Governor Newsom submits request to President Trump for emergency declaration to support response efforts in Orange County – California State Portal | CA.gov
Official website of the State of California
CA.gov
Resources for California
News
May 24, 2026
ORANGE COUNTY – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced a request submitted last night for an Emergency Declaration to President Donald Trump to support ongoing response operations in Orange County, where state and local officials are actively managing an ongoing incident.
The request follows early and aggressive actions taken by the State of California to protect public safety, pre-position resources, and support local response efforts ahead of potentially severe impacts, including the Governor’s proclamation of a state of emergency in Orange County yesterday.
California doesn’t wait for disaster to unfold, we act early to protect lives and communities. Working together with our local and federal partners, we’re strengthening our ability to respond quickly and effectively in Garden Grove and across the surrounding communities and ensuring that first responders have the resources they need to keep people safe.
Governor Gavin Newsom
What a presidential emergency declaration would do
An Emergency Declaration is a formal action that allows the federal government, through FEMA, to help state and local governments with emergency protective measures when lives, public health, or safety are at risk.
For Orange County, this Emergency Declaration would mean:
This type of declaration is specifically designed to enable proactive, forward-leaning response, helping communities prepare for and mitigate impacts as an incident unfolds.
How it differs from a presidential major disaster declaration
Unlike a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration, which is typically approved only after significant damage has already occurred, an emergency declaration is focused on immediate response and protective actions.
Key distinctions include:
California’s proactive response
In anticipation of a potential major release or explosion in Garden Grove, the state took the following coordinated actions to support local authorities and safeguard the public:
The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) continues to work closely with FEMA, local partners, and state agencies to monitor conditions and adjust response efforts as needed.
Residents are urged to listen to local officials for the latest evacuation information. If asked to evacuate, don’t wait. Find your city’s emergency updates here: linktr.ee/cagovernor
Resources and other useful information for those affected by the Garden Grove Hazmat Incident are available on our Cal OES Community Resource page.
Executive orders, Press releases, Public safety, Recent news, Top story
May 24, 2026
News What you need to know: California has mobilized more than 785 state and local first responders and emergency personnel working around the clock — including highly specialized hazardous materials experts — to support Orange County communities impacted by the…
May 23, 2026
News SACRAMENTO –Taking proactive steps to protect Californians, Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a state of emergency proclamation for Orange County as the state continues to assist in local response efforts following a hazardous chemical incident at an aerospace…
May 22, 2026
News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:Danny Yost, of Sacramento has been appointed the Deputy Secretary of Legislation of the California State Transportation Agency. Yost has been the Assistant Deputy Director of…
Powered by: CAWeb Publishing Service
© Copyright
