Climate Change Did Not Cause California’s Fires [OPINION]

Stupid political policies and not climate change are responsible for the hellacious fires that continue to ravage California, making the Golden State more resemble a third world nation than one of the largest economies in the world.

But blaming climate change provides cover for some of the twisted politicians who implemented such policies.

California has become a one-party state. Democrats rule the roost with the governor's mansion in Democrat's hands, a supermajority in both branches of the legislature and 46 of the 53 congressional seats held by Democrats. Yet the former governor Jerry "Moonbeam" Brown blames President Trump and Republicans in Washington for failing to address climate change, which he blames for the fires.

Green mandates and initiatives implemented by Brown and his successor Gavin Newsom have over-regulated the state's utility companies stripping them of the resources necessary to modernize their power grids. Antiquated systems are contributing to the problem by triggering fires forcing the utilities to cut power to millions of customers.

Bowing to pressure from environmentalists, Brown put stiff regulations on the logging industry and prevented the thinning of dense forests of dead trees and brush which fuel the fires. After being called out by President Trump at the end of last year's fire season when 85 people lost their lives, Brown quietly signed legislation to address the issue but it didn't go far enough.

For Brown and anyone else to try and pass the buck for California's nightmare is absurd but typical. Just look around at the homeless, drug-addicted masses who sleep in the streets of California's biggest cities. Gas prices in California soar high above the rest of the nation at $4 and $5 per gallon. Crime is soaring, medical care is inadequate, the infrastructure is crumbling and crowded and on and on. All the result of climate change and Donald Trump?

California voters had better wake up and realize that foolish left-wing political policies and not climate change and Donald Trump are responsible for the mess. California is a showcase for what might be if the nation opts to shift further to the left in 2020. Don't say you weren't forewarned.

Barry Richard is the host of The Barry Richard Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. Contact him at barry@wbsm.com and follow him on Twitter @BarryJRichard58. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.