California Gov. Gavin Newsom Declares State of Emergency Amid Heat Wave

California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency on Thursday, June 17, amid a major heat wave that is stressing power grids in states across the western U.S.

According to Fox News, parts of California and a handful of regions in other states in the west experienced daily temperatures as high as 118 degrees this week.

Gavin Newsom signed the emergency proclamation to free up additional power capacity as part of the state's preparation for the extreme temperatures.

During a heat wave last summer, more than 200,000 residents suffered two days of rolling power outages. The California governor and state utility leaders were widely criticized that time because it was the first time Californians had to deal with such issues in nearly 20 years.

California Governor Gavin Newsom Declares State of Emergency Amid Heat Wave

Apart from alerting residents to take caution amid the heat wave, the state of emergency issued by the governor will also ease restrictions on backup generators, auxiliary engines, and other sources of carbon-powered electricity.

"The proclamation suspends certain permitting requirements, allowing the use of backup power generation and freeing up additional energy capacity," the governor's office said. Newsom's office further noted that this would help alleviate the "heat-induced demands" on the state's energy grid.

During the state of emergency, which is expected to last until June 18, fuel consumption and air-quality restrictions on utility companies would also be rolled back.

Apart from Gavin Newsom, several agencies in the state also joined in urging the Californians to cut back on power consumption.

The state's leading power grid operator issued a statewide "Flex Alert" earlier in the day, asking residents to conserve power. It also suggested setting thermostats above 78 degrees and avoiding using major appliances such as dishwashers and washers.

California News Times reported that the California Independent System Operator also issued an alert on Wednesday, June 16, calling for a five-hour voluntary power conversation effort during peak hours from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on June 17.

"If tens of thousands of households adjust their consumption moderately, it can have a significant impact on the whole [state]," the state's main power grid operator said.

On the other hand, the National Meteorological Service issued Thursday, June 17, excessive heat warnings to most areas located in the southwest region, including Arizona, southern Nevada, southern Utah, and most of California.

The Reason for Heat Waves in The West

Aside from California, parts of New Mexico, Arizona, Montana, Wyoming, and Utah witnessed high temperatures due to heatwaves this week.

Associated Press reported that Phoenix hit a record-breaking heat of 118 degrees on June 17 and was expected to hit 116 degrees by Friday, June 18, and Saturday, June 19.

But there are reasons behind the extreme heat experienced in the western region. Senior meteorologist Marvin Percha noted that the heat comes from "jet stream" winds over the west that move across the United States and "vast swaths of soil sucked dry by a historic drought."

Percha and the other scientist noted that the heat wave in California and several other states was unusual because it arrived earlier and was staying longer than the previous years.

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