Southern California Edison to pay $82 million settlement in lawsuit stemming from huge 2020 wildfire
Source: Associated Press
California utility to pay $82 million settlement in lawsuit stemming from huge 2020 wildfire
Updated 4:50 PM EDT, May 23, 2025
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A California utility has agreed to pay the federal government $82.5 million stemming from an enormous 2020 wildfire that churned through mountains northeast of Los Angeles and into the Mojave Desert, officials said Friday.
The U.S. Justice Department announced the payment by Southern California Edison on Thursday. U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said in a statement that the settlement provides “meaningful compensation to taxpayers for the extensive costs of fighting the ... fire and for the widespread damage to public lands.”
Edison agreed to pay the settlement within 60 days of its effective date, May 14, without admitting wrongdoing or fault, prosecutors said.
Utility spokesperson Diane Castro said, “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.”
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Read more: https://apnews.com/article/california-wildfire-2020-utility-settlement-damage-edison-fc48840edfa594e069595ca3378cb97b