Harris introduces bill to prevent California wildfires

Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) and Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) have introduced legislation that would funnel $1 billion each year toward battling wildfires in California and elsewhere after a series of blazes have spread across the Golden State in recent weeks.

The bill would give communities up to $10 million to spend on wildfire defense — efforts that could range from bolstering evacuation plans to hardening infrastructure and deploying alternative energy sources that could help avoid fires sparked by utilities.

“As we continue to combat climate change and address other root causes of these fires, we must also invest in our communities and provide them with the resources to strengthen their readiness,” Harris said in a statement. “We know that more fires are coming, and we know what works to keep communities safe and help firefighters do their jobs — so let’s take action to get it done.”

Last year’s fires cost a record $24 billion, and the California lawmakers argue that governments will save money in the long run by investing in mitigation. 

The legislation comes as others in the California delegation have eyed solutions for battling wildfires. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) has promised to deliver a GOP fix for wildfires and Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) has likewise said she is working on legislation.

President Trump has often criticized California responses to wildfires, saying the state should do a better job clearing brush and raking in order to prevent fires. 

Friday’s legislation follows another bill from Harris introduced Wednesday that she said would “ensure that publicly-traded utility companies going through bankruptcy — like PG&E — cannot reward their executives with bonuses or trips.”

PG&E, a major California utility company blamed for sparking several fires, has periodically cut off service, leaving large areas of the state in blackout.