California fast-tracks underground utility rebuild after Los Angeles fires
(UI) — Governor Gavin Newsom has signed an executive order to accelerate the rebuilding of critical underground utility systems in fire-damaged areas of Los Angeles County, including Altadena, Malibu, and Pacific Palisades.
The order, issued in response to the January wildfires, suspends certain permitting and regulatory requirements to speed the restoration and undergrounding of electric, gas, water, sewer, and telecommunication infrastructure. Officials say the move will help communities recover more quickly while reducing future wildfire risk.
“We are determined to rebuild Altadena, Malibu, and Pacific Palisades stronger and more resilient than before,” Newsom said. “Speeding up the pace that we rebuild our utility systems will help get survivors back home faster and prevent future fires.”
The directive builds on a previous call by Newsom for utilities — including Southern California Edison and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power — to submit plans for undergrounding power lines in affected areas by the end of March.
The executive order also reinforces the suspension of permitting requirements under the California Coastal Act to prevent delays in reconstruction efforts. It removes additional regulatory barriers that could slow efforts to harden and modernize damaged utility systems.
Since taking office, Newsom has prioritized wildfire prevention strategies, including undergrounding electric distribution lines to reduce ignition risks tied to above-ground infrastructure.
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