Wildfires

Economy

Legislature has been snuffing out bills that aim to help insured homeowners in wildfire country

Of all the constituencies clamoring for help as firenados ravage California, homeowners worried about their fire insurance seem among the least likely this year to get legislative relief.

By Antoinette Siu • August 19, 2018

Newsletters

Trial lawyers, privacy and Rice Krispie treats

Compromise seemed distant as legislators raced to complete a final report on the issue of wildfire liability by week’s end. Organized labor and trial lawyers clashed.

By Dan Morain • August 15, 2018

Newsletters

Liability + Aliso Canyon + Josh Newman’s return

Gov. Jerry Brown’s proposal to limit electric utilities’ liability costs for future fires faced tough questions at a committee hearing even as utility representatives said the change is needed to keep them solvent.

By Dan Morain • August 10, 2018

Capitol

As Capitol wildfire debate rages, utilities have doubled dollars on lobbying

Between the end of last year’s deadly wildfires and the start of this summer’s fatal blazes, utilities and insurers with a stake in the aftermath have poured more than $3.2 million into California campaign donations and another $5.2 million into state lobbying—a big spike.

By Laurel Rosenhall • August 9, 2018

Newsletters

Bad air, forest crisis and a showdown

Legislation that would alter liability law for California utilities whose equipment sparks wildfires faces a show-down today before a special two-house legislative conference committee.

By Dan Morain • August 9, 2018

Environment

As California burns, climate goals may go up in smoke—even after the flames are out

Climate-warming compounds are released by charred forests long after wildfires have been put out. That may do more to warm the planet more than the immediate harm from smoky air.

By Julie Cart • August 7, 2018

Commentary

My turn: What’s needed to prevent megafires

California's laudable greenhouse gas reduction targets are not achievable if the state fails to address megafires.

By Guest Commentary • August 6, 2018

Newsletters

Who must pay for wildfires

Legislators begin to tackle the complex law surrounding fire liability, without knowledge of the cause of the most devastating fire in California history. One legislator questions whether they should act without that information.

By Dan Morain • July 26, 2018

Elections

Candidates take heed: Environmental policy matters

A new statewide poll shows that voters are increasingly concerned about environmental policy, which could play out in the governor's race between Newsom and Cox.

By Dan Morain • July 25, 2018

Newsletters

Who’s going to pay for the fires

California legislators confront the question of how to pay for fire damage. Should PG&E be relieved of costs related to devastating 2017 wildfires, and should the law be changed for future fires?

By Dan Morain • July 13, 2018