State legislators brief Cupertino council on energy, wildfire, housing and health issues

Senator Josh Becker and Assemblymember Patrick Aarons briefed the Cupertino City Council at a special meeting on Oct. 13 about California legislation that could affect local residents, particularly on energy, wildfire response, housing and health care.

Becker, who identified himself as chair of the Senate Energy Committee and as chair of the Bay Area Caucus, told the council “it was difficult year in the legislature,” saying state budget outlooks shifted after federal actions and that health‑care funding uncertainty may prompt additional legislative or budget action. He described work on energy and wildfire laws, cap‑and‑trade revenue distribution and a package of bills aimed at making utility wildfire mitigation costs less rate‑based.

Becker said the legislature examined the state’s cap‑and‑trade system and its revenues, which he described as “about $4 to $5,000,000,000 a year” under normal conditions, and discussed changes to return more money to residents through a climate credit timed to have more immediate effect when people need it. He said a bill…