California drops wildfire utility liability protection plan
(World News USA)

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - California lawmakers are abandoning a proposal by Gov. Jerry Brown to shield electrical utilities from some financial liability for wildfires. Napa Democratic Sen. Bill Dodd tells the San Francisco Chronicle on Saturday that there wasn`t enough time before the legislative session ends Aug. 31 to study and pass the issue. He says `it was a tough fight ... so we are pivoting.` The proposal by the Democratic Brown drew criticism that it would give utility companies too much protection without ensuring they safely maintain equipment. Lawmakers raised concerns about Brown`s plan at an Aug. 9 hearing on the proposal as part of a committee set up to address wildfire...