Highly Destructive Summer Vegetation Wildfires Are Underway As Senator Cortese’s Bill Reducing Their Risk Passes the Assembly Natural Resources Committee
SACRAMENTO – As highly destructive vegetation fires start off the summer in California, Senator Dave Cortese’s (D-Silicon Valley) bill developed in response to the fires was passed today by the Assembly Natural Resources Committee.
SB 653 is designed to define vegetation management practices that reduce wildfire risk while also supporting native wildlife and plant health.
The bill, sponsored by the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, also encourages the use of environmentally sensitive vegetation management (ESVM) practices that maintain ecological health and biodiversity. It defines this practice as vegetation management that promotes biodiversity while reducing long-term catastrophic wildfire risk. It encourages relevant state entities that fund ESVM projects to consider prioritizing specific practices, including supporting native plant health and biodiversity, using monitoring plans and following the principles of integrated pest management.
“This approach focuses on reducing wildfire risk while also supporting native wildlife and protecting native plant health,” said Senator Dave Cortese.
Senator Cortese’s other wildfire legislation to protect homeowners’ property includes:
- SB 429 – Creates the nation’s first public wildfire catastrophe model, improving insurance transparency and risk planning.
- SB 616 (Joint-Author) – Establishes a Community Hardening Commission to unify and modernize home fire protection standards.