A bill that supporters say will help reduce the incidence of deadly wildfires — especially in the Northern California service territory of Pacific Gas & Electric — by streamlining efforts to place power lines underground awaits the signature of Gov. Gavin Newsom.
But opponents, saying the legislation undercuts existing regulatory oversight and will lead to higher monthly bills paid by utility customers in areas beyond PG&E's service territory, have urged Newsom to veto the bill.
Senate Bill 884 passed the Assembly on a 67-0 floor vote and the Senate, 31-9, on Aug. 30, the next-to-last day of the legislative session in Sacramento.
