Newsom Suspends Regulations, Calls for "Marshall Plan" Reconstruction

Newsom Eases Building Restrictions, Calls for "Marshall Plan" Reconstruction

In response to the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, Governor Gavin Newsom has ordered the suspension of California's stringent environmental laws and permitting requirements for victims rebuilding their homes and businesses. The estimated cost of reconstruction is a staggering $135 billion to $150 billion over ten years.

lives, traditions, places torn apart, torn asunder," he stated. The building code suspensions apply only to properties and facilities rebuilt in the same location and with a footprint no larger than 110% of the original size.

Newsom also proposed a California version of the Marshall Plan, the US-led reconstruction effort in Western Europe after World War II. He envisions a comprehensive rebuilding plan that includes not only infrastructure but also economic and social support for affected communities.

Meanwhile, investigators are searching for the cause of the Palisades and Eaton fires. One theory gaining traction is that overhead power lines, rocked or brought down by strong winds, may have sparked the fires. This theory is supported by the fact that power lines have been identified as the cause of several major wildfires in recent years, including the 2018 Camp Fire in California and the 2023 Maui fire in Hawaii.

Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) has come under scrutiny for its lack of a pre-emptive power shut-off program in urban areas during high fire risk periods. Critics argue that the department's existing shut-off plan is inadequate and that the electric grid is not designed to withstand the increasingly strong winds. LADWP has defended its actions, citing the potential disruption to critical city services and vulnerable populations.

Data from Whisker Labs, a tech firm that monitors power grids, suggests that some homes in the Altadena area still had power when the Eaton fire started. This further supports the theory that power lines may have played a role in igniting the blaze.

Southern California Edison (SCE), the utility that supplies power to Altadena, has stated that it will review all available information as part of its investigation. Insurance companies have also requested that SCE preserve evidence.

The Washington Post published a photo taken by a resident near Eaton Canyon showing a transmission tower that was still energized when the fire started. This photo adds further weight to the theory that power lines may be responsible for the fires.

The cause of the Los Angeles wildfires remains under investigation, but the potential role of power lines is a serious concern. As California faces increasingly severe fire seasons, it is crucial to address the risks posed by aging infrastructure and extreme weather events.