California’s environmental review process will be waived for victims of the wildfires in the Los Angeles area when they try to rebuild their homes.
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order to suspend permitting and review requirements under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the California Coastal Act.
The big picture: Per Newsom’s order, CEQA review and permitting under the California Coastal Act for the reconstruction of properties that were either substantially damaged or destroyed in the fires will be suspended.
- Newsom also directed state agencies to identify more permitting requirements that can be suspended or streamlined to accelerate rebuilding.
- All permitting approvals for rebuilding should be issued within 30 days, per Newsom’s executive order.
Why it matters: CEQA is often one of the largest barriers to construction for developers across the state.
- The state’s marquee environmental law is often used in lawsuits to halt housing developments. It requires public agencies and local governments to study the environmental impacts of projects before approving them.
What they’re saying: “When the fires are extinguished, victims who have lost their homes and businesses must be able to rebuild quickly and without roadblocks,” Newsom said in a statement.
- The governor said his executive order is “an important first step in allowing our communities to recover faster and stronger.”
