The Plumas County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on August 18 to oppose proposed changes to California’s state wildfire fund, expressing strong concern over potential limits on utility liability for catastrophic fires.
The changes, proposed by California Governor Gavin Newsom during the final weeks of his legislative term, would reduce the financial liability of profit-making utilities like Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E) when their equipment causes catastrophic wildfires.
Key Concerns Raised by County Leadership
According to Board of Supervisors Chair Mimi Hall and the California State Association of Counties (CSAC), the proposed policy changes would hit wildfire-impacted communities directly:
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Infrastructure Damages: Limits the ability of counties to recover costs for repairing damaged, county-owned buildings and public infrastructure.
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Emergency Response Costs: Caps the amount local governments can claim to reimburse emergency response operations when utility-caused fires strike.
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Property Tax Revenue Losses: Restricts claims for lost property tax revenue, further straining local government budgets post-disaster.
“The state must not put private utilities’ profits above fire survivors and local communities. This is a corporate bailout. And counties will fight to protect survivors and our communities.”
— Graham Knaus, CSAC Chief Executive Officer
The Local Context: Plumas County and the Dixie Fire
Local leaders emphasized that utility liability is not an abstract issue for Plumas County. Caused by faulty PG&E electrical equipment in July 2021, the Dixie Fire became the largest single wildfire in California’s recorded history, burning over 963,000 acres.
| Local Impact | Estimated Financial & Community Loss |
| Pavement & Road Repairs | ~$5,000,000 |
| Destroyed County Infrastructure | ~$3,800,000 |
| Settlement Accepted (Jan 2023) | $7,800,000 (Criticized by supervisors as far too low) |
| Lost Property Tax Revenue | ~$500,000 |
| Community Impact | 1,611 net job losses; heightened need for mental healthcare |
Supervisor Kevin Goss and Board Chair Mimi Hall are encouraging residents to voice their concerns over shifting costs away from utility companies and onto local taxpayers.
Elected Representatives Contact Information:
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Governor Gavin Newsom: Official Governor Contact Page | 916-445-2841
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Assemblymember Heather Hardwick: 916-319-2001
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State Senator Meagan Dahle: 916-651-4001
