Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order on Sunday aimed at helping those who lost homes in the recent wildfires in Los Angeles County. The wildfires, fueled by strong winds, have claimed 24 lives and destroyed over 12,000 structures since Tuesday. Newsom’s order waives certain environmental regulations to expedite the rebuilding process, including suspending permitting and environmental reviews under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the California Coastal Act.
In a statement, Newsom emphasized that rebuilding efforts must be swift to avoid further strain on the housing crisis in Southern California. “The executive order I signed today will help cut permitting delays, an important first step in allowing our communities to recover faster and stronger,” he said. Additionally, he has directed state agencies to explore other ways to streamline the rebuilding process and improve wildfire resilience.
The executive order also extends state limits on price gouging during emergencies until January 2026 in Los Angeles County. Newsom acknowledged that the destruction caused by the wildfires would worsen the state’s housing shortage, potentially leading to increased costs and homelessness if rebuilding is delayed.
The order has faced criticism, particularly from conservative voices like President-elect Donald Trump, who accused Newsom and California Democrats of endorsing environmental policies that contributed to the fires’ severity. Trump referred to Newsom as “incompetent” and suggested his resignation, making inaccurate claims about water management and FEMA’s role in the disaster.
In response, Newsom dismissed these claims during an interview with NBC News, focusing on the need to rebuild homes as efficiently as possible. He emphasized that waiving CEQA regulations would speed up recovery, particularly for homes built before modern safety standards. Newsom also expressed concerns over resource scarcity, property tax increases, and rebuilding timelines.
As of Sunday, the Palisades Fire, the largest of the ongoing wildfires, had burned over 23,700 acres and was 11% contained. Other fires, including the Eaton and Hurst Fires, have been partially contained.
