KQED is a proud member of
Save ArticleSave Article
upper waypoint
Mark Fiore: Drawn to the Bay

Downed Power Lines Spark Legislation

Mark Fiore
Save ArticleSave Article
Failed to save article

Please try again

Updated Sept. 21, 2018

Marin County Fire Chief Jason Weber said the Irving Fire was started by a downed PG&E power line.

"The investigators determined the cause to be a power line that came down into the grass," Weber told KQED.

Meanwhile, a bill that would provide utilities liability protection has been signed by Gov. Jerry Brown.

Senate Bill 901 allows utilities like PG&E that caused massive wildfires across Northern and Central California to issue bonds to pay for huge liability costs.

Sponsored

With PG&E facing hundreds of lawsuits from last year's fires that may cost the company around $17 billion, SB 901 also allows utilities to pass along the cost of future fires to their customers.

lower waypoint
next waypoint
State Prisons Offset New Inmate Wage Hikes by Cutting Hours for Some WorkersFresno's Chinatown Neighborhood To See Big Changes From High Speed RailErik Aadahl on the Power of Sound in FilmCecil Williams, Legendary Pastor of Glide Church, Dies at 94KQED Youth Takeover: How Can San Jose Schools Create Safer Campuses?How to Attend a Rally Safely in the Bay Area: Your Rights, Protections and the PoliceWill Less Homework Stress Make California Students Happier?Rainn Wilson from ‘The Office’ on Why We Need a Spiritual RevolutionNurses Warn Patient Safety at Risk as AI Use Spreads in Health CareSilicon Valley House Seat Race Gets a Recount