Waives state laws to expedite debris removal

What you need to know: The executive order issued today will streamline emergency response work by temporarily suspending certain environmental rules and procedures to allow for faster debris removal and protection against landslides, mudslides, and flash floods.

SACRAMENTO - Governor Gavin Newsom today signed an executive order to help protect Southern California communities from landslides and flooding as they continue to recover from recent firestorms. 

The firestorms have left debris and burn scars across Los Angeles’ landscape, posing a safety concern in light of rainfall that forecasts show is on the way. As burn scars do not absorb water at normal rates, they create a risk for mudslides, landslides, flash floods, and debris flows. Today’s action will help mitigate this risk and protect communities by hastening efforts to remove debris, bolster flood defenses, and stabilize hillsides in affected areas.

“As work continues to fight fires across Los Angeles County, the state is already working to prepare for the damage that can happen when winter rainstorms hit burn scars, causing landslides and flooding. This order helps keep our emergency response focused on protecting communities, not permits and paperwork.” - Governor Gavin Newsom

Among other items, the executive order issued today will streamline emergency response work, such as shoring up hillsides and clearing debris out of waterways quickly, by suspending certain environmental rules and approval procedures for 90 days, through the end of the normal rainy season.  Work in streams and rivers will need to follow specified conditions to protect those important waterways.    

“I appreciate the Governor’s swift action to remove all regulatory barriers so that our County can quickly provide critical flood and debris flow protection to all areas impacted by these devastating fires,” said Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger, Fifth District. “The work ahead of us is significant and will be a big lift. However, with this Executive Order, Los Angeles County Public Works can get to work immediately, well ahead of future rainstorms. Public safety comes first and all levels of government are banding together to deliver on that promise.”

“We are immensely grateful for Governor Newsom’s continued leadership and support as we recover from these unprecedented natural disasters,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, Third District. “Today’s executive order allows us to quickly combat the threat of flood and debris flow and do all that is necessary to protect life, property, and our natural environment. We stand ready to repair our critical infrastructure so our communities can rebuild their homes and businesses as quickly as possible, and have the support and resources necessary to fully recover.”

Combined with other executive orders recently issued by Governor Newsom directing state agencies to expedite debris removal from firestorm-affected areas and allowing expert federal hazmat crews to start cleaning up properties as soon as is safe, today’s action further accelerates efforts to protect communities from debris flows and similar hazards in future winter storms.

A copy of the order can be found here. 

Supporting recovery, protecting survivors 

Governor Newsom has issued a number of executive orders in response to the Los Angeles firestorms to help aid in rebuilding and recovery, create more temporary housing, and protect survivors from exploitation and price gouging:

• Providing tax relief to those impacted by the fires. California postponed the individual tax filing deadline to October 15 for Los Angeles County taxpayers. Additionally, the state extended the January 31, 2025, sales and use tax filing deadline for Los Angeles County taxpayers until April 30 — providing critical tax relief for businesses. 
• Rebuilding Los Angeles faster and stronger. Governor Newsom issued an executive order to streamline the rebuilding of homes and businesses destroyed — suspending permitting and review requirements under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the California Coastal Act.
• Fast-tracking temporary housing. To help provide necessary shelter for those immediately impacted by the firestorms, the Governor issued an executive order to make it easier to streamline construction of accessory dwelling units, allow for more temporary trailers and other housing, and suspend fees for mobile home parks.  
• Mobilizing debris removal and cleanup. With an eye toward recovery, the Governor directed fast action on debris removal work and mitigating the potential for mudslides and flooding in areas burned. He also signed an executive order to allow expert federal hazmat crews to start cleaning up properties as a key step in getting people back to their properties safely.
• Safeguarding survivors from price gouging. Governor Newsom expanded restrictions to protect survivors from illegal price hikes on rent, hotel and motel costs, and building materials or construction. Report violations to the Office of the Attorney General here.
• Directing immediate state relief. The Governor is proposing California provide at least $2.5 billion in additional funding for ongoing emergency response efforts and to jumpstart recovery efforts for Los Angeles. 
• Getting kids back in the classroom. Governor Newsom signed an executive order to quickly assist displaced students in the Los Angeles area and bolster schools affected by the firestorms.
• Protecting victims from real estate speculators. The Governor issued an executive order to protect firestorm victims from predatory land speculators making aggressive and unsolicited cash offers to purchase victims’ property. 

Get help today

Californians can go to CA.gov/LAfires – a hub for information and resources from state, local and federal government.

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses from wildfires in Los Angeles County can apply for disaster assistance:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
• By calling 800-621-3362
• By using the FEMA smartphone application
• Assistance is available in over 40 languages

If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.