STATEMENT: Senate Leader Atkins Reacts to Passage of AB 1054
SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) issued the following statement on today’s passage of AB 1054 on wildfires:
“I am proud that the Senate has passed AB 1054. I want to thank my colleagues in the Senate, in particular Senators Dodd, Hertzberg and Hueso, for the tireless effort to see this important issue through.
“California is at a critical crossroads. Climate change has created a new reality for all Californians as we face increasingly devastating wildfires – not just in lives lost, but also in economic damages to our communities. Doing nothing is not an option. Not only for those communities that would find themselves devastated by wildfires, but for all Californians.
“Without action, we would face a number of untenable scenarios including rate increases, disruptions with power delivery and major uncertainty for victims of the 2017 and 2018 fires.
“The Senate successfully included important changes to improve the bill, including stronger safety requirements and tying utility executive compensation to safety outcomes.
“Our work is far from done and the Senate will continue to work on reducing our state’s fire risk and ensuring that our communities are safer and better prepared as we face this new reality.”
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Toni G. Atkins is President pro Tempore of the California Senate. Having previously served as Speaker of the California Assembly, she began her tenure in the Senate in 2016. As Senator for District 39, she represents the cities of San Diego, Coronado, Del Mar and Solana Beach. Website of President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins: www.senate.ca.gov/Atkins