Ian Brickey, ian.brickey@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, a high-ranking member of the Trump administration confirmed it will place conditions on California wildfire aid.
While addressing the Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington, D.C., presidential special envoy Richard Grenell said Donald Trump would attach strings to any relief aid sent to communities affected by wildfires that devastated the Los Angeles region in January. Grenell did not name specific conditions, but confirmed the Trump administration was discussing possible options, including dismantling the California Coastal Commission.
Wildfires, driven by high Santa Ana winds and dry conditions, broke out in Altadena and Pacific Palisades in the Los Angeles region, burning tens of thousands of acres, destroying thousands of buildings, and killing more than two dozen people.
In response, Sierra Club Executive Director Ben Jealous, released the following statement:
“American families have been devastated, losing their homes, their lives, and their communities. Donald Trump is telling us he has no intention of ever being a president for the American people. Comforting grieving families and supporting devastated communities rebuild are basic responsibilities of any president – period. Instead, Trump wants to hold Americans hostage. Angelenos are hurting. They deserve support and relief from their leaders, not to be used as pawns to score political points.”
Morgan Goodwin, Sierra Club’s Angeles Chapter Director, released the following statement:
“Any imposed conditions would be an attack on California’s environmental laws and quality of life. It’s just cruel to withhold fire relief to score political points."
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.