The chief executive has issued an executive order temporarily putting significant environmental regulations on hold in order to expedite the rebuilding process of homes and businesses destroyed by wildfires for those affected.
The aide’s communication was sent to Newsom’s office via an email, in an attempt to obtain a statement.
Why It Matters
since January 7.
According to AccuWeather, a private forecaster, the destruction and economic loss from the event falls between $135 billion and $150 billion in U.S. history.
What To Know
On Sunday, Newsom signed an executive order that temporarily exempts properties severely damaged or destroyed in the fires from requiring permits and California Environmental Quality Act and California Coastal Act approvals.
The California Environmental Quality Act, which was passed into law in 1970 by then-Governor Ronald Reagan, mandates that public agencies oversee and control actions that could impact the environment.
The order also instructs state agencies to identify more permitting requirements that can be safely suspended in order to speed up the rebuilding process.
The plan also requires the state’s Department of Housing and Community Development to work with affected jurisdictions to develop new regulations that ensure all necessary permits and approvals are processed within a 30-day timeframe.
The California Coastal Commission, the agency overseeing the implementation of coastal regulations, notes that existing laws already exempt the rebuilding of homes and other structures destroyed in a disaster from normal permits, under the condition that the new structure must be built in the same location and not exceed a 10% increase in size compared to the original damaged building.
What People Are Saying
I’m committed to California’s environmental leadership. I refuse to accept inaction, though – denial is the same as saying goodbye to the people, their ways, and their communities put in harm’s way when we delay. We’ll make up for lost time by moving forward in a manner that’s both efficient and productive.
As you leave, please don’t turn your back on us, and don’t walk away. We’re eager for you to return and start over, this time with stronger, more contemporary construction methods and higher safety standards. We’re committed to ensuring that the costs of doing so will be manageable, particularly for our community’s middle-class residents.
With the extensive damage we’ve suffered, we are taking decisive action to develop a comprehensive rebuilding strategy. My team is working closely with the city to cut through obstacles and speed the process along.
:The Coast Act and the Governor’s Executive Order set out a clear plan to rebuild quickly and efficiently once it’s time to do so.
What Happens Next
As of the morning of the following Monday, according to California’s Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the Palisades fire was held at 14 percent, the Eaton fire at 33 percent, and the Hurst fire at a significant 95 percent.
This situation may further complicate and make it even more difficult to gain control of the fires.
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