Summary

Summary of Executive Order on Emergency Measures for Water Resources in California

Purpose

• Address urgent water resource needs in Southern California in the wake of devastating wildfires that have caused significant loss of life and property damage.
• Implement measures to assist communities in disaster recovery and improve infrastructure for wildfire prevention.

Actions Taken

1. Policy Declaration: The U.S. government prioritizes the provision of water resources essential for combating and preventing wildfires, overriding state or local policies that may hinder these efforts.

2. Federal Agency Coordination:

• Key federal secretaries (Defense, Justice, Homeland Security, Commerce, Interior, Agriculture) are instructed to report on measures to enhance water delivery and infrastructure within 15 days.
• Specific instructions for the Secretaries of Interior and Commerce to take actions to maximize water deliveries despite existing burdens or regulations.

3. Regulation Review:

• The Department of Interior will expedite exemptions under the Endangered Species Act to support increased water delivery for wildfire management.
• A review of regulations affecting water supply and disaster preparedness will occur within 30 days to identify and mitigate regulatory hurdles.

4. Support for California Authorities:

• The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will review federal programs related to California’s land and water management practices.
• Recommendations will be made regarding compliance with federal standards and potential modifications for future support.

5. Aid for Displaced Families:

• Federal housing strategy plans will be created to assist families displaced by wildfires.
• A coordinated effort to expedite debris removal and utilize federal preparedness grants effectively will be implemented.

6. Support for North Carolina: Similar measures will be enacted to assist with post-Hurricane Helene recovery, including road rebuilding and housing for displaced families.

Expected Impact

• Improved water resource availability and infrastructure in Southern California to better respond to future wildfires.
• Enhanced coordination among federal, state, and local agencies to streamline disaster response and recovery efforts.
• Support for families affected by disasters, helping them recover more quickly and effectively.