Gavin Newsom leads California’s response to Los Angeles wildfires with new recovery legislation

The fires in Los Angeles, California, keep raging out of control, leaving more than 20 people dead, thousands of homes destroyed and millions of people evacuated. In the face of this emergency, Governor Gavin Newsom has taken urgent measures to accelerate the reconstruction of the city and avoid further delays in the recovery process.

California's governor signed an executive order suspending permitting requirements under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the state Coastal Act. The measure is intended to allow fire victims to restore their homes and businesses more quickly by removing bureaucratic barriers that could delay the process. “When the fires are extinguished, victims should be able to rebuild without hindrance,” Newsom said in his statement.

The actions of the governor to avoid additional disasters

Meanwhile, Gavin Newsom signed an executive order to expedite debris removal and mitigate the risk of flooding and landslides in the areas affected by the fires. The relevance of this measure is key as winter is near and storms could further exacerbate the situation in devastated areas. “We know what is needed for effective recovery,” Newsom said, noting lessons learned from previous fires in California.

Efforts to clear debris and protect altered areas continue to be a priority for the governor. With winter on the horizon, the threat of further complications due to rainfall increases, so rapid response is essential. Newsom assures that while the road to recovery will be arduous, the state is committed to supporting Los Angeles as it rebuilds.