The federal judge overseeing PG&E's probation said he was "a total failure in this job," expressing frustration he hasn't been able to stop the utility from sparking wildfires or getting the company to take responsibility for its behavior.
During a hearing on Monday, as the end of criminal probation for the company approaches, U.S. District Judge William Alsup — never one to beat around the bush in court — didn't hide his exasperation with PG&E.
A PG&E lawyer assured the judge that the utility had in fact learned valuable safety lessons. (Presumably, the lawyer managed to say that with a straight face.)
In short, Alsup wants "criminals like PG&E" to fess up and take responsibility for what they've done instead of tying themselves in legal knots to protect the beleaguered corporation.
I find the judge's straight talk wonderfully refreshing, but am definitely not holding my breath for PG&E and its lawyers to act any differently.