California Air Resources Board

Would have require the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFIRE) to set aside at least 10% of their prescribed and beneficial fire program funding for beneficial fire-related activities. The funding would be given in the form of grants, programs, or other ways to expand a community’s ability to support beneficial fire programs. At least 25% of the given funds must go to California Native American tribes or indigenous-led groups.

View full bill text here

Governor’s Veto Message

To the Members of the California State Assembly:

I am returning Assembly Bill 1891 without my signature.

This bill would require the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) to dedicate a specified percentage of all grant funding appropriated to the Department to beneficial fire activities.

The state has nearly doubled the amount of prescribed burn treatments since 2021, treating roughly 200,000 acres annually. While I share the author's goal to increase the pace and scale of prescribed fire projects, this bill limits CAL FIRE's ability to prioritize limited state resources toward the projects and communities facing the greatest wildfire risks.

Funding decisions of this nature should be considered within the annual budget process, where they can be evaluated alongside the state's broader wildfire resilience priorities and considered among available resources.

For these reasons, I cannot sign this bill.

Sincerely,

Gavin Newsom

View Governor’s veto message here