As the fires continue to set Los Angeles neighbors ablaze, Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order on January 12th that suspends environmental laws that might delay reconstruction in these areas.
The order will suspend the CEQA review and California Coastal Act, direct state agencies to identify additional permitting requirements like the provisions within the Building Code, extend protections against price gouging on materials, storage, and construction through January 7, 2026, and working with legislature to identify changes that assist in rebuilding while enhancing wildfire resilience.

 

"I'm worried about issues of rebuilding as it relates to scarcity of resources, materials, personnel." said Gov. Newsom, "I'm worried about time for getting these projects done. So, we want to fast-track by eliminating any CEQA requirements. There are Coastal Act changes that we're making."

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Mayor, Karen Bass issued an executive order to rebuild - which calls for city agencies to also expedite temporary occupancy approvals for 1,400 housing units that are near completion. The order also asks for agencies to expedite the building permit review process that asks for reviews to be done in 30 days after the submission of an application and only two business days for inspections by the Department of Building and Safety.

Consultant Sal Hernandez told LASN that the executive order could lead to a rush to rebuild which could possibly miss the chance to redesign communities with better fire-prevention planning and updated infrastructure. Hernandez also said that while it could cause environmental risks long term, lead to equity concerns, and cause reduced oversight there are a lot of benefits. However, he does believe that these orders could help expedite rebuilding, help residents avoid price gouging, streamline bureaucracy, support communities, and increase resilience by incorporating more resilient infrastructure.

On January 24, President Trump vowed to waive federal permitting to also help those affected in the rebuilding process. He also asked local authorities to waive or expedite the permitting process.