Governor Newsom Signs Executive Order to Support Storm Response and Recovery Efforts 1.31.23

Executive Order

WHEREAS on January 4, 2023, I proclaimed a State of Emergency to
exist throughout California as a result of severe winter storms related to the
Atmospheric River event beginning on December 24, 2022; and
WHEREAS starting around December 27, 2022, this Atmospheric River
event resulted in significant impacts to the State including, but not limited
to, widespread flooding and power outages, downed trees, hazardous
debris flows, mudslides, landslides, swelling of waterways, dam overflows,
and levee failures; and
WHEREAS on January 16, 2023, I signed Executive Order N-1-23 to
further bolster the emergency response to the severe winter storms and
support impacted communities across the State; and
WHEREAS the impacts of this Atmospheric River event, including
widespread flooding and infrastructure damage, have left many residents
out of work; and
WHEREAS on January 8, 2023, I requested a Presidential Emergency
Declaration related to this Atmospheric River event, which was
expeditiously approved by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr.; and
WHEREAS on January 12, 2023, I also requested the President issue
an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration related to this Atmospheric River
event, which was again expeditiously approved by President Joseph R.
Biden, Jr., for certain designated counties and types of assistance; and
WHEREAS the State of California and local governments, in
collaboration with the Federal government, continue sustained efforts to
respond to and mitigate the effects of this Atmospheric River event, while
at the same time beginning long term recovery efforts; and
WHEREAS under the provisions of Government Code section 8571, I
find that strict compliance with the various statutes and regulations
specified in this Order would prevent, hinder, or delay the mitigation of the
effects of this Atmospheric River event.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor of the State of
California, in accordance with the authority vested in me by the State
Constitution and statutes, and in particular, Government Code sections
8567, 8571, and 8627 do hereby issue the following Order to become
effective immediately.
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT:
1. The provisions of Unemployment Insurance Code section 1253(d)
imposing a one-week waiting period for unemployment
insurance applicants are suspended as to all applicants who are
unemployed as a direct result of this Atmospheric River event
who applied for unemployment insurance benefits during the
time period beginning December 24, 2022, and ending on the
close of business on June 26, 2023, and who are otherwise
eligible for unemployment insurance benefits.
2. The suspension of statutes identified in Paragraph 1 of Executive
Order N-1-23, issued on January 16, 2023, shall also apply to local
governments, as applicable, to ensure adequate staffing to
appropriately respond to this Atmospheric River event.
3. Paragraphs 8 and 9 of my State of Emergency proclaimed on
January 4, 2023, related to hours-of-service limitations for those
drivers engaged in fuel transportation in support of emergency
relief efforts, will terminate at 11 :59 p.m. on February 1, 2023.
4. Paragraph 10 of my State of Emergency proclaimed on January
4, 2023, related to out-of-state contractors and other utilities
driving their own vehicles to provide mutual assistance for the
restoration of electrical power, is terminated.
I FURTHER DIRECT that as soon as hereafter possible, this Order be
filed in the Office of the Secretary of State and that widespread publicity
and notice be given of this Order.
This Order is not intended to, and does not, create any rights or
benefits, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity,
against the State of California, its agencies, departments, entities, officers,
employees, or any other person.

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