Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order to fast-track rebuilding efforts after the Los Angeles wildfires.
The order suspends permitting and review processes for rebuilding utilities in the fire zone, including putting power lines underground. The governor said it will speed up the repairing and replacing of not just electric power lines, but also gas, water, sewer, and telecommunication infrastructure.
Southern California Edison spokesman David Eisenhauer said the executive order was welcome news.
“We appreciate Governor Newsom's action to help expedite permitting so the fire damaged communities can rebuild stronger,” Eisenhauer said.
But Loretta Lynch, a regulatory attorney who served as president of the California Public Utilities Commission, told KNX News’ Nataly Tavidian the order leaves too much responsibility in the hands of utility companies.
“Clearly, we need to contain the cost as much as possible, which means not leaving it to SoCal Edison to decide what, whether, and where to rebuild, and sadly, that’s exactly what this order does,” she said.
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Lynch said that while it makes sense to fast-track the removal of damaged equipment, replacing the equipment is “a much bigger question with bigger environmental consequences.”
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