In a decisive move to support the recovery of Los Angeles following the devastating January 2025 wildfires, Governor Gavin Newsom has signed an executive order aimed at expediting the rebuilding process. The order directs electric utilities, including Southern California Edison and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, to prioritize the reconstruction of critical infrastructure with a focus on safety, resilience, and long-term fire prevention. Key components of the order include the undergrounding of power lines, a measure intended to reduce the risk of future wildfires caused by downed power lines, as well as enhanced fireproofing of electrical systems.
The executive order comes as part of a broader strategy to rebuild the city’s infrastructure in a way that not only restores basic services but also strengthens the community’s resilience to the growing threat of wildfires and other climate-related disasters. By making these upgrades, the state hopes to prevent future destruction and facilitate the safe return of displaced residents who are currently living in temporary shelters or with family and friends.
Undergrounding Power Lines: A Long-Term Solution
One of the most significant provisions of Governor Newsom’s executive order is the directive to underground power lines in high-risk wildfire areas. Power lines have been a known source of wildfires in California, with past incidents showing that downed or sparking power lines can ignite massive blazes. Undergrounding power lines is considered one of the most effective ways to minimize this risk, as it eliminates the possibility of power lines coming into contact with dry vegetation or being damaged by high winds.
This initiative, which will be implemented in phases, aims to eventually cover key areas of Los Angeles that have been particularly vulnerable to wildfires. By burying power lines and reinforcing the electrical grid, the state is not only addressing the immediate threats posed by wildfires but is also preparing for the future. Officials expect that undergrounding power lines will reduce the likelihood of fire-causing electrical outages, helping to create a safer environment for residents and communities.
Rebuilding Safer and More Resilient Infrastructure
In addition to the undergrounding of power lines, the executive order mandates the rebuilding of other critical infrastructure with a focus on fire resistance and resilience. This includes the retrofitting of public buildings and homes to meet higher fire-resistant standards, the replacement of flammable materials, and the creation of defensible spaces to protect both structures and residents from future fire risks.
The California Governor’s Office stated that the goal of these efforts is not only to restore what was lost in the January wildfires but also to create infrastructure that will be better prepared for the challenges posed by future wildfires. “We are not just rebuilding; we are building back better,” Governor Newsom said during the signing ceremony. “This executive order is about ensuring that our communities are safer, more resilient, and better equipped to handle the next disaster.”
Facilitating the Return of Displaced Residents
As the rebuilding process moves forward, one of the top priorities is facilitating the safe return of the thousands of residents displaced by the January wildfires. The fires, which ravaged thousands of homes, forced families into emergency shelters and temporary housing. Governor Newsom’s executive order includes measures to speed up the permitting process for rebuilding homes and businesses, aiming to get residents back into their homes as quickly as possible.
Additionally, the state is providing financial assistance to homeowners and renters to help cover the costs of temporary housing, relocation, and rebuilding efforts. Local authorities are also coordinating with FEMA to ensure that affected families receive the support they need to recover and rebuild their lives.
A Comprehensive Wildfire Prevention Strategy
Governor Newsom’s actions are part of California’s broader strategy to combat the growing threat of wildfires in the state. The January 2025 wildfires were among the most destructive in California’s history, burning over 100,000 acres of land, destroying thousands of homes, and causing billions of dollars in damages. As the frequency and severity of wildfires increase due to climate change, California has been investing heavily in wildfire prevention, mitigation, and response strategies.
In addition to rebuilding efforts in Los Angeles, the state has committed to funding broader wildfire prevention programs, including creating firebreaks, increasing controlled burns, and enhancing the state’s firefighting capabilities. These initiatives are designed to reduce the spread of fires and protect communities across California from future devastation.
Support from Utility Companies and Local Agencies
The state’s utility companies, including Southern California Edison and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, have expressed their commitment to supporting the rebuilding efforts. Both utilities have pledged to work closely with state and local authorities to ensure that the infrastructure upgrades outlined in the executive order are implemented quickly and effectively.
“Southern California Edison is committed to playing a vital role in the rebuilding of our communities and ensuring that the electrical grid is safer and more resilient,” said Pedro Pizarro, CEO of Southern California Edison. “We understand the importance of reliable power, and we are fully dedicated to reducing the risk of wildfires caused by our infrastructure.”
Local agencies in Los Angeles are also collaborating with the state to streamline the recovery process. Mayor Karen Bass welcomed the executive order, stating, “This is a crucial step in ensuring that Los Angeles not only recovers from these devastating wildfires but becomes a model for how to build safer, more resilient communities in the face of climate change.”
Looking to the Future: A More Resilient California
Governor Newsom’s executive order is a key part of the state’s long-term vision for addressing the challenges posed by wildfires. By focusing on building safer, more resilient infrastructure, California is taking significant steps to protect its residents, reduce the risk of future disasters, and ensure that communities can recover more quickly when the inevitable next fire season arrives.
As Los Angeles and other affected regions begin their rebuilding efforts, the hope is that this will be a turning point in how the state prepares for and responds to wildfires. By investing in infrastructure and prevention now, California is laying the groundwork for a safer, more sustainable future for its residents.
For more information on the executive order and wildfire recovery efforts, visit California Governor’s Office.