Homes along Pacific Coast Highway are seen burned by the Palisades Fire on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025 in Malibu, California. (Mark J. Terrill)
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires that a review be conducted to weigh any potential environmental effects before a building permit is approved. Another state law, the California Coastal Act, focuses on development as it relates to "the preservation of sensitive coastal and marine habitat and biodiversity."
CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES PROMPT SCRUTINY OF FEDERAL, STATE RULES HAMPERING MITIGATION EFFORTS
Both laws were halted on Sunday for those who tragically lost their homes after Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order to suspend the environmental review process.
"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.
Aerial shots of the fires breaking out in California. (X/Charles V Payne)
"Developers say it is way too restrictive. Cities say it’s expensive and impossible to comply with," Buescher said. "Environmental groups say you can’t even get a project that is going to be built for sea level rise reviewed in time for sea level rise."
Many of the Malibu homes that were destroyed by the fires were located on the beach along the Pacific Coast Highway, and their reconstruction could be subject to local land regulations designed to preserve the natural coastline.
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President Biden announced on Thursday the federal government would cover all costs of debris removal and California’s fire management for 180 days.
Aubrie Spady is a Writer for Fox News Digital.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/newsom-suspends-environmental-law-roadblocks-wildfire-victims-rebuilding-homes