Newsom suspends CA environmental law to eliminate ‘roadblocks’ for wildfire victims rebuilding homes
California Governor Gavin Newsom has temporarily suspended environmental laws to allow for the swift rebuilding of structures destroyed by the recent Southern California wildfires. The devastating fires, which began on Jan. 7, ravaged more than 10,000 homes and structures along the picturesque Pacific Coast Highway in California.
One of the affected establishments was the Reel Inn, a seafood restaurant that had been serving customers on the Malibu coast since the 1980s. Owner Teddy Leonard expressed concerns about potential obstacles to rebuilding, stating, “We’re afraid they won’t let us rebuild. It’s very scary.”
Under normal circumstances, California law mandates a lengthy environmental review process for new construction projects. However, Governor Newsom’s executive order suspends this requirement for fire victims seeking to rebuild their lost homes and businesses.
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the California Coastal Act, which aim to assess environmental impacts and preserve coastal habitats, have been temporarily halted to facilitate the reconstruction process. Governor Newsom emphasized the importance of cutting permitting delays and streamlining the rebuilding and recovery efforts.
Critics of CEQA have long argued that the law is restrictive and costly. Eric Buescher, an attorney with San Francisco Baykeeper, a nonprofit environmental organization, stated that CEQA does not always function as intended. He highlighted concerns from developers, cities, and environmental groups about the challenges posed by the law.
Many of the homes destroyed in Malibu were situated on the beach, raising concerns about compliance with local land regulations aimed at protecting the natural coastline. However, the temporary suspension of environmental laws will allow fire victims to rebuild without facing unnecessary hurdles.
In a show of support, President Biden announced that the federal government would cover the costs of debris removal and fire management in California for the next 180 days. This assistance aims to alleviate financial burdens on the state and expedite the recovery process for affected communities.
As California works towards rebuilding and recovering from the devastating wildfires, the temporary suspension of environmental laws will provide much-needed relief to fire victims. The focus now shifts to ensuring a swift and efficient reconstruction process while balancing environmental considerations for a sustainable future.
