In response to the report entitled “Wildfires and Climate Change: California’s Energy Future,” released by Gov. Newsom’s strike team today, IBEW 1245 Business Manager Tom Dalzell issued the following statement:

“IBEW Local 1245 has participated in give-and-take discussions with the Governor’s staff over the last several months leading up to the formulation of the strike team report released today by the Newsom administration.  

“The most important part of this report is that it exists, and that it unquestionably concludes that inaction and the status quo are no longer feasible options. We agree with the report’s finding that California must act quickly and decisively to confront the new reality of climate-change-induced wildfires.  

“Although we don’t necessarily agree in all respects with everything in the report, the broad strokes articulated by the Governor and his strike team reflect the guiding principles that we have been espousing for over a year. We particularly support the proposal to reform the unsustainable strict liability standard. The Governor’s proposal strikes the right balance between accountability and fairness for the utilities and all other stakeholders.

“As the union that represents 12,000 frontline workers at PG&E and thousands more at hundreds of utility contractors, we appreciate the chance to contribute our experience and extensive knowledge on this complex and critical subject. We look forward to continued collaboration with the Newsom administration to help finalize and execute a plan that mitigates wildfire risk, advances clean energy goals and keeps utilities solvent, while simultaneously protecting workers, utility customers and communities.”

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