Governor Newsom's move to expedite rebuilding efforts following California wildfires raises questions about the role of regulations in balancing public safety and efficiency. Progressive ideals are challenged by the argument that overly complex permitting processes hinder progress on crucial issues.
California Governor Gavin Newsom recently announced emergency measures to expedite rebuilding efforts following devastating wildfires, suspending permitting and review requirements to allow people to rebuild quickly. Newsom also directed state agencies to identify regulations that 'can safely be suspended or streamlined.' This move has sparked a debate about the role of regulations in society, particularly in the context of progressive ideals. Marc J.
Dunkelman, a fellow at Brown University's Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs, argues that California's current regulatory environment, while well-intentioned, has become overly complex and burdensome. He contends that progressives' cultural aversion to power has weakened the administrative state to the point of stifling the country's ability to take on big issues, such as regulating corporations and expanding public works. Dunkelman suggests that in attempts to maintain checks on established power, governments across the country have added years to many projects by mandating extensive reviews and establishing intricate permitting requirements for large infrastructure projects. He further argues that this process empowers almost anyone—residents, activists, and local officials—to object, delay, or even derail a project. Dunkelman believes that his fellow progressives often obstruct beneficial initiatives rather than working to improve them. However, Dunkelman maintains hope, stating, 'There's nothing wrong with progressivism that can't be fixed by what's right with progressivism.' He points to historical examples, like the construction of New York City's subway system in the early 20th century, which was completed in a remarkably short timeframe. Dunkelman argues that this efficiency was due to centralized power granted to individuals like Robert Moses, who could make decisive decisions. While acknowledging the potential for abuse of such power, Dunkelman believes that a more streamlined approach to government is necessary to effectively address pressing issues like housing shortages and clean energy development. He cites the example of a transmission line that would have brought clean hydropower from Canada into the New England grid, but remains stalled due to protracted permitting processes
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