James Ferguson, San Diego

Guest commentator Tom Dalzell illustrates well the acute conditions we confront with climate change and the need for state and utility company action. However, speaking as past co-chair of public policy for a Southern California climate group, I found International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers hard to get for meaningful support.

IBEW is regularly on the wrong side of actions that matter when those actions interfere with the union’s single contract utility interests. Measures that reduce reliance on long distance transmission—such as microgrids and other inside-the-distribution-grid production and storage that lower fire risk and cost—are disfavored, over new large plant and transmission infrastructure.

Here we see an appeal for change in liability laws. under the guise of climate action. I say, welcome aboard, IBEW, but look beyond your contract interests if you really want to help.