Wildfire Preparedness Conference Committee Hearing Dates Announced
SACRAMENTO – Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, issued the following statement today upon the release of dates for the legislative Conference Committee on Wildfire Preparedness and Response:
“Over the coming weeks, a joint committee of Senate and Assembly members will convene a series of public hearings to decide the best way to protect Californians from the continued threat of wildfires,” said Senator Dodd, co-chairman of the 10-member committee. “We are committed to an open and transparent process that will result in a comprehensive plan for improving the electric system, making it more resistant to future disasters, while safeguarding ratepayers against unfair costs.”
The committee, which was formed earlier this month, will meet at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 25 at Room 4202 at the State Capitol. Other hearings dates will be announced.
Committee members are: Senator Bill Dodd, D-Napa; Senator Anthony Canella, R-Ceres; Senator Ben Hueso, D-San Diego; Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson, D-Santa Barbara; Senator Jeff Stone R-Temecula; Assemblymember Chris Holden, D-Pasadena (co-chair); Assemblymember Brian Dahle, R-Bieber; Assemblymember Chad Mayes, R-Yucca Valley; Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes, D-San Bernardino; and Assemblymember Jim Wood, D-Healdsburg.
“The alarming frequency of wildfires over the past year underscores the need for a holistic approach to improving the electric system that prevents future disasters while sparing ratepayers from shouldering unfair costs,” Senator Dodd said. “That means utilities planning and greater accountability for those who operate the grid.”
Earlier this month, Gov. Jerry Brown and legislative leaders announced the formation of the committee to strengthen disaster preparedness and set forth appropriate policies to respond to the increasing wildfire danger. The governor said Senate Bill 901, introduced by Senator Dodd, will be moved into the committee where it will be amended to achieve that goal.
Senator Dodd’s district has been ravaged by wildfire over the past year. First, the October 2017 wildfires charred parts of Napa and Sonoma counties, destroying thousands of homes and causing the tragic loss of life. This month’s County fire in Napa and Yolo counties consumed more than 85,000 acres and destroyed numerous structures before it was contained.
The hearing agenda is attached to this release. The public will be able to follow the work of the Conference Committee at: http://focus.senate.ca.gov/wildfirecommittee
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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.