California Wildfires Ignite Debate Over Policies as Congress Considers Relief Bill

A House subcommittee examines the role of regulations in wildfire prevention and recovery while federal disaster aid remains under negotiation.

A House Judiciary subcommittee held a hearing to assess how California's regulations may have influenced the severity of recent Los Angeles wildfires.
The January wildfires caused 29 deaths, destroyed thousands of acres, and left residents facing significant rebuilding challenges.
Republicans, including former President Trump, criticized California's forest management and water policies, while Governor Gavin Newsom defended state efforts to increase firefighting resources and conduct controlled burns.
Congressional Republicans are debating attaching conditions to federal disaster aid, such as changes to California's water and forest management policies, drawing opposition from Democrats.
Rising insurance costs and major insurers pulling out of disaster-prone states like California have compounded recovery challenges for homeowners.