The Wall Street Journal calls on Newsom to waive California’s environmental regulations
The Wall Street Journal argued that California Governor Gavin Newsom should waive environmental regulations for all Californians, not just fire victims in Los Angeles.
The editorial office of the paper he said Newsom should use the same logic behind repealing environmental regulations to help rebuild Los Angeles to make life easier for Californians in general.
“California Governor Gavin Newsom on Sunday waived state environmental laws in areas affected by wildfires to speed up reconstruction,” the editorial wrote in an article published Tuesday.
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The Wall Street Journal argued that California Governor Gavin Newsom should drop environmental regulations for all Californians. (Screenshot/NBC)
“Wonderful, but it begs the question: Why not relax regulations for all projects if regulations are such a barrier to development?” – asked the Journal.
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires that a review be conducted to weigh all potential environmental impacts before a building permit is approved. Another state law, the California Coastal Act, focuses on development as it relates to the “conservation of sensitive coastal and marine habitats and biodiversity.”
Both bills were put on hold Sunday for those who tragically lost their homes after Newsom signed an executive order halting the environmental assessment process.
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The Wall Street Journal editorial argued that Newsom should use the same logic behind abandoning environmental regulations to help rebuild Los Angeles to make life easier for all Californians. (FOX Time)
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“California’s environmental laws also delay and increase the cost of needed public works, when they don’t kill them,” The Journal reports.
“If Mr. Newsom agrees that state environmental laws are a problem, why doesn’t he at least try to reform them?” – asked the editors.
“That’s because Democrats in Sacramento are beholden to the green lobby, which opposes most development and uses legislation to extort businesses,” The Journal writes. “Nice of Mr. Newsom to make permitting easier so LA’s wealthy can rebuild. Maybe he’s worried they might leave if rebuilding takes too long or costs too much. Moonscape neighborhoods wouldn’t look good if he runs for president in 2028 . or when the Olympics come to town in the same year.”
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Homes along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway in California burned in a monstrous fire that destroyed more than 10,000 homes and structures starting on January 7th.
California’s heavy-handed environmental regulations have become a target of criticism amid the crisis, with some even suggesting that served as a contributing factor to the spread of forest fires.
Fox News’ Aubrie Spady contributed to this report.
