Gov. Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency for the state’s forests, allowing his administration to bypass more coastal and permitting regulations and expedite wildfire prevention projects as California recovers from the Los Angeles wildfires. On Saturday, the governor ordered the suspension of some provisions within the California Environmental Quality Act and Coastal Act that he said are holding up authorities’ ability to quickly clear away dead vegetation and other debris that act as wildfire accelerators. … The governor’s action appears to be part of his overall strategy at assuaging President Donald Trump and his allies as Congress considers California’s request for $40 billion in disaster relief aid.

Other forest news:

• San Francisco Chronicle: California’s effort to streamline wildfire prevention could have long-term consequences