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Wildfire Legislation Clears Assembly Floor

For immediate release:

Sacramento (CA) – Today the California State Assembly passed sweeping wildfire preparedness and response legislation that includes provisions to make the electricity system safer and protect ratepayers from the uncertainty utility bankruptcy. The legislation also protects wildfire victims’ rights in civil actions and bans the use of ratepayer funds for executive compensation or perks.

“We have worked hard to make sure we do the right thing in our response to the devastating wildfires that ravaged our state and to protect ourselves from future catastrophes.” said Assemblymember Chris Holden. “Senate Bill 901 provides comprehensive safety solutions to protect ratepayers, make our electric system safer, and stabilize the utilities.”

A new study shows that by 2100 the average area burned statewide by wildfires would increase by 77 percent. Senate Bill 901 strives to address this new reality with new systems for wildfire prevention, response, and recovery in California.

The final proposal for Senate Bill 901 was crafted in the Wildfire Preparedness and Response Legislative Conference Committee co-chaired by Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena) and Senator Bill Dodd (D-Napa). The legislation now awaits Governor Brown’s signature.

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