California Governor Exempts LA Fire Rebuilding from Stricter Building Code
Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order allowing wildfire victims to rebuild under California’s less stringent 2022 building code instead of the stricter 2025 all-electric standards, drawing sharp criticism from environmental groups. Advocates argue the move undermines safety and climate goals by enabling the continued use of gas infrastructure, despite research showing all-electric homes are cheaper, safer and more resilient. The order also suspends some environmental regulations, prompting concerns about setting a precedent that weakens protections during disaster recovery.
