On Tuesday, Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order N-35-25 which declares a state of emergency on wildfire risk and enables swifter action to implement prescribed fire. The Order acts as a companion to Executive Order N-4-25, which was issued earlier this year and suspends various provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the Coastal Act in order to expedite fuels reduction products.
The newest action by Governor Newsom expedites prescribed fire by expanding participation in various programs, such as allowing Resource Conservation Districts and volunteer fire departments to enroll in the Prescribed Fire Liability Claims Fund Pilot Program. The Order also requires CalEPA and the California Natural Resources Agency to work together to establish a process to fast-track beneficial fire, as well as developing consistent permitting and smoke management plan guidance with local air districts. In addition, the Order expands prescribed fire training and funding for prescribed fire projects.
The provisions of the Order are designed to work in concert with current emergency CEQA exemptions, as well as funding opportunities allocated by the Legislature earlier this year.
For more information, contact RCRC Senior Policy Advocate, Staci Heaton.