California Governor Jerry Brown on Tuesday proposed upending a long standing policy that holds utility companies liable for wildfire damage caused by their equipment. Critics say the change is a bailout for the state's politically powerful utilities. But supporters cite the growing prevalence of wildfires, and the fact that companies are now held liable even if they’re not found negligent. The liability question was also taken up by legislators at a special wildfire hearing at the state capital on Wednesday. With more intense fires expected due to climate change, who should pay for the damage? We'll take up the debate.
Who Should Pay for the Damages Caused by California Wildfires?
52:28
This article is more than 4 years old.

Inmate firefighters battle the Ferguson fire in Jerseydale, California, on July 22, 2018. (Photo: Noah Berger/AFP/Getty Images)
Guests:
Bill Dodd, California state senator representing District 3, which includes Napa County and parts of Sonoma County
Marisa Lagos, reporter, KQED's California Politics and Government desk; cohost, KQED's Political Breakdown podcast
Steven Campora, lawyer with Dreyer Babich Buccola Wood and Campora
Sponsored