White House Issues Executive Order on Los Angeles Fire Rebuilding Efforts

Earlier this week President Trump issued an executive order that seeks to insert the federal government into the rebuilding of areas of Los Angeles county impacted by the Palisades and Eaton fires. Specifically, the order intends to override action county and city take to expedite the rebuilding of infrastructure and housing in the area to aid recovery efforts by directing the Small Business Administration consider adopting regulations that would preempt local and state rebuilding rules. Amongst a variety of potential avenues described, the executive order contemplates allowing builders to self-certify compliance with health, safety, and building standards. 

CSAC has opposed similar state legislative efforts that would have allowed self-certification due to the inherent conflict of interest as well as the liability it would expose counties to while removing their critical authority to ensure public health and safety.

Further, the best available information indicates that the biggest delay Los Angeles county residents in their rebuilding efforts are related to insurance delays, insufficient payouts, and soaring construction costs. This issue affects all counties as it hints at the potential that federal disaster funds may begin to come with requirements that remove counties from involvement in critical community rebuilding efforts.