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<\/p>\nSacramento, CA…From the Governor’s Office…”As California continues to grapple with climate change and wildfires that are increasingly dangerous and destructive, Governor Gavin Newsom released a progress report on recommendations laid out in his Administration\u2019s 60 Day Strike Force report.<\/p>\n
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In April, the Governor\u2019s Strike Force charged with examining California\u2019s catastrophic wildfires laid out five key areas where we need to focus:<\/p>\n
The progress report released today shows the state\u2019s progress in all of these areas and provides guidance on how the state can build a safe, reliable and affordable energy future \u2013 one that continues the state\u2019s progress towards achieving its climate change goals.<\/p>\n
\u201cClimate change has created a new reality in the State of California. It\u2019s not a question of \u2018if\u2019 wildfire will strike, but \u2018when,\u2019\u201d said Governor Newsom in the report\u2019s introduction. \u201cOur recent, terrifying history bears that out. Fifteen of the 20 most destructive wildfires in the state\u2019s history have occurred since 2000 and 10 of the most destructive fires have occurred since 2015. Wildfires don\u2019t discriminate \u2013 they are a rural, suburban and urban danger. We all have an individual responsibility to step up and step in for our communities as we confront new and growing threats.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMy Administration has welcomed support and guidance from the Legislature in crafting a framework around issues like power company accountability, wildfire safety investments and reform of the California Public Utilities Commission,\u201d added Governor Newsom. \u201cIn the coming days, I will continue working with the Legislature to turn this framework into a package of bills that make the changes we need.\u201d<\/p>\n
Governor Newsom has made wildfire prevention and mitigation a top priority since taking office. The Governor proactively declared a\u00a0state of emergency<\/a>\u00a0to fast-track 35\u00a0critical forest-management projects<\/a>\u00a0to protect more than 200 of California\u2019s highest-risk communities,\u00a0redirected National Guard members<\/a>\u00a0from the border to undertake fire prevention activities throughout the state. The governor also included $1 billion in additional funding in the state budget to enhance our state\u2019s preparedness and expand our capacity to respond to emergencies.<\/p>\n