Fake “Wildfire Survivors” Ads Continue to Push Newsom to Cut Edison’s Eaton Fire Liability

Numerous news sources report that fire-survivor and consumer groups are objecting to possible last-minute legislation that they say could limit non-economic damages, eliminate insurers’ ability to recover utility-caused losses through subrogation, and cap attorneys’ fees. The governor’s office confirmed discussions concerning wildfire recovery and catastrophic risk, but no bill text had been released when the articles were published.

Consumer Watchdog says the utility-funded campaign “Wildfire Victims First” presents itself as representing Eaton Fire survivors while targeting key state lawmakers to advance legislation that would limit Edison’s liability to those survivors. Furthermore, Consumer Watchdog argues that the campaign is creating the appearance of survivor-led support, but would actually shift more wildfire costs to survivors and ratepayers. Financial relationships seem to be solidifying this fake survivor group. Its analysis found that 142 of the coalition’s 214 nongovernmental members—66%—received more than $7.3 million from California’s major investor-owned utilities between 2023 and 2025. Consumer Watchdog also warns that weakening utility accountability could reduce incentives for wildfire prevention.

Commentary from Joy Chen of EFSN, published by several news outlets, argues that utility-liability policy should not be developed through closed-door negotiations and urges support for the Dear Newsom campaign. Until public bill language is available, the reported proposals, funding analysis, and campaign claims should remain clearly attributed to their sources.
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Action: Add your name to the Dear Newsom letter.