Larry Klein
Mayor
Richard Mehlinger
Vice Mayor
Alysa Cisneros
Councilmember
Murali Srinivasan
Councilmember
Linda Sell
Councilmember
Charlsie Chang
Councilmember
Eileen Le
Councilmember
September 15, 2026
T
he Honorable Gavin Newsom
Governor of California
1021 O Street, Suite 9000
Sacramento, CA 95814
R
E: Assembly Bill 1891 (Connolly): Beneficial Fire Capacity Act – REQUEST
FOR SIGNATURE
D
ear Governor Newsom,
O
n behalf of the City of Sunnyvale, we respectfully request that you sign AB 1891 into law. AB 1891, the Beneficial Fire Capacity Act, which builds on the Governor’s executive actions by dedicating 10% of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund allocated to California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection for wildfire resiliency and forest health to support beneficial fire, with 25% of those funds specifically dedicated to tribes and tribal organizations. These resources will expand training, organizational capacity, and partnership opportunities, while also supporting beneficial fire programs through competitive grants for implementation, capacity building, research, innovation, and training.
The City of Sunnyvale is committed to advancing environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and responsible land management practices. As communities across California face increasing wildfire risk driven by climate change and evolving land use patterns, it is critical that local governments have access to the tools, expertise, and resources necessary to support proactive approaches to landscape management and community protection.
AB 1891 represents a critical step toward expanding California’s capacity to use beneficial fire as an effective land management tool. Beneficial fire, including prescribed and cultural burning, plays an essential role in restoring ecosystem health, reduci ng hazardous fuel loads, and mitigating the risk of catastrophic wildfires that threaten communities, infrastructure, and natural resources.
Like many jurisdictions across the state, Sunnyvale recognizes the importance of coordinated regional approaches to wildfire resilience. Expanding access to trained practitioners, technical assistance, and dedicated funding will enable cities to partner Attachment 16
The Honorable Gavin Newsom, Governor
September 15, 2026
more effectively with regional, state, and tribal entities to implement science -based and culturally informed land management strategies.
We are particularly encouraged by the bill’s emphasis on community- led efforts and partnerships, including the integration of Indigenous knowledge and cultural burning practices. These approaches not only improve ecological outcomes but also strengthen local capacity and long-term stewardship.
The City of Sunnyvale’s support for AB 1891 is grounded in adopted City Policy Manual §3.0, including the City’s Climate Action Playbook and Environmental Sustainability policies, which prioritize reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening climate resilience, and supporting sustainable land management practices. These policies emphasize the importance of proactive, science- based approaches to mitigate climate impacts, protect public health and safety, and preserve natural resources. Expanding the use of beneficial fire aligns with these policy objectives by reducing wildfire risk, improving ecosystem health, and supporting long-term environmental stewardship.
For these reasons, the City of Sunnyvale respectfully urges you to sign AB 1891 into law. Thank you for your consideration of the City of Sunnyvale's position on this important legislation. Please do not hesitate to contact me or Ramana Chinnakotla, Director of Environmental Services at [email protected] if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Larry Klein
Mayor
cc: Assembly Member Patrick Ahrens
City Council
Tim Kirby, City Manager
Sarah Johnson-Rios, Assistant City Manager
Ramana Chinnakotla, Director of Environmental Services
Attachment 16