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Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sunday issued an executive order suspending permits under two environmental protection laws and reviewing requirements for residents planning to rebuild in the wake of two of California’s most destructive wildfires in history. signed.
Mr. Newsom’s order suspends permitting and review requirements outlined under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the California Coastal Act. The order will allow fire victims to restore their homes and businesses faster, Newsom said.
“We have to focus on the immediate — life, safety, property — but also think three weeks, three months, three years down the line,” Newsom told NBC News’ Jacob Soboroff. “We’re making sure people get their applications, we’re tackling issues of fraud and price gouging. We want to get inspection teams out here. They’re already starting to get out here. We’ve come up with some timelines to get all the work done within the next few weeks so people can get their insurance, and then we’ll clear the debris and remove the hazardous materials. We will be able to initiate large-scale contracts to address the problem.
“We are concerned about rebuilding issues related to lack of resources, materials and personnel. We are concerned about the time it will take to complete these projects. That is why we want to respond quickly by removing CEQA requirements. There are changes we are making. ”
The order directs state officials to identify additional permitting requirements, including building code provisions, that can be safely suspended or streamlined to speed up rebuilding and make it more affordable. Additionally, Los Angeles County will extend price gouging protections for building materials, storage services, construction, and other essential goods and services through January 7, 2026.
The California National Guard shared a video of a pilot using a C-130J aircraft equipped with a modular aerial firefighting system to drop retardant on the Palisades fire.
Newsom was asked about potential abuses resulting from suspending environmental requirements.
“We framed these abuses. We basically bookmarked it in the context of maintaining the existing footprint,” Newsom said. “California leads the nation in environmental stewardship. I’m not going to give up on that, but what I won’t give up on is delay. Delay is the denial of people, lives, traditions, and places that have been torn apart.”
We have to let people know we support them. We intend to do it efficiently and effectively. ”
As of Sunday morning, the Palisades Fire had burned 23,707 acres but was only 11% contained and 4,720 fire personnel were deployed. The Eaton Fire was 14,117 acres and 27% contained. The Hearst Fire in Sylmar is 799 acres and 89% contained.
All three fires broke out on Tuesday during a rainstorm that firefighters described as one of the worst they had ever experienced. The Palisades Fire is California’s third deadliest wildfire on record. The Eaton Fire is the fourth deadliest fire in the state.
By the time all the damage is known, this fire is expected to be one of the costliest wildfire disasters in U.S. history.
Counties and states declared states of emergency, and President Joe Biden approved a major disaster declaration for the state. Newsom and County Supervisor Kathryn Berger invited President-elect Donald Trump to visit the area and assess the damage.
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