Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is facing backlash after her city was engulfed by wildfires while she was on a trip to Africa. Just weeks prior, Bass had touted her administration’s achievements in making Los Angeles “greener,” including surpassing water conservation goals and creating sustainable water supplies.
In December 2024, Bass celebrated environmental milestones, including reducing water consumption to 103 gallons per capita per day, down from 133 gallons in 2014. Her administration claimed to have captured 82 billion gallons of rainwater, significantly increasing stormwater storage to recharge the San Fernando Groundwater Basin. The mayor also announced the creation of over 100,000 green jobs ahead of schedule, part of her broader “Greener L.A.” initiative.
Despite these efforts, the city faced a water shortage during the wildfire crisis. Firefighters in the Palisades neighborhood discovered empty fire hydrants, complicating efforts to combat the spreading flames. The situation has led critics to question the practical impact of Bass’s environmental policies during emergencies.
President-elect Donald Trump has long criticized California’s wildfire management, particularly the lack of forest cleanup and the diversion of water to protect the Delta smelt fish. Trump argues that these policies exacerbate wildfire risks by leaving dry brush unchecked and limiting water resources available for firefighting.
“California’s policies are a disaster,” Trump said, blaming state officials for prioritizing environmental regulations over practical measures to protect lives and property.
Bass’s environmental accomplishments, including drought-proof water supplies and job creation, have been overshadowed by the current wildfire crisis. Critics argue that these initiatives did little to prepare the city for emergencies, pointing to the water shortages faced by firefighters as evidence of misplaced priorities.
As wildfires continue to devastate Los Angeles, the focus has shifted from long-term environmental goals to addressing immediate concerns about public safety and resource allocation.