"In a continued effort to expedite rebuilding after Los Angeles' devastating firestorms, Gov. Gavin Newsom this week suspended California environmental laws for utility providers working to reinstall key infrastructure.

His latest executive order eliminates requirements to comply with the California Environmental Quality Act, commonly known as CEQA, and the California Coastal Act for utilities working to rebuild "electric, gas, water, sewer and telecommunication infrastructure" in the Palisades and Eaton fire burn zones.

Newsom also continued to encourage the "undergrounding" of utility equipment when feasible, which he said will help minimize the future fire risk in these communities."

Grace Toohey reports for the Los Angeles Times March 31, 2025. [2]