Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26) joined Representatives Laura Friedman, Judy Chu, Nanette Barragán, Ted Lieu, and George Whitesides in welcoming FEMA’s reversal on post-wildfire soil testing. This reversal includes a commitment by FEMA to test lead levels at 100 homes destroyed by the Eaton Fire and comes after sustained pressure from members of California’s Congressional delegation.
“Ventura County and the Conejo Valley know all too well how devastating wildfires can be. They upend lives, destroy homes, and leave families with deep uncertainty about what comes next,” said Congresswoman Brownley. “As families work to recover, they deserve clear answers and the assurance that their homes and environment are safe. I have worked with my colleagues whose districts were impacted by the recent Los Angeles wildfires to urge FEMA to listen to community concerns about soil testing, and I am encouraged that they are now stepping up to cover testing for homes destroyed by the Eaton Fire. This is meaningful progress and an important step toward giving families long-overdue peace of mind. Together, we are pressing to ensure our communities receive the full federal disaster relief they need to recover safely and rebuild.”
“Even when FEMA refused to act, we kept fighting,” said Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30). “We pushed because families deserve to know their land is safe. This reversal shows the power of never giving in to the Trump Administration, but testing 100 homes is not enough. We’re going to keep pushing for full soil testing, real cleanup, and the long-term relief that California families deserve.”
“Survivors deserve assurance that their properties are safe from toxic contaminants,” said Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-28). “This testing is an important step forward, but it must be followed by real action if contamination is found. Survivors cannot be forced to bear the burden of paying out of pocket for their own remediation. I will continue standing with residents every step of the way and will not stop fighting until families can safely return home.”
“Families in LA should know for certain that their homes are safe to live in,” said Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44). “The Eaton fire has been one of the deadliest and most destructive events in recent Los Angeles County history, one that threatened the homes and lives of so many. I’m proud to have joined Rep. Friedman’s letter to push FEMA to test the lead levels of homes destroyed by the Eaton Fire, when FEMA was dragging its feet. Now the next step is to make sure that more than just 100 homes are tested, not just for lead, but for all possible dangerous toxins.”
“I’m pleased that FEMA has reversed its position on testing soil following the Eaton fires. For an administration that claims to want to ‘make America healthy again,’ its initial decision not to test for harmful toxins was mind-boggling. Thankfully, pressure from Congress and our community worked, and FEMA will be conducting the testing needed to ensure the land for 100 homes is safe to rebuild on. This obviously does not encompass the entirety of the soil that needs to be tested, but it’s a start. We will continue the fight, and I’m grateful for Congresswoman Friedman’s leadership on this issue,” said Congressman Ted Lieu (CA-36).
“After sustained pressure from our Congressional delegation in the year following the devastating Southern California wildfires, the announcement that FEMA will now cover post-wildfire soil testing in certain areas is an important step in rebuilding,” said Congressman George Whitesides (CA-27). “This action is critical for the health and safety of wildfire victims and is one of many actions needed to achieve comprehensive soil testing and cleanup. Our constituents deserve to return safely to their homes, neighborhoods, and lives, and we will not stop working to make that a reality.”
###
Issues: 119th Congress, Disaster Relief