Newsom's Wildfire Utility Deal | Hattiesburg News

Governor Newsom is racing against time to finalize a controversial wildfire liability deal that could reshape California’s utility system — and his political legacy. Facing a depleted $21 billion fund and rising electricity costs, he wants to cap payouts to victims and their lawyers to prevent further rate hikes, even as wildfire victims and insurers warn it undermines justice and fairness. With six of the state’s ten worst fires linked to utility equipment, and climate change fueling more disasters, Newsom insists this fix is urgent — or else leave a “mess” for his successor. Utilities like PG&E back the plan, but victims are fighting back. With just weeks until the August deadline, lawmakers must decide whether to pass his proposal — a decision that could echo far beyond the Capitol, especially if Newsom pursues the White House. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/71065114af495db2