Emergency Proclamations and Executive Orders
On July 3, 2024, the Governor proclaimed a State of Emergency to exist in Butte County due to the Thompson Fire. On July 26, 2024, the Governor proclaimed a State of Emergency to exist in Butte and Tehama Counties due to the Park Fire. On July 30, 2024, the Governor proclaimed a State of Emergency to exist in Kern County due to the Borel Fire. On September 29, 2024, the Governor proclaimed a State of Emergency to exist in Lake County due to the Boyles Fire. In the September 29, 2024 Proclamation and Executive Order N-4-24, the Governor ordered the suspension of statutes, rules, regulations, and requirements within the jurisdiction of the boards, departments and offices of CalEPA to the extent necessary for expediting the removal and cleanup of debris from these fires or to address other impacts associated with that debris. Any such activities must be conducted consistent with the state Environmental Protection Plan. Individuals or entities who desire to conduct activities under any such suspension must request the CalEPA Secretary to make a determination that the proposed activities are eligible to be conducted under the suspension.
On October 10, 2024, Secretary Garcia granted a suspension authorization request to CalRecycle to oversee the removal and cleanup of debris from the Park, Thompson, Borel and Boyles Wildfires or to address other impacts associated with that debris. In particular, CalRecycle proposes to engage in the following activities under the suspension authorization: Prepare, remove, transport, and recycle or dispose of metals, ash, debris, concrete foundations and flatwork, potentially dangerous trees, and contaminated soil on residential properties included in the state debris removal operations. The authorization suspends Water Code, section 13160 and all regulations pursuant to that section, and Water Code section 13260, and all regulations pursuant to that section. The suspension authorization is valid only to the extent CalRecycle and its contractors comply with the state Environmental Protection Plan.