California Officials Preparing for the Next Disasters
The governor and legislative leaders are partnering on solutions this year that will make California more resilient against the impacts of natural disasters and climate change.
After floods, wildfires, mudslides, and other extreme weather last year, California Gov. Jerry Brown today on March 13 joined Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de León, Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, Senate Republican Leader Patricia Bates, Assembly Republican Leader Brian Dahle, and Senate President pro Tempore-designee Toni Atkins to say they are partnering on solutions this year that will make California more resilient against the impacts of natural disasters and climate change.
"It is critical we take strong and comprehensive action to protect all Californians from the threat of natural disasters and climate change," they said.
Brown and the legislators will work with the Joint Legislative Committee on Emergency Management, as well as relevant standing policy committees, to craft solutions to:
- Modernize vegetation and forest management practices for fire prevention and carbon sequestration
- Ensure utility and public infrastructure is designed, constructed, and operated to maximize resiliency to extreme weather events and natural disasters
- Enhance the emergency response system, including consideration of mutual aid resources, telecommunications, 911 systems, and community needs, particularly in low-income and vulnerable communities
- Examine the availability of insurance products in high wildfire areas in light of increased risks from climate change
- Update liability rules and regulations for utility services in light of changing climate and the increased severity and frequency of weather events
According to the governor's office, eight of the state's most destructive wildfires have occurred during the past five years.