PRESS RELEASE: Leader Atkins Announces Senate Select Committee on Governor’s Wildfire Report
SACRAMENTO – California Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) has announced the creation of a Senate Select Committee to assess policy options outlined in Governor Gavin Newsom’s 2019 Report: “Wildfires and Climate Change - California's Energy Future.”
Issued in early April, the report offers a substantive and thorough discussion of the key risks to California’s economy, energy infrastructure, and public safety, posed by wildfires in the age of climate change. While the report does not endorse specific policy proposals, it puts the challenges facing California in clear perspective, and it will help inform the legislature as it continues to address these critical issues.
“The growing threat of wildfires across our state demands a bold and comprehensive response,” Senate Leader Atkins said. “This Select Committee will bring together the Chairs of each relevant policy committee in the Senate to help us identify the best path forward.”
“California needs a holistic, well-rounded approach to wildfires that will help us adapt to climate change, mitigate risks and protect ratepayers,” said Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa. “I look forward to evaluating the options presented by Gov. Newsom as we work toward solutions to this complicated problem.” Senator Atkins appointed Sen. Dodd as Chair of the Select Committee.
The Select Committee will meet during May and early June to review, vet and accept public comment on the Governor’s Wildfire Report Recommendations and related issues.
Select Committee Members:
- Bill Dodd (D-Napa), Chair
- Andreas Borgeas (R-Fresno)
- Bob Hertzberg (D-Van Nuys)
- Jerry Hill (D-San Mateo)
- Ben Hueso (D-San Diego)
- Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara)
- Brian Jones (R-Santee)
- Mike McGuire (D-Healdsburg)
- John Moorlach (R-Costa Mesa)
- Jim Nielsen (R-Red Bluff)
- Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park)
- Henry Stern (D-Canoga Park)
- Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont)