‘Woke green hydrogen bomb’: Historian blasts California leaders for ‘nonsensical’ wildfire response

Historian and political commentator Victor Davis Hanson has shed light on the series of events that led to the “nonsensical” response from Los Angeles and California state leaders to the devastating wildfires that continue to ravage the region. According to Hanson, there were numerous short-term and long-term issues that contributed to the mismanagement of the wildfires, with climate change playing a minimal role in the immediate crisis.

Hanson described the situation as a “woke green hydrogen bomb,” pointing to a range of failures that exacerbated the wildfires. From Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’ absence during the critical first 24 hours of the inferno to empty fire hydrants, a dysfunctional reservoir, a defunded fire department, and a lack of new water infrastructure, there were multiple factors that hindered effective response efforts.

One of the key issues highlighted by Hanson was the failure to build new reservoirs despite the allocation of billions of dollars earmarked for water infrastructure improvements. Governor Gavin Newsom’s support for funding to address water storage capacity did not translate into tangible results, with no new reservoirs completed under Proposition 1 as of January. Existing reservoirs, such as the Santa Ynez Reservoir in Pacific Palisades, were left idle due to maintenance issues, further exacerbating the water shortage during the wildfires.

The mismanagement of water resources in California’s Central Valley was also a critical factor contributing to the crisis. Despite increasing demand, no new dams have been built on the San Joaquin system in decades, leading to a reliance on aging infrastructure to meet water needs. As reservoir levels dropped rapidly due to the prolonged dry spell, Newsom’s insistence that the reservoirs were full was called into question, highlighting the disconnect between official statements and the ground reality.

In response to the escalating wildfires, Newsom has ordered an independent review of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and proposed allocating additional funding to bolster emergency response and recovery efforts. The proposed funding aims to support recovery and cleanup operations, enhance wildfire preparedness, and assist in reopening schools closed due to the fires. Despite these measures, containment efforts for the Palisades and Eaton fires in Los Angeles County have seen only a slight increase, underscoring the challenges faced in managing the ongoing crisis.

As California grapples with the devastating impact of wildfires, the need for comprehensive reforms in water management and emergency response strategies has become increasingly apparent. Addressing the systemic failures that have plagued the region’s wildfire management will be crucial in mitigating future disasters and safeguarding communities against the growing threat of wildfires.