HomeMy WebLinkAboutSupport Letter - SB 52 (Dodd) - 08.20.2021
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August 20, 2021
The Honorable Bill Dodd
California State Senator, 3rd District
State Capitol, Room 2082
Sacramento CA 95814
RE: SB 52 (Dodd) – SUPPORT
Dear Senator Dodd,
On behalf of the City of Cupertino, I write to express our support for SB 52, your
measure that would clarify planned power shutoff events as a “deenergizing event” for which
local governments can declare a local emergency under the California Emergency Services Act.
The seasonal threat of catastrophic wildfire has become the new normal in California. In
response to anticipated destruction caused by wildfires, which can be exacerbated by weather
events such as dry climate and high winds, utilities may elect to temporarily turn off power in
specific areas to reduce the risk of fire caused by electricity infrastructure. This utility action is
referred to as a “public safety power shutoff” (PSPS) and often significantly impacts various
activities and populations within affected regions, particularly for medically and financially
vulnerable residents. When critical public services are halted by PSPS events, it is often
necessary to activate city and county emergency operation centers to support vulnerable
residents. However, the activation of such an operation hinges on the declaration of a local
emergency under the Emergency Services Act, which precludes planned events from qualifying
as an emergency.
SB 52 provides much needed clarification on the activation of a local emergency amid a
PSPS, by broadening the definition of a loss of electrical power as an emergency to include
planned power shutoff events. This will allow counties to seek reimbursement for cost incurred
by running costly emergency operation centers and will ensure that our most vulnerable
residents are protected in the event of a PSPS, which can extend for days and is becoming all too
frequent given the state’s new “fire season” phenomenon.
MAYOR DARCY PAUL
CITY OF CUPERTINO
CORRESPONDENCE TO SENATOR DODD SUPPORTING SB 52 page 2 of 2
For these reasons, the City of Cupertino supports SB 52.
Sincerely,
Darcy Paul
Mayor
City of Cupertino
cc: Senator Dave Cortese
Assemblymember Evan Low
Assemblymember Marc Berman