California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency on Saturday to quickly track wildfire prevention projects.
Newsom announced the move after President Donald Trump condemned the governor’s handling of previous wildfire disasters. The order suspends certain environmental regulations that delay forest management projects and other wildfire prevention measures.
“We’ve already seen some of the most devastating wildfires in California’s history this year, but we’re only in March. Based on unprecedented work, we’re cutting red tape and making historic investments. We’re taking action in emergencies and taking action to track even more important wildfire projects even faster,” Newsom said in a statement.
“These are the forest management projects needed to protect the communities most vulnerable to wildfires, and we intend to accomplish them,” he added.
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The cost of California’s wide-ranging initiative will be approximately $2.5 billion, with funding burning, fuel reductions in burned areas and public tracking of wildfire prevention efforts.
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The emergency announcement comes weeks after Trump denounced the “crude and incompetent” newspapers when dealing with recent wildfires.
“Gavin Newscam should be resigning. This is his fault!!!” Trump was charged in a social media post on January 8th, repeating the sloppy name he often uses for the governor.
President Trump criticized Governor Newsom’s handling of wildfires. (AP/Getty Images)
Newsom traveled to Washington, DC in early February to secure federal support for disaster relief efforts. He said he was holding a “very productive” meeting at the White House at the time.
The governor traveled to the White House and held two meetings in Capitol Hill before petitioning Trump for “unconditional disaster aid,” his office said.
A big wildfire near the Carolina forest. (Holly County Fire Rescue)
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“As we approach a month from the devastating wildfires across Southern California, we will continue to cut our deficits to speed up recovery, sort our efforts and ensure our reconstruction efforts are quick,” Newsmom said in a statement. “We, as always, work across the aisles to ensure the resources and support that survivors need.”
Stepheny Price from Fox News contributed to this report.
Anders Hagstrom is a reporter for Fox News Digital, covering national politics and major broken news events. Submit your tip to anders.hagstrom@fox.com or via Twitter: @hagstrom_anders.
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