California Governor Gavin Newsom says he is not backing down from his push to change how much the state’s utility companies would have to pay when they cause a catastrophic wildfire.<\/p>\n
The proposal would not affect victims of wildfires that have already happened, but would establish new limits for future incidents.<\/p>\n
The plan has drawn strong criticism from some Altadena wildfire survivors, who say the focus should remain on helping people who have already lost homes and property.<\/p>\n
“This is ridiculous and unfair,” one wildfire survivor said. “And we need to recenter the conversation on what survivors need.”<\/p>\n
Newsom’s proposal would change rules governing California’s wildfire liability fund, which is funded by utility customers and companies.<\/p>\n
For future wildfires, the proposal would narrow who qualifies as a victim, primarily prioritizing people located in burn-scar areas. It would also prevent insurance companies from suing to recover their losses and place limits on the amount of money local governments could receive for rebuilding.<\/p>\n
Critics also point out that the proposal does not include new requirements or deadlines for utilities to take additional steps to prevent their equipment from sparking wildfires.<\/p>\n
Newsom said the proposal is part of an ongoing process and could change as discussions continue with lawmakers and other groups.<\/p>\n
“If you think that what I put out is what I expect to sign, you haven’t been paying attention to what I’ve been doing eight years,” Newsom said.<\/p>\n
The governor argued that California cannot afford to wait for changes to the state’s wildfire liability system.<\/p>\n
He pointed to Assembly Bill 1054 and the creation of a roughly $22 billion wildfire fund following the bankruptcy of PG&E, saying the fund is expected to be exhausted because of the Eaton Fire.<\/p>\n
“We don’t have time to wait,” Newsom said. “So no, I feel very strongly that we need to move on this.”<\/p>\n
California legislative leaders say lawmakers are reviewing the proposal and gathering input from stakeholders.<\/p>\n
“The legislature is doing our due diligence to vet these ideas, discuss these ideas, and take input from stakeholders,” one legislative leader said.<\/p>\n
The debate is expected to continue as lawmakers work through the final days of the legislative session.<\/p>\n