California Utility to Pay $82M Over 2020 Wildfire Lawsuit

California Utility to Pay $82M Over 2020 Wildfire Lawsuit

Introduction

Southern California Edison (SCE) has agreed to pay $82.5 million to the federal government in connection with the 2020 Bobcat Fire, which burned through vast stretches of forest northeast of Los Angeles and reached the Mojave Desert, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Settlement for Firefighting and Environmental Damage

The payment is intended to compensate taxpayers for the significant costs of fighting the Bobcat Fire and the extensive environmental damage it caused, including harm to federal lands. The settlement was announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and resolves a 2023 lawsuit filed by federal prosecutors on behalf of the U.S. Forest Service against SCE and its contractor, Utility Tree Service.

No Admission of Fault by Utility

Under the terms of the agreement, SCE will pay the settlement within 60 days from the effective date, May 14, without admitting any fault or wrongdoing. A spokesperson for the utility stated, “Our hearts are with the people who were affected by the Bobcat Fire. We are pleased to have resolved this matter and will continue to advance wildfire mitigation measures.”

Fire Allegedly Caused by Neglected Vegetation Management

The government’s lawsuit alleged that the fire ignited after trees—allegedly not properly managed by the utility and its contractor—came into contact with power lines. The blaze scorched approximately 178 square miles (461 square kilometers), forcing long-term closures of campgrounds and over 100 miles of trails in the Angeles National Forest. It also damaged habitats critical to endangered and threatened species, including the mountain yellow-legged frog and various native fish and birds.

Restoration Efforts Planned

“These resources will help us rehabilitate burned areas, restore wildlife habitats, and strengthen our forests’ resilience to future wildfires,” said a Deputy Forest Supervisor for the Angeles National Forest.

Ongoing Investigations and Prior Settlements

In 2023, SCE paid $80 million to settle separate claims from a 2017 wildfire that destroyed over a thousand structures. Authorities are also investigating the cause of the recent Eaton Fire, which destroyed at least 7,000 homes. Lawsuits claim SCE equipment sparked that blaze as well.