California Earthquake Authority Releases Report on Natural Catastrophe Resiliency 

On April 7^th, the California Earthquake Authority (CEA) released its report, Enhancing California’s Resiliency to Natural Catastrophes often referred to as the “SB 254 Report” as required by Senate Bill 254 (Chapter 119, Statutes of 2025).  

SB 254 directed the CEA, in its role as the California Wildfire Fund Administrator, to prepare and submit a report to the Legislature and Governor that “evaluates and sets forth recommendations on new models or approaches that mitigate damage, accelerate recovery, and responsibility and equitably allocate the burdens from natural catastrophes, across stakeholders, to complement or replace the fund.” 

The SB 254 Report is the result of stakeholder input gathered under a constrained timeline of less than six months. CSAC collaborated with the League of California Cities (Cal Cities) and Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) to submit joint recommendations. Contributions from state agencies and departments include the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety, Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), California Department of Insurance (CDI), and California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). 

Presented in the Report are 28 options organized across three pathways, encompassing some concepts we support such as streamlining wildfire mitigation project environmental review and permitting processes and standards. However, there are several concepts that raise significant concerns and warrant strong opposition including those that would eliminate inverse condemnation for utility-caused wildfires or limit the damages for which electric and gas utilities are held liable. As the Legislature evaluates which of these proposals to advance, we will remain actively engaged and continue to advocate for local government priorities throughout these discussions. 

For questions, please contact Jordan Wells, CSAC Legislative Advocate, at jwells@counties.org.