Presidential Envoy for Special Missions Ric Grenell has criticized the incorporation of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) criteria in the Los Angeles wildfire cleanup efforts, asserting that such considerations are causing unnecessary delays. Grenell emphasized the urgency of debris removal and rebuilding, stating that DEI requirements should not impede the process.
“We want people who can get here and remove things. I don’t care about the color of their skin; I don’t care if they’re in a wheelchair. We want people to be able to do the job and get it done, and not hold up because we have some quota system,” Grenell stated.
Grenell toured the devastation in the Pacific Palisades alongside Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Major General Jason Kelly, Federal Emergency Management Agency regional administrator Bob Fenton, and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. The delegation aimed to assess the damage and coordinate a swift response to the disaster.
Administrator Zeldin announced that the EPA has initiated the largest wildfire hazardous material removal operation in the agency’s history, deploying over 1,000 personnel to expedite the cleanup process. The agency has already removed numerous hazardous materials, including electric vehicles and bulk energy storage systems, from the affected areas.
Major General Kelly expressed confidence in accelerating the debris removal timeline, aiming to complete the task in less than a year, despite initial estimates of 18 months. He emphasized the importance of efficiency and collaboration among federal, state, and local agencies to restore the affected communities promptly.
The Los Angeles wildfires have caused extensive damage, destroying thousands of structures and displacing numerous residents. As recovery efforts continue, officials are focusing on removing hazardous materials and debris to facilitate rebuilding and ensure the safety of returning residents.
