Wildfire Liability Debate: Governor Newsom's Ongoing Battle with Utility Companies
California Governor Gavin Newsom's tenure has been marked by the ongoing debate over who should bear the financial burden of wildfire damage caused by utility equipment. The deadliest wildfire in California's history, which occurred shortly after Newsom took office in 2018, was attributed to Pacific Gas & Electric equipment. The utility's bankruptcy filing due to massive liability costs followed soon after Newsom's inauguration. The issue of wildfire liability has been a recurring challenge throughout Newsom's time in office.