create long-term financial burdens and that the state does not need additional debt. 

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“Prop 4 places a significant financial burden on California taxpayers, costing us $20 billion over the bond’s lifetime,” Jones stated. “While I’m disappointed it ultimately passed, I respect the will of the voters and am committed to fulfilling it. As Senate Minority Leader, I will lead my caucus to ensure these funds are used responsibly and efficiently to deliver the greatest possible benefit to Californians.”

Other opponents of the proposition included The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, the California Republican Party, and Assemblymember Jim Patterson (R).