A House Judiciary subcommittee is set to investigate the role of overregulation in exacerbating the devastating Los Angeles wildfires. The hearing, titled "California Fires and the Consequences of Overregulation," will delve into how excessive regulations impact disaster prevention and recovery, particularly regarding insurance and permitting processes. The devastating fires resulted in the loss of over 12,000 homes, businesses, and schools, displacing more than 100,000 residents.

The devastation in Altadena, California, less than two weeks after the Eaton Fire. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan criticized California's regulatory environment, calling it a "nightmare" that hinders both disaster preparedness and the subsequent rebuilding efforts. He echoed former President Donald Trump's call for streamlined processes to facilitate recovery and prevent future tragedies.

Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. (AP Photo/John McDonnell)

Rep. Scott Fitzgerald (R-WI) argued that the wildfires were a preventable disaster, blaming California's "liberal government" for prioritizing environmental activism over effective forest management and disaster mitigation. He also pointed to the politicization of the state insurance regulator as a factor driving insurers out of California and leaving taxpayers to bear the financial burden.

The scene in Pacific Palisades, California, following the fire. (David Hume Kennerly/Getty Images)

The hearing will feature testimony from experts including Steve Hilton, founder of Golden Together; Steven Greenhut of the R Street Institute; and Edward Ring of the California Policy Center. The hearing is scheduled for February 6th at 10:00 a.m.