Roseville signs APPA wildfire resolution urging Congress for increased funding

Roseville city officials are taking proactive steps to address critical issues affecting local utilities and public safety, as highlighted in the recent Law & Regulation Committee meeting held on March 20, 2025. A key focus of the meeting was the city’s endorsement of the American Public Power Association (APPA) wildfire resolution, which calls on Congress to increase funding for wildfire mitigation and research. This resolution is particularly significant for California, where wildfires pose ongoing risks to electrical reliability and the financial stability of utilities.

During the meeting, city representatives emphasized the importance of this resolution, noting that it aligns with the interests of several California utilities. The city had previously participated in the APPA's annual legislative rally in Washington, D.C., where they advocated for this cause. The resolution serves as a guiding principle for federal advocacy, underscoring the urgency of addressing wildfire threats.

Additionally, the committee discussed potential risks to ongoing projects due to changes at the federal level. Officials expressed concern over proposed staffing cuts at the Western Area Power Administration, which could impact the reliability of power supply in Roseville. The city plans to continue advocating against these cuts in upcoming federal discussions.

The meeting also touched on the potential impact of federal legislation regarding tax-exempt bonds, specifically HR 1255. While details on the timeline for implementation remain unclear, city officials are hopeful that reinstating advanced refunding of bonds will benefit public power initiatives.

In a broader context, the city’s environmental utilities department reported that over 500 bills have been identified that could affect utility operations. Among these, nine measures are currently being actively engaged, with a focus on affordability issues related to housing and utility fees.

As Roseville navigates these legislative challenges, city officials remain committed to advocating for policies that ensure the reliability and affordability of utility services for the community. The next steps include further discussions on the identified bills and continued engagement with federal representatives to safeguard local interests.