Newsom Suspends Environmental Review Requirements for LA Rebuilding

California 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 to allow victims of the Los Angeles and Ventura County wildfires to restore their homes and businesses faster. The order entails the following:

• Suspend CEQA review and California Coastal Act permitting for reconstruction of properties substantially damaged or destroyed in recent Southern California wildfires.

• Direct state agencies to identify additional permitting requirements, including provisions of the Building Code, that can safely be suspended or streamlined to accelerate rebuilding and make it more affordable.

• Extend protections against price gouging on building materials, storage services, construction, and other essential goods and services to Jan. 7, 2026, in A County.

• Commit to working with the Legislature to identify statutory changes to help expedite rebuilding while enhancing wildfire resilience and safety.

“When the fires are extinguished, victims who have lost their homes and businesses must be able to rebuild quickly and without roadblocks,” Newsom said. The executive order “will help cut permitting delays, an important first step in allowing our communities to recover faster and stronger. I’ve also ordered our state agencies to identify additional ways to streamline the rebuilding and recovery process.”

Additionally, Newsom on Monday proposed at least $2.5 billion in additional state funding for ongoing emergency response efforts and to jumpstart recovery efforts for Los Angeles. The funding will support recovery and cleanup, additional wildfire preparedness and reopening schools.