As residents of our region鈥檚 picturesque, abundant forestlands, we know all too well about the potential devastation that wildfires might bring to our communities. The threat of wildfires is a constant concern, not only for the safety of our homes and businesses but also for our well-being and economic vitality.
The images of destruction from the recent fires in Southern California are a sobering reminder of the dangers.
That鈥檚 why it鈥檚 critical for emergency management agencies, wildfire experts, first responders, and entities that provide essential services, like electric utilities, to continue their collaborative efforts for preventing and mitigating wildfires in our beautiful area.
A bill now being considered by the Arizona Legislature is important to enhancing that cooperation and protecting our homes and businesses. That鈥檚 why as a local business owner I鈥檓 supporting HB 2201, and I urge my fellow business community members across the state to support it as well.
The bill mandates a commonsense approach to wildfire prevention and mitigation for the state鈥檚 electric utilities regulated by the Arizona Corporation Commission. The utilities would be required to develop and submit wildfire mitigation plans to the Commission every two years. HB 2201 ensures that utilities are actively working to reduce the risk of wildfires for the customers and communities they serve.
These plans are designed to minimize the risk of wildfires caused by utility infrastructure and ensure that utilities are taking proactive measures to help protect customers and the communities they serve. The bill would require utilities to implement measures such as vegetation management, power line safety, and public outreach as part of the plans.
This proactive planning approach is also vital in a state where hot summers, dry conditions, deteriorating forest health and extreme weather events like monsoon winds create a perfect environment for wildfires to spread rapidly.
In addition to ensuring the safety of northern Arizona and high-risk communities around the state, HB 2201 also proposes common sense liability reforms that hold utility companies accountable, while also shielding customers from bearing the costs of frivolous lawsuits. By enacting clear standards on how wildfire liability is evaluated, HB 2201 will promote the continuity of critical electric service to ensure utility customers can count on their provider year-round at the lowest cost possible.
As the west grapples with how to address the threat of catastrophic wildfire, HB 2201 is the right solution at the right time. By taking a comprehensive approach to wildfire mitigation and utility continuity, HB 2201 will safeguard our families and neighborhoods and ensure we all continue to receive the reliable electricity service we have come to expect.
As residents of a community at high risk of catastrophic wildfire, we must confront the risk we face and demand action from our elected leaders before it is too late. Please join me in supporting this important legislation to help protect our homes, businesses and our future prosperity here in Northern Arizona.