Petrie-Norris fundraiser draws scrutiny ahead of utility hearings

Consumer advocates questioned Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris’ contact with a PG&E lobbyist at a Laguna Beach golf fundraiser ahead of hearings on utility wildfire liability, Voice of OC reported Tuesday. Her staff said the lobbyist attended for a hydrogen industry group, not PG&E.

The Irvine Democrat chairs the Assembly Utilities & Energy Committee, putting her in a leading oversight role as lawmakers consider relief for utilities facing liability for wildfires they caused. The dispute raises questions about access to an Orange County lawmaker but does not establish that improper influence occurred.

According to Voice of OC, Cesar Diaz, a Capital Advocacy lobbyist registered to represent PG&E, attended Petrie-Norris’ golf fundraiser in Laguna Beach. Petrie-Norris is seeking reelection.

Taylor Giroux, Petrie-Norris’ chief of staff, said Diaz attended on behalf of the California Hydrogen Business Council. According to the staff’s account, the council issued a $3,000 check on Aug. 4 for the fundraiser. That check date does not establish when the event took place.

Jamie Court, president of Consumer Watchdog, criticized the interaction’s proximity to the hearings, citing Diaz’s simultaneous role as a PG&E lobbyist. Giroux said the fundraisers are social events where policy is not discussed, Voice of OC reported.

The Utilities & Energy Committee hearing was scheduled for Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. A joint hearing with the Assembly Insurance Committee was set for Thursday at 10 a.m., according to Voice of OC.

The hearings come amid debate over relief for utilities facing wildfire liability. Voice of OC reported that Gov. Gavin Newsom enacted compromise legislation, SB 492, before the Legislature adjourned. The report described a possible special session after the Nov. 3 election as speculation, not an announced plan.

Petrie-Norris did not directly answer questions about the interaction, and Diaz did not respond to an emailed request for comment, Voice of OC reported. Her staff’s explanation and Consumer Watchdog’s criticism remain competing accounts of the fundraiser’s significance.