RCRC press releases and related news clips about RCRC and our member counties. Please note that a subscription may be required to read some external publications.
CA broadband plan deprioritized low-income communities – CalMatters
This week, RCRC Senior Policy Advocate Tracy Rhine spoke with CalMatters, stressing the need for transparency in the State's broadband implementation and rollout. In November 2021, the State unveiled a $6 billion plan for public broadband infrastructure to connect underserved communities. However, some low-income and #rural regions are at risk of being deprioritized due to funding limitations and decision making by the California Department of Technology. Underserved communities, including rural counties, fear being left behind, particularly as changes in the middle-mile plan are impacting grants for last-mile projects.
Pacific Gas and Electric: Dozens of Elected Officials and Community Leaders Voice Support for PG&E’s Undergrounding Plan – Market Screener
This week, RCRC Senior Policy Advocate, John Kennedy, was quoted in a Market Screener article, showing support for PG&E's plan to move 2,000 miles of power lines underground by 2026, alongside elected officials, advocacy groups, and community leaders from Northern and Central California. PG&E’s plan to underground power lines would reduce wildfire risks and enhance electric service reliability, alongside Undergrounding reduces wildfire risk by 98% and could save customers $5.7 billion in the long run.
Critical Legislation to Reduce Catastrophic Wildfire Risks Signed into Law – Assembly Member Vice Fong
Assembly Bill 297, introduced by Assemblyman Vince Fong, aims to address catastrophic wildfires in California. Rural County Representatives of California President and CEO, Patrick Blacklock, underscored the bill's significance in jumpstarting local fire prevention projects and its recognition of prescribed grazing in achieving wildfire prevention goals, ensuring that wildfire mitigation projects continued in communities most in need. The bill allows CAL FIRE to provide additional funding for the removal of flammable brush, with non-profits and local agencies able to make requests from January 1, 2024. RCRC strongly supported this measure.