CSAC is commending Gov. Gavin Newsom for his latest effort to
remove bureaucratic hurdles and accelerate the rebuilding of
communities devastated by the Los Angeles County wildfires.
At the same time, CSAC is reminding the governor that many other
disaster-stricken counties deserve the same relief and support
for their own rebuilding efforts.
On March 27, 2025, Newsom issued
Executive Order N-24-25, which focuses on restoring critical
utility infrastructure in areas affected by the January 2025
wildfires.
The executive order suspends key permitting requirements,
including those under the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) and the California Coastal Act, for projects aimed at
rebuilding electric and telecommunication infrastructure that was
substantially damaged or destroyed by the wildfires. These
changes are designed to expedite the undergrounding, upgrading,
and relocation of utility infrastructure to improve resilience
and minimize future fire risks.
The order extends these suspensions to the demolition, removal,
and reconstruction of gas, water, sewer, and telecommunication
infrastructure. This approach aims to ensure that essential
services are swiftly restored, providing much-needed relief to
affected communities.
“Recovery starts underground – water, gas, electric, and
broadband lay the foundation for rebuilding better than before,”
said CSAC CEO Graham Knaus. “Governor Newsom’s Executive Order
rightly speeds up access to these essential services. Now, let’s
make sure other disaster-hit counties — from Butte to Ventura —
benefit from the same smart approach.”
Earlier this month, at a CSAC
regional meeting hosted in Butte County, supervisors and
staff from counties throughout Northern California toured
Paradise and Magalia. Rebuilding efforts have been hindered by
rising costs, stricter building codes, and a shortage of
contractors. With 58 counties having unique needs, CSAC’s report,
What Counties Need to Prepare for the Next Disaster…And
Rebuild Stronger After Every Disaster, outlines policy
changes to streamline recovery and enhance
resilience.
CSAC advocates for similar streamlined measures to be
automatically enacted in any region affected by disaster. By
adopting consistent, pre-approved rebuilding processes, the state
can enhance recovery efforts, ensuring all communities rebuild
faster, stronger, and more resilient than before.
