(SACRAMENTO) – Assemblymember Bennett's AB 367 has been signed by Governor Gavin Newsom. The bill increases preparation by Ventura County water suppliers for wildfires.
The legislation ensures fire hydrants work as designed during wildfires by creating baseline standards of emergency preparedness for water districts servicing homes in high fire risk areas of Ventura County as mapped by CAL FIRE.
The new law takes effect on July 1, 2030. It requires water districts to:
- develop emergency preparedness plans including appropriately filling tanks during red flag warnings.
- ensure prompt backup power is available to keep water pumps working after power shutoffs, and
- fire harden appropriate water infrastructure and backup generators.
The bill also requires a report after major fires on tank water levels, performance of backup power and effectiveness of the fire hardening structures around water pumps and backup power.
We are implementing the lessons learned from the devastating Thomas and Mountain Fires, I'm grateful to the citizens and agencies who gave our office feedback to make this bill the best version it could be for our mutual constituents. As always, if you have any questions, reach out to my office at (805) 485-4745.
"We are implementing the lessons learned from the devastating Thomas and Mountain Fires," said Assemblymember Steve Bennett. "I'm grateful to all the citizens and agencies who gave our office feedback to make this bill the best version it could be."
"Assemblymember Bennett has worked diligently to ensure that input from all impacted agencies was both heard and incorporated into this bill. I am encouraged and reassured knowing that water systems in our high fire severity zones will soon be hardened and capable of continuing operations during power outages," said Patrick Maynard, Director of Emergency Services for the Ventura County Sheriff's Office.
The bill is supported by the County of Ventura Board of Supervisors and the California Professional Firefighters.
Steve Bennett represents the 38th Assembly District, which includes Camarillo, Fillmore, Ojai, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Santa Paula, and Ventura. He is chair of the Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on Climate Change, Natural Resources, Energy and Transportation.
CONTACT: Michelle Sevilla, Michelle.Sevilla@asm.ca.gov, (805) 394-8842