Golden State Today

Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency in California to expedite crucial wildfire prevention projects. This decision comes after the devastating Los Angeles firestorms and as the risk of wildfires increases across the state. The emergency proclamation aims to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles, such as suspending CEQA and the Coastal Act, which have delayed essential forest management initiatives.

Governor Newsom stated, "This year has already seen some of the most destructive wildfires in California history, and we’re only in March. Building on unprecedented work cutting red tape and making historic investments – we’re taking action with a state of emergency to fast-track critical wildfire projects even more."

The proclamation includes measures like suspending environmental regulations to speed up fuels reduction projects, allowing non-state entities to conduct approved work with expedited approval, directing state agencies to recommend ways to increase prescribed fire usage, and enhancing the efficiency of the California Vegetation Treatment Program (CalVTP).

Governor Newsom previously took similar actions in March 2019 to expedite forest management projects before challenging fire seasons. The current initiative builds on years of efforts to enhance forest management and wildfire resilience statewide.

California is investing $2.5 billion in implementing the Governor’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan, which includes fuel reduction and prescribed fire activities. All 99 key actions outlined in this plan are either underway or completed. Additionally, $200 million is allocated annually through 2028-29 for healthy forest and fire prevention programs.

To further build community and forest resilience, California has launched a strategic plan on beneficial fire use, expanding prescribed fires and cultural burning practices. Prescribed fire activity nearly doubled between 2021 and 2023.

The state also introduced updated dashboards for Californians to track wildfire prevention efforts. One of Governor Newsom's initial executive actions was declaring a state of emergency for wildfires in 2019, exempting critical projects from CEQA.