P
resident Donald Trump criticized bureaucratic red tape during a visit to Los Angeles, urging Mayor Karen Bass to expedite rebuilding efforts for residents who lost their homes in the recent wildfires. The president's remarks sparked debate on California's development and environmental regulations, which have long been contentious issues.

    Trump arrived in LA on Friday to survey the damage from the Palisades Fire, one of several blazes that ravaged the area last month. Over 17,000 structures were destroyed, with 28 confirmed deaths. As firefighters continue to extinguish the remaining fires, local and state leaders are working to streamline rebuilding efforts.

    "A federal permit can take 10 years," Trump said during a roundtable discussion with officials. "We're not going to do that." He pointed to stories of residents waiting up to 18 months for permits, saying they should be able to start rebuilding immediately.

    Mayor Bass countered by highlighting the need for hazardous waste cleanup and the efforts being made to streamline permitting through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Disaster Recovery Center. Developers are eager to rebuild in fire-affected areas, with some speculators already eyeing potential fire-sale properties.

    The debate over regulations has been ongoing, with Governor Gavin Newsom waiving California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) reviews for rebuilding projects. However, some have called for CEQA reform or elimination, citing the lengthy process it can add to development applications. The California Coastal Commission is also facing scrutiny, with US Representative Kevin Kiley aiming to limit its authority through legislation.

    Trump expressed frustration with the commission's permitting process, saying they are "the most difficult in the entire country" and cannot be allowed to delay rebuilding efforts for years.