Sen. Toni Atkins, D-San Diego, announced the formation of a Senate select committee Thursday that will analyze Gov. Gavin Newsom’s report on the state’s threat of wildfires.
The 13-member committee — which includes Sen. Ben Hueso, D-San Diego, and Sen. Brian Jones, R-Santee — will meet next month and in early June to discuss the report and its policy suggestions to mitigate the state’s wildfire risk and the effects of climate change.
Newsom called for a strike force to draft a report on the state’s wildfire and energy future during his State of the State address in February.
Newsom’s office released the report earlier this month, which includes recommendations on how the state can reduce the threat of wildfires through improved energy infrastructure and how to better hold utility companies accountable for wildfires caused by their equipment.
“The growing threat of wildfires across our state demands a bold and comprehensive response,” 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.”
–City News Service