RELEASE: Reps. Friedman, Chu, Barragán, Lieu, Whitesides Applaud FEMA Reversal on Soil Testing for Eaton Fire Victims

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Thursday, January 15, 2025, U.S. Representatives Laura Friedman, Chu, Barragán, Lieu, and Whitesides welcomed FEMA's reversal on post-wildfire soil testing. This reversal includes a commitment by FEMA to test lead levels at 100 homes destroyed by the Eaton Fire and comes after sustained pressurefrom Friedman and members of California's Congressional delegation.

"Even when FEMA refused to act, we kept fighting," said Congresswoman Laura Friedman. "We pushed because families deserve to know their land is safe. This reversal shows the power of never giving in to the Trump Administration, but testing 100 homes is not enough. We're going to keep pushing for full soil testing, real cleanup, and the long-term relief that California families deserve."

"Survivors deserve assurance that their properties are safe from toxic contaminants" Rep. Chu said. "This testing is an important step forward, but it must be followed by real action if contamination is found. Survivors cannot be forced to bear the burden of paying out of pocket for their own remediation. I will continue standing with residents every step of the way and will not stop fighting until families can safely return home."

"Families in LA should know for certain that their homes are safe to live in," said Congresswoman Nanette Barragán. "The Eaton fire has been one of the deadliest and most destructive events in recent Los Angeles County history, one that threatened the homes and lives of so many. I'm proud to have joined Rep. Friedman's letter to push FEMA to test the lead levels of homes destroyed by the Eaton Fire, when FEMA was dragging its feet. Now the next step is to make sure that more than just 100 homes are tested, not just for lead, but for all possible dangerous toxins."

"I'm pleased that FEMA has reversed its position on testing soil following the Eaton fires. For an administration that claims to want to 'make America healthy again,' its initial decision not to test for harmful toxins was mind-boggling. Thankfully, pressure from Congress and our community worked, and FEMA will be conducting the testing needed to ensure the land for 100 homes is safe to rebuild on. This obviously does not encompass the entirety of the soil that needs to be tested, but it's a start. We will continue the fight, and I'm grateful for Congresswoman Friedman's leadership on this issue," said Congressman Ted Lieu (CA-36).

"After sustained pressure from our Congressional delegation in the year following the devastating Southern California wildfires, the announcement that FEMA will now cover post-wildfire soil testing in certain areas is an important step in rebuilding," said Congressman George Whitesides (CA-27). "This action is critical for the health and safety of wildfire victims and is one of many actions needed to achieve comprehensive soil testing and cleanup. Our constituents deserve to return safely to their homes, neighborhoods, and lives, and we will not stop working to make that a reality."

Why Soil testing is Needed:

• Follow-up soil sampling has been standard procedure after nearly every major wildfire in California for the past two decades.
• FEMA's approach breaks precedent set after disasters like the Camp Fire and Lahaina Fire, where additional soil testing identified serious contamination.
  • During the Camp Fire cleanup, more than 4,000 properties still had toxic chemicals in the soil even after debris was removed - including lead and arsenic.
• Without soil testing, families are left to rebuild on land that may contain dangerous toxins, risking long-term health impacts.
• Relying solely on removal of six inches of topsoil without testing is not enough to guarantee safety for returning residents.

Friedman is continuing her call for:

• Further soil testing at all impacted properties.
• Testing for all wildfire-related toxins, not just lead.
• Federal cleanup commitments if contaminants are found.
• Support for families navigating complex and costly rebuilding.

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