Newsom Warns Coastal Commission to Not Stymie Fire Rebuild
Gov. Gavin Newsom Scolds State Coastal Regulators for Providing “Legally Erroneous Guidance”
Gov. Gavin Newsom has scolded state coastal regulators for providing “legally erroneous guidance” in rebuilding Pacific Palisades, where nearly 6,700 structures burned in this month’s wildfires.
Orders Issued to Expedite Rebuilding Efforts
The governor ordered the agency not to issue guidance or take any action that interferes with or conflicts with his previous executive orders, the Los Angeles Daily News reported.
Newsom also issued an order that temporary housing be expanded for firestorm survivors across Los Angeles County by extending hotel and short-term rentals to more than 30 days.
In addition, the latest order speeds up debris removal and cleanup with an eye toward recovery, allowing federal hazmat crews to begin cleaning up properties and to mitigate the risk of mudslides and flooding.
Suspension of Coastal Environmental Laws
The orders follow an earlier order to suspend two coastal environmental laws, waiving the California Environmental Quality Act and Coastal Act rules. It also comes after a Jan. 16 order to streamline the construction of granny flats to create more temporary housing.
Coastal Commission Response
Kate Huckelbridge, executive director of the Coastal Commission, appeared chastened in response to Newsom’s latest order.
“The damage caused by the fires in Los Angeles is unprecedented, and the state’s response must rise to meet this challenge,” Huckelbridge said in a statement.
“As the governor has emphasized, the Coastal Act will not slow or hinder rebuilding efforts. Coastal permitting requirements have been suspended for fire-impacted areas in Los Angeles to facilitate rapid recovery,” she said.
Fires Update
As of Monday, the Palisades fire spanned 23,448 acres and was 94 percent contained, while the Eaton fire in Altadena scorched 14,021 acres and was 98 percent contained. Fire officials have verified that the Palisades fire destroyed 6,662 structures, while the Eaton fire destroyed 9,418.
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Conclusion
Gov. Gavin Newsom has taken swift action to expedite rebuilding efforts in fire-ravaged areas, warning the Coastal Commission not to stymie the process with “legally erroneous guidance”. The orders aim to provide temporary housing, speed up debris removal, and streamline the construction of granny flats to create more temporary housing.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the governor’s orders?
A: The orders aim to expedite rebuilding efforts in fire-ravaged areas, providing temporary housing, speeding up debris removal, and streamlining the construction of granny flats to create more temporary housing.
Q: What is the current status of the Palisades fire?
A: As of Monday, the Palisades fire spanned 23,448 acres and was 94 percent contained.
Q: How many structures were destroyed in the Palisades fire?
A: Fire officials have verified that the Palisades fire destroyed 6,662 structures.
