Sen. Dodd Lauds Signing of Historic Climate Package

SACRAMENTO – Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, issued the following statement today upon the signing by Gov. Gavin Newsom of a historic $15 billion climate protection package that included the senator’s own Senate Bill 109, which will create the Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development.

“California continues to be a leader on fighting climate change as Gov. Newsom’s action clearly demonstrates,” Sen. Dodd said. “This is an important milestone that we will build upon. And with the escalating frequency and devastation caused by wildfires, we must also seek better ways to prevent and respond to this urgent threat. The signing of my bill will help us tap the wealth of innovation in our state, using emerging technology to protect life and property.

Under SB 109, the new Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development under Cal Fire would study, produce and test new equipment to battle wildfires. Public, private and non-profit organizations and companies would join forces and become a state hub for firefighting advancements. Examples would be fire retardants, predictive modeling, aerial technology and other tools that allow the state to more efficiently and effectively stop wildfire.

“Thanks to the leadership of Sen. Dodd, SB 109 will establish a statewide office dedicated to bringing emerging technology and innovation to help our first responders fight wildfires,” said Alfredo Pedroza, chair of the Napa County Board of Supervisors. “We must invest in new technologies to combat the unprecedented wildfires we are experiencing each year.”

SB 109 was among 24 bills signed as part of $15 billion climate package approved by the Legislature earlier this month. It represents the largest investment in state history to combat the climate crisis, tackle catastrophic wildfires and help build a resilient California of the future.

The package includes investments to support immediate drought response and long-term water resilience, promote sustainability and protect communities across the state from multi-faceted climate risks, including extreme heat and sea level rise. It will build climate resilience in communities, promote sustainable agriculture and advance nation-leading climate agenda. Highlights:

• $1.5 billion wildfire and forest resilience package
• $3.7 billion climate resilience package
• $1.1 billion to support climate smart agriculture
• $3.9 billion zero-emission vehicle package

More information on the $15 billion climate package can be found in the Department of Finance’s addendum to its enacted budget summary. Click here for the budget addendum.

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Senator Bill Dodd represents the 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Solano, Yolo, Sonoma, Contra Costa, and Sacramento counties. You can learn more about the district and Senator Dodd at www.sen.ca.gov/dodd.