Sen. Dodd’s Cultural Burn Bill Signed by Governor

SACRAMENTO – Gov. Gavin Newsom today signed legislation from Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa that would allow Native American tribes to play a larger role in conducting controlled burns, a proven wildfire prevention method, helping to safeguard the state.

“This new law will help our communities become safer and more resilient,” Sen. Dodd said. “We all know the seriousness of the wildfire threat in California,” Sen. Dodd said. “We must do everything in our power to prevent and prepare for them. That includes having the best tools in our toolbox to attack the problem.”

“As we celebrate the many tribal communities in California today, we recommit to working with tribal partners to better address their unique needs and strengthen California for all,” Gov. Newsom said in announcing his signing of the bill. The signing came as the governor proclaimed today as Native American Day.

Under Sen. Dodd’s proposal, Senate Bill 310, the process for tribal governments to participate in the time-tested wildfire prevention technique will be streamlined. Instead of seeking separate approval from the state for each individual burn, the Secretary of Natural Resources will now be authorized to reach agreements with California Native American tribes to waive state permitting and regulatory requirements related to cultural burning within the tribe’s ancestral territories.

Senate Bill 310 was supported by the Karuk Tribe and the California Farm Bureau, among many others. It passed the Assembly and Senate by unanimous votes before it was signed by the governor today.

“Native Americans have been conducting controlled burns with great success for thousands of years,” Sen. Dodd said. “My bill will help tribes participate in this time-tested form of wildfire prevention on tribal lands. It is an important piece of the puzzle for keep California safe.”

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Senator Bill Dodd represents the 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Yolo, Sonoma, Solano, Sacramento and Contra Costa counties. More information on Senator Bill Dodd can be found at www.senate.ca.gov/dodd.