Newsom Signs Executive Order to Accelerate Underground Utility Placement

Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order late last week that will speed up the recovery of communities devastated by the January fires in Los Angeles County, including Altadena, Malibu, and Pacific Palisades.

The order suspends certain permitting and review requirements to expedite the rebuilding of utility and telecommunication infrastructure, including efforts to bury power lines underground.

“We are determined to rebuild Altadena, Malibu, and Pacific Palisades stronger and more resilient than before,” Newsom said. “Speeding up the pace that we rebuild our utility systems will help get survivors back home faster and prevent future fires. California’s electric utilities must be part of the solution to this problem.”

Some local residents in Altadena are in the early stages of the rebuilding process after the Eaton Fire destroyed thousands of homes in that area. Additionally, 17 people were killed, and thousands of acres were burned.

Since the fire, some residents have called for utility wires to be placed underground.

The executive order allows for the accelerated repair and replacement of electric, gas, water, sewer, and telecommunication infrastructure.

It also facilitates the undergrounding of utility equipment, a measure designed to build resilience against future fires while aiding in quicker recovery for residents.

The executive order builds on previous actions taken by Newsom to enhance the rebuilding process.

In March, the governor urged Southern California Edison and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power to develop rebuilding plans for the fire-impacted communities, specifically recommending the undergrounding of electric distribution infrastructure.

In addition to suspending requirements under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the order also removes restrictions related to the California Coastal Act, which governs the rebuilding process along the state’s coastline.

It directs the California Coastal Commission to refrain from issuing guidance or taking any action that could hinder these rebuilding efforts.

The latest order is part of a broader effort by Governor Newsom to address the increasing threat of wildfires in California.

Since taking office, Newsom has prioritized hardening the state’s electrical grid to reduce the risk of wildfires caused by transmission and distribution lines. Efforts have included undergrounding power lines and expanding investments in fire mitigation and community resilience.