(CNS News) -- When asked what she thinks is causing the massive wildfires in California, Sen. Diane Fenistein (D-Calif.) said it is largely caused by lightning and that there is an increase in lightning sparked by climate change.
At the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, CNS News asked the senator if she agreed with California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) who said the recent scourge of California wildfires is due in part to poor forest management. The senator asked for clarification and CNS News asked Feinstein what she thinks is causing the wildfires.
“Oh, it's lightning,” said the senator.
CNS News then asked if this meant she did not believe the wildfires were connected to climate change, and the senator clarified.
“I think climate change is a part of the increasing lightning that we're having, and one of the things that I want to spend some time on is really how to take a good deep look at lightning and see what we can do," she said.
"But there's no question in my mind that the increase in difficult weather is a product of climate change," said the senator.
In recent weeks, California has experienced a surge of wildfires, among the worst the state has ever seen. This season of fires holds the record for most acres burned and contained, 6 out of the 20 largest wildfires in the state.
“We have not done justice for our forest management,” Gov. Newsom said to President Donald Trump during his visit to California on Monday, explaining one of the reasons for the increase in fires.
“Please respect the difference of opinion, fundamentally, on this issue of climate change.” Newsom added.
