President Trump has created an executive order aimed at helping wildfire victims in Los Angeles rebuild their homes. This order removes what he calls “unnecessary” permitting requirements. He argues that local governments are stalling the process, leaving families in limbo.
In the order, Trump pointed out that many families and small businesses are suffering delays. They are unable to return home, often without income, because local permits are taking too long. The executive order instructs the Secretary of Homeland Security and FEMA to take over the permitting process, allowing residents to self-certify compliance with health and safety standards instead of going through the usual channels.
Currently, nearly 3,000 rebuilding permits have been issued. A report from December noted that the permitting pace in Pacific Palisades and Altadena is moderate when compared to previous California wildfires. So far, only about 16% of homes destroyed in the Eaton fire and 14% of those lost in the Palisades fire have received permits.
Local leaders like Governor Gavin Newsom have criticized Trump’s approach. His spokesperson called Trump “a clueless idiot” for assuming the federal government can handle local permits. Newsom believes the focus should be on releasing funding for families rather than controlling the permitting process. He emphasized that communities need financial support more than expedited permits.
Councilwoman Traci Park, who represents Pacific Palisades, echoed these sentiments. She urged the federal government to provide real financial assistance, not just loans or temporary measures. Many families in the area are struggling due to insurance issues, which often delay their rebuilding efforts.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger supported any reasonable effort to speed up rebuilding. She noted that while permits generally take about 30 days to process, delays often arise from complex coordination among architects, engineers, and builders. She stressed that long-term financial aid is crucial for recovery.
Interestingly, a UCLA law professor, Jonathan Zasloff, criticized the executive order, calling it “childish and irresponsible.” He argued that simply reducing regulations could create risks. He urged the federal government to focus on providing adequate resources for local authorities to efficiently process applications.
Residents themselves have mixed feelings. Some agree with the need for financial assistance over quicker permits. Maryam Zar, who runs the Palisades Recovery Coalition, mentioned that many are more concerned with insurance payouts than permitting speed.
In conclusion, the issue at hand isn’t just about permits; it’s much deeper. Families need financial resources to start rebuilding and recover from the devastating impact of the wildfires. Addressing this gap is vital for the community’s long-term recovery.
For further insights into disaster recovery and federal assistance, consider checking FEMA’s official resources.
