Survivors of the devastating California forest fires of 2003 are looking to impose new rules to govern insurance companies after a series of bad experiences attempting to claim their losses in the fires. These citizens have run up against a powerful force that is derailing their efforts: the cozy relationship between the insurance industry and California lawmakers. According to the Los Angeles Times, “the most far-reaching efforts were derailed by a panel of state lawmakers that is closely aligned with the insurance industry”. Since 2003 the insurance industry has spent $25 million on “lobbyists, campaign contributions and perks for lawmakers” just in California.