Feds Override Rules to Pump Water After California Wildfires
Published Date: 1/31/2025
Presidential Document
Summary
California’s wildfires have caused huge damage and loss, so the federal government is stepping in to make sure Southern California gets the water it needs to fight fires and recover faster. Several top officials must act quickly—within 15 days—to unlock emergency powers and fix water problems, even if local rules get in the way. This plan aims to save lives, protect homes, and speed up disaster recovery with big changes starting right now.
Analyzed Economic Effects
10 provisions identified: 8 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Federal Override to Supply Water
The federal government ordered top agencies to ensure Southern California gets the water needed to fight wildfires and recover, even if State or local rules would block it. Several Cabinet officials must report to the President within 15 days about authorities and emergency powers they can use to secure water resources.
CVP Operated to Deliver More Water
The Secretary of the Interior (through the Bureau of Reclamation) is ordered to operate the Central Valley Project (CVP) to deliver more water and produce additional hydropower, by increasing storage and conveyance and jointly operating federal and state facilities, notwithstanding contrary State or local laws. The Bureau is directed to take measures including issuing a new Record of Decision consistent with prior decisions to maximize water deliveries.
Housing Relief for Los Angeles Survivors
HUD and DHS (through FEMA) must quickly provide an Integrated Federal Housing Strategy and Implementation Plan to OMB and White House advisors that expedites housing options for survivors displaced by wildfires in California. This is intended to speed access to temporary and longer-term housing relief for displaced families.
Housing Relief for Hurricane Survivors
HUD and DHS (through FEMA) must immediately provide an Integrated Federal Housing Strategy and Implementation Plan to OMB and White House advisors that expedites housing options for survivors displaced by Hurricane Helene in North Carolina. This is intended to speed access to temporary and longer-term housing relief for those displaced by the storm.
Expedited ESA Actions for Water Projects
The order directs the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce to expedite action related to any exemption under the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) for long-term operation of the CVP and the State Water Project for applicable threatened and endangered species. The Secretary of the Interior must also review, revise, or rescind regulations implementing section 1536 as needed and consistent with law.
Fast-Track Water Project Reviews
The Secretaries of the Interior and Commerce must identify major water-supply and storage projects in California for which they have NEPA or ESA responsibilities and each designate a federal official to coordinate compliance. Within 30 days each designated official must identify regulatory hurdles that 'unduly burden' such projects and propose plans to suspend, revise, or rescind those procedures.
Review of Federal Support for California
The Director of OMB will review all Federal programs and activities that affect land management, water supply, water infrastructure, and disaster preparedness to identify where California policies are inconsistent with sound disaster prevention. Within 30 days the Secretaries of the Interior, Agriculture, and Commerce must report to the President on such state or local policies, and OMB will recommend appropriate actions regarding lack of compliance with existing Federal grants and additional terms for future programs.
Fast Debris Removal for Rebuilding
Within 5 days of the order, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Homeland Security (through FEMA), and the EPA must develop and execute a plan to expedite bulk removal of contaminated and general debris in areas devastated by the Los Angeles wildfires. Faster debris removal is meant to accelerate rebuilding and reduce health hazards.
Los Angeles Preparedness Grants Rules
The order directs FEMA to implement a plan to enable timely use of Federal preparedness grants for the City of Los Angeles; as of the date of the order the city has yet to use the majority of a $213 million allotment that has accrued since fiscal year 2021. The order also states these Federal preparedness grants shall not be used to support illegal aliens and directs the Attorney General and FEMA Administrator to investigate alleged misuse by the City of Los Angeles.
North Carolina Road Clearance Aid
To speed rebuilding after Hurricane Helene, the Secretary of Transportation, DHS (through FEMA), and the SBA will take measures including direct assistance, loans, and other means to expedite roadway clearance or rebuilding, including the section of Interstate 40 in North Carolina that remains closed. The action also covers repair or rebuilding of roads and bridges on private property in affected areas.
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