California Agencies Announce Extended Streamlining Opportunities for Fast-Tracking Critical Fuels Reduction Projects

In response to the catastrophic wildfires and need for expedited improvement of forest conditions, Governor Newsom issued an Emergency Proclamation on March 1, 2025 which authorized the Secretaries of the California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) and the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) to determine which critical fuels reduction projects are eligible for suspension of certain state statutory and regulatory requirements, including but not limited to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), California Endangered Species Act, and California Coastal Act.  

Now, qualifying projects may be eligible to have their regulatory exception extended for up to 5 years from the start date of the project, providing parties the time needed to remove vegetation and dying trees and perform other crucial fuel reduction activities to better protect California and its residents from wildfires. 

Requests for suspension must be submitted in the 2025 calendar year, with on-the-ground work required to begin no later than October 15, 2026. When applicants submit suspension requests, they attest that project work will comply with Best Management Practices and measures identified in the Statewide Fuels Reduction Environmental Protection Plan. Applicants will receive notification within 30 calendar days if their application has been approved.  

If you have any questions, please visit https://wildfiretaskforce.org/requests-to-suspend-state-statutes-and-regulations/ or contact Jordan Wells, CSAC Legislative Advocate, at jwells@counties.org.