Assemblymember Robert Rivas Emphasizes Need for Climate Change Action and Adaptation as Colorado Fire Hits Big Sur

Sacramento, CA— Assemblymember Robert Rivas released the following statement regarding the Colorado fire: “On Friday evening, January 21, CAL FIRE responded to a wildfire in Palo Colorado Canyon in Big Sur. That wildfire is still burning. Fortunately, firefighters and first responders safely and rapidly evacuated residents and have been working around the clock to contain the blaze. This unprecedented winter wildfire in my Assembly district is just the latest major fire along the Central Coast in recent years and represents yet further evidence that climate change is an immediate threat. In addition to urgently needed efforts to rapidly reduce carbon emissions, we must adapt to our new reality and take every action necessary to protect residents from climate disasters. Over the coming weeks, I plan to introduce climate resiliency legislation and collaborate with the Governor and legislative leaders to implement adaptation strategies. One smart step in this direction is Senate Majority Leader Mike McGuire’s bipartisan Fight for Firefighters legislation, of which I am proud to be a principal co-author. As a former firefighter myself, I can attest to the importance of modernizing CAL FIRE to counter the accelerating frequency and magnitude of wildfires. I thank Senate Majority Leader McGuire for introducing the Fight for Firefighters legislation and strongly encourage the Legislature and the Governor to support this proposal as well as other comprehensive climate resiliency and adaptation strategies.”