Wildfire Protection Bills Clear Committee
SACRAMENTO – A pair of bills advanced Tuesday from Senator Bill Dodd, D-Napa, that will help protect people from power lines and utility systems that are damaged in extreme weather and could spark future wildfires like those that have ravaged California.
The first, Senate Bill 901, requires utilities to adopt emergency shutoff plans to de-energize lines if they are at risk of falling down in high winds or other natural events. The second, Senate Bill 1088, builds a framework for strengthening utility infrastructure to prevent future catastrophes. Both cleared the Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications committee.
“We must do whatever it takes to save lives and prevent the kind of destruction we’ve seen throughout the state,” Senator Dodd said. “It’s absolutely critical that we take these important steps to avoid another disaster.”
SB 901 would require investor and municipal electric utilities to update their wildfire mitigation plans to include policies and procedures for determining if, when and where to temporarily de-energize a power line during harsh weather. Under current law, such plans are not required to be submitted to the California Public Utilities Commission.
SB 1088 also calls for adoption of power line de-energization plans but adds a requirement to “harden” infrastructure to protect against damage during storms, floods, mudslides, wildfires and earthquakes. The plans would include all costs to implement safety, reliability and resilience measures. It moves next to the Senate Government Organization committee where Senator Dodd is chairman.
SB 901 moves to the Appropriations committee. The bill is co-authored by Senator Mike McGuire, D-Healdsburg, and Assembly members Jim Wood, D-Healdsburg, and Marc Levine, D-San Rafael.
“It is imperative that we build a more resilient and safe utilities infrastructure,” Sonoma County Supervisor David Rabbitt said. “Last year’s fires underscored the need for these vital policy improvements.”
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Senator Bill Dodd represents California’s 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Sonoma, Solano, Yolo, Sacramento, and Contra Costa Counties. You can learn more about Senator Dodd at www.sen.ca.gov/dodd