50.5 F
Washington D.C.
Thursday, March 28, 2024

California Wildfire Commission Recommends Easing Liability Rules for Utilities

The draft report contains some controversial ideas, which legislative leaders and California’s governor largely steered clear of in an initial response to the findings.

“We are committed to continuing the exploration of the impact of strict liability on the costs to ratepayers, on wildfire victims and on the solvency of our utilities. If the trend of massive, catastrophic wildfires persists, we may need to pursue additional changes,” Gov. Gavin Newsom, D, said in a joint statement with the leaders of California’s Senate and Assembly.

The state’s inverse condemnation rules mean utilities can be found liable for all wildfire damages, regardless of whether they operated in accordance with state rules and regulations. This has led to financial upheaval and credit downgrades for California’s largest investor-owned utilities. Pacific Gas & Electric was forced to declare bankruptcy this year as it faces billions in liabilities related to the state’s deadly fires.

Read more at Utility Dive

California Wildfire Commission Recommends Easing Liability Rules for Utilities Homeland Security Today
Homeland Security Today
The Government Technology & Services Coalition's Homeland Security Today (HSToday) is the premier news and information resource for the homeland security community, dedicated to elevating the discussions and insights that can support a safe and secure nation. A non-profit magazine and media platform, HSToday provides readers with the whole story, placing facts and comments in context to inform debate and drive realistic solutions to some of the nation’s most vexing security challenges.
Homeland Security Today
Homeland Security Todayhttp://www.hstoday.us
The Government Technology & Services Coalition's Homeland Security Today (HSToday) is the premier news and information resource for the homeland security community, dedicated to elevating the discussions and insights that can support a safe and secure nation. A non-profit magazine and media platform, HSToday provides readers with the whole story, placing facts and comments in context to inform debate and drive realistic solutions to some of the nation’s most vexing security challenges.

Related Articles

STAY CONNECTED

- Advertisement -

Latest Articles