Newsom Suspends Environmental Laws to Speed Up Rebuilding in LA County After Wildfires

Jan 12, 2025, 04:06 PM

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed an executive order to expedite the rebuilding process for victims of the recent Southern California wildfires, which have devastated entire communities in Los Angeles County and claimed at least 16 lives. The order suspends permitting and review requirements under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the California Coastal Act, effectively lifting bureaucratic red tape by suspending environmental laws to allow homeowners and businesses to rebuild more quickly. Newsom's action also extends key price gouging protections to make rebuilding more affordable and calls on state agencies to identify additional ways to accelerate reconstruction efforts.