Declarations

August 2, 2021

“Obviously, solar projects need to be exposed to the elements in order to produce power, and while some may be robust to a greater or lesser extent in the face of most forms of extreme weather, they are all at high risk of damage during a wildfire event.”

— Fraser McLachlan, CEO of GCube, which produced a ‘Hail or High Water’ report showing that approximately 50% of all claims for solar asset damage due to extreme weather were caused by wildfire. GCube, a member of the Tokio Marine HCC group, used a decade of industry claims data in analyzing the risk of further significant damage to solar panels as wildfires grow in size and severity across the Western U.S.

“This is not political hyperbole. It is a scientific consensus that is jarring the life of every Washingtonian in some way.”

— Washington Gov. Jay Inslee declared a statewide drought emergency, calling the increased wildfire activity and drought “the summer of climate change.”

“We’re not Florida. … Minnesota has its own unique challenges, and it’s more having to do with our extreme temperatures and heavy snowfalls. … Are we doing everything we should be here in our state for our perceived risks? I would say yes we are.”

— Scott McLellan, state building official at the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, responds to questions from condominium residents worried about the safety of their buildings after the collapse of a residential tower in Florida. Property owners are responsible for maintaining and checking condo buildings for structural issues in Minnesota, but officials say the state doesn’t face the same risks as Florida and has tough building codes.

“The safety of our guests and team member is always our highest priority and the park was immediately cleared as we try to determine a cause. … Out of an abundance of caution, the park has been closed for the day.”

— Hurricane Harbor Splashtown spokesperson Rosie Shepard said in a statement after a chemical leak at the Houston-area water park left dozens suffering from minor skin irritation and respiratory issues on July 17, authorities said. Twenty-nine people were taken to local hospitals; 39 others declined to be taken to a hospital after undergoing decontamination procedures. The chemicals involved included hypochlorite solution and 35% sulfuric acid.

“Even the defendant had to keep a flowchart to keep it straight.”

— Assistant U.S. Attorney Sekret Sneed told jurors that suspended Georgia Insurance Commissioner Jim Beck created a series of shell companies that billed the Georgia Underwriting Association for bogus services. Beck is under trial in federal court for allegations that he ran a $2 million scam to swindle money from the property insurer he led before being elected insurance commissioner in 2019.

“Bringing a new product to the market can be a frustrating process, but Smart Launch will make it easier to navigate the regulatory considerations and challenges that can bar progress and innovation.”

— Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Jessica Altman said in a press release issued by her office regarding the Pennsylvania Insurance Department’s (PID) launch of a new program that aims to encourage the insurance industry to deliver innovative insurance solutions and products. Keystone Smart Launch seeks to help reduce barriers and speed up the regulatory process so Pennsylvania can offer new services to its consumers and industry professionals.