Calif. Lawmakers Pass Bills To Stabilize Utilities After Wildfires, But Critics Call Law ‘A Reward For Monstrous Behavior’
The legislation is complicated and was quickly shepherded through the California Legislature with fears of the utility companies going bankrupt if something wasn't done. The bill will provide investor-owned utilities with at least $21 billion to pay for damage from blazes linked to their equipment beginning this summer. Utility customers will be required to pay $10.5 billion to the so-called wildfire fund. Meanwhile, new data show the town of Paradise lost over 90% of its population since a wildfire killed 85 people last year.
The New York Times:
California Lawmakers Give Utilities A Backstop On Wildfire Liability
Heading into another wildfire season, California’s political leaders have moved with unusual speed to help the state’s utilities erect a backstop against huge liability claims. The State Legislature gave final approval on Thursday to a measure that would set up a fund to help compensate victims for losses from fires started by the utilities’ equipment. (Penn and Eavis, 7/11)
Los Angeles Times:
Utility Customers Will Pay $10.5 Billion For California Wildfire Costs Under Bill Sent To Newsom
The bill’s passage was a political victory for the governor, but some questioned whether California leaders were just making a down payment for wildfire costs that will skyrocket if more isn’t done to prevent ever-larger blazes. The administration says the bill will provide investor-owned utilities with at least $21 billion to pay for damage from blazes linked to their equipment beginning this summer. Utility customers will be required to pay $10.5 billion to the so-called wildfire fund through a 15-year extension of an existing charge on monthly bills, one that was originally expected to expire by 2021. (Luna, 7/11)
KQED:
California Legislature Approves Wildfire Bill, Utility Customers To Pay $10.5 Billion Into Fund
In a 63-8 vote the Assembly sent AB 1054 to the governor's desk, three days after the Senate approved it. Newsom is expected to sign the bill on Friday, which would create a fund of up to $21 billion to pay for damages linked to fires caused by utility equipment. (Pickoff-White and Orr, 7/11)
San Francisco Chronicle:
California Assembly Approves Major Wildfire Bill, Sending It To Gov. Newsom
Assemblymen Phil Ting and David Chiu, D-San Francisco, were among the few votes against the measure, as was state Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, when the Senate passed the bill earlier in the week. San Francisco’s representatives have objected to a provision that would make it harder for the city to buy Pacific Gas and Electric Co.’s local power lines, a step they are considering. (Morris, 7/11)
Sacramento Bee:
CA Approves Costly Wildfire Plan, Bill Goes To Gavin Newsom
In a statement, Newsom praised lawmakers for moving the bill onto his desk. “I want to thank the Legislature for taking thoughtful and decisive action to move our state toward a safer, affordable and reliable energy future, provide certainty for wildfire victims and continue California’s progress toward meeting our clean energy goals,” Newsom wrote. “The rise in catastrophic wildfires fueled by climate change is a direct threat to Californians. Strengthening our state’s wildfire prevention, preparedness and mitigation efforts will continue to be a top priority for my administration and our work with the Legislature.” (Anderson, 7/11)
The Associated Press:
Population Of California Town Torched By Wildfire Down 90%
New figures released by California Gov. Gavin Newsom show the town of Paradise has lost over 90% of its population since a wildfire killed 85 people last year. A door-to-door survey in April counted 2,034 residents, down from previously released state figures that showed the population had declined to nearly 4,600 as of Jan. 1. (7/11)
USA Today:
Paradise, California, Population Down 90% After Camp Fire
The Camp Fire killed 85 people as it burned across 153,000 acres for more than two weeks last November. About 14,000 residences were destroyed, but some have started rebuilding. Officials issued the first permits to rebuild two homes in March. Although some wildfire survivors welcomed the legislation's provisions they say will allow them to fight for greater compensation, several lawmakers raised concerns that utility customers will be footing the bill for fires ignited by PG&E. (Lam, 7/11)
