Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s Executive Order on wildfire rebuilding:

“I welcome any effort to responsibly accelerate rebuilding. Los Angeles County already has a local self-certification process to help expedite rebuilding, along with streamlined approvals for modular, factory-built homes and pre-approved plans. Permits currently spend just over 30 business days in the County’s plan check, with additional delays stemming from the complex multi-party work of architects, engineers, and builders. 

“I appreciate the Administration’s acknowledgement of the important role FEMA plays in disaster recovery. The most urgent need in the Altadena region is financially driven. Families lack the capital to kick start or continue their rebuilding plans. Our County will soon face a mass sheltering crisis as survivors’ insurance and emergency relief funds run out.

“As FEMA’s role expands into this new recovery function, I’m hopeful that the federal government will collaborate with our County to implement a mass housing and sheltering program and offer long-term disaster aid (such as Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery funds) so we can accelerate recovery. All survivors deserve full support from all levels of government so they have a fair shot at rebuilding their lives.”

President Trump signed an executive order that “directs FEMA and SBA to issue regulations that preempt state and local permits; enables builders to self-certify to a federal agency that they’re in compliance; expedites waivers; audits use of hazard mitigation grants,” according to CBS LA. However, according to CBS LA, California Governor Gavin Newsom “isn’t buying it.”