Newsom signs $15-billion package to fight climate change, wildfire and drought

Sierra Cobras fire crew member Gustavo Cisneros keeps an eye on a hillside in the Sequoia National Forest. “We feel a deep sense of responsibility here in the state of California because of the smash-mouth realities of climate change,” Newsom said. Newsom also criticized former President Trump for failing to fight climate change, noting that Trump said the answer to California’s conflagrations was “buying more rakes.” It is increasingly important for the state to work closely with the federal government to manage its worsening wildfires. So we no longer have the luxury of treating climate adaptation like planning.” Lauren Sanchez, the governor’s senior climate advisor, described the billions in spending over the next three years as a new phase in the state’s battle against climate change, saying Newsom has asked her and other leaders to “manage this crisis like the emergency it is.” “It’s time to step up and meet this moment,” Sanchez said. On Thursday, Newsom also acknowledged that six of the seven largest wildfires in California have occurred since 2020, noting that “something is happening to the plumbing of the world.” Speaking about his childhood in California, the governor appeared choked up as he described some of the recent devastation in the state, including the Dixie fire’s leveling of the town of Greenville, and the Caldor fire’s destruction of Grizzly Flats.