Newsom Declares Emergency to Expedite Wildfire Prevention Projects in California

The governor suspends environmental regulations to fast-track efforts as the state grapples with devastating wildfires and seeks federal disaster aid.

Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in California to accelerate wildfire prevention and recovery efforts following deadly January fires in Los Angeles.
The emergency order suspends the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the Coastal Act to streamline vegetation removal, firebreak construction, and controlled burns.
Newsom is requesting nearly $40 billion in federal disaster aid to support recovery and prevention measures, with some Republican lawmakers advocating for stricter conditions on the funding.
This move follows criticism from President Trump and others over California's wildfire management, with Trump calling for increased forest maintenance and regulatory reform.
The January Palisades and Eaton fires destroyed over 16,000 structures and highlighted the urgency of addressing California's wildfire risks ahead of peak fire season.

Orange County Register