Federal and Local Leaders Accelerate Efforts in Los Angeles Fire Recovery

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and Ambassador Ric Grenell join Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass to address hazardous cleanup and rebuilding after devastating fires.

The Palisades and Eaton Fires, which burned over 24,000 acres and claimed 29 lives, were fully contained last week after displacing thousands of residents.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the agency's timeline for hazardous material removal has been shortened from 90 days to 30 days, expediting the recovery process.
Ambassador Ric Grenell emphasized the need for efficiency in cleanup and rebuilding efforts, urging agencies to avoid delays caused by bureaucratic requirements or diversity quotas.
The Army Corps of Engineers aims to complete debris removal from nearly 7,000 destroyed structures in under a year, significantly ahead of the initial 18-month estimate.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass highlighted collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies to streamline permitting and ensure residents can rebuild quickly.