Washington President Donald Trump on Sunday issued an executive order directing the federal government to override California's water management practices if they are found to be ineffective.
This order comes two days after Trump visited the Los Angeles area, which was devastated by a series of wildfires.
Trump falsely claimed that Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom and other officials refused to provide water from the northern part of the state to fight the fires.
His order directs federal agencies to “immediately take action to override existing activities that make unwarranted efforts to maximize water deliveries.”
The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation orders more water and hydroelectric power to be delivered through Central Valley (NASDAQ:) Project, a network of dams, canals, and other infrastructure, even if doing so would conflict with state or local laws.
He is also ordering the White House Budget Office to see if it can attach conditions to federal aid to the state to ensure cooperation.
It's not clear whether these changes will enhance California's firefighting capabilities. Water shortages during the height of the disaster caused drought in some parts of Los Angeles, but local officials say that was not designed to handle such a massive disaster.
Newsom's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
