LA fire survivors say Newsom is trying to help utilities reduce their wildfire costs again

California fire survivors, consumer advocates and even insurance industry representatives are accusing Governor Gavin Newsom of quietly working with lawmakers on last-minute bills that would shift wildfire liability costs away from utilities. CalMatters reports the proposed package could limit compensation for fire victims' pain and suffering, cap attorneys' fees, and strip insurers' ability to recover wildfire costs from the utility companies responsible. The state's three major utilities — PG&E, Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas and Electric — have donated more than one point two million dollars to sitting lawmakers this session alone, per CalMatters' reporting. The outlet also found that a utility-funded campaign backing the changes, called Wildfire Survivors First, includes no actual fire survivor groups among its more than two hundred supporting organizations.

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