
California’s Emergency Measures Accelerate Utility Undergrounding and Fuels Reduction
In response to recent wildfires, California Governor Gavin Newsom has taken decisive action by signing an executive order to expedite the undergrounding of utilities in fire-prone areas. This move, aimed at enhancing safety and resilience, comes alongside a state of emergency proclamation specifically for the Lake Tahoe region, intended to speed up fuels reduction projects.
The state's suspension of certain environmental laws is a critical component of these efforts, allowing for quicker rebuilding and utility infrastructure improvements in Los Angeles areas affected by fires. This legislative flexibility is seen as a necessary step to mitigate future risks and facilitate faster recovery from disasters.
The urgency of these measures is underscored by the need to rebuild and reinforce infrastructure swiftly. The executive order and emergency proclamation are part of a broader strategy to protect communities and natural resources from the increasing threat of wildfires, which have become more frequent and severe in recent years.