In a continued effort to expedite rebuilding after Los Angeles’ devastating firestorms, Gov. Gavin Newsom this week suspended California environmental laws for utility providers working to reinstall key infrastructure. His latest executive order eliminates requirements to comply with the California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA, and the California Coastal Act for utilities working to rebuild “electric, gas, water, sewer and telecommunication infrastructure” in the Palisades and Eaton fire burn zones. Newsom also continued to encourage the “undergrounding” of utility equipment when feasible, which he said will help minimize the future fire risk in these communities.

Other fire cleanup news:

• The Guardian: ‘God knows what’s in the water’: Los Angeles surfers in limbo as wildfire toxins linger
• Los Angeles Times: L.A. fire contaminant levels could sicken the marine food chain, new tests show
• CBS News: California wildfire cleanup crews tackle toxic waste, risk of exploding batteries
• Waste Dive: After the fires: Managing piles of ash and lost homes in California