Padilla, Schiff, Tran Urge President Trump to Approve Federal Emergency Declaration for Garden Grove Western Incident

Editorial note: In response to this letter, President Trump signed the request for a Federal Emergency Declaration submitted by the State of California. A Federal Emergency Declaration activates additional federal resources to support life-saving activities. These resources include coordination of federal agencies to supplement state and local efforts to ensure public health and environmental safety, covering 75% of the cost of any federal resources used.

GARDEN GROVE, CA - U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both-D-Calif.) and Representative Derek Tran (D-Calif.-45) sent a letter to President Donald Trump urging approval of California's request for a Federal Emergency Declaration in response to the toxic chemical incident, known as the "Western Incident," at the GKN Aerospace facility in Garden Grove, California.

Today, the Orange County Fire Authority declared that the imminent threat of a catastrophic explosion at the GKN Aerospace plant has been lifted. While there is still a potential risk to the immediate area within the updated boundaries of the evacuation zone, 65% of residents will be permitted to return to their homes effective 6:00 PM PST.

The letter is available here and below.

Click here to follow updated evacuation information.

Dear President Trump,

We write in support of the State of California's request for an Emergency Declaration in response to the ongoing toxic chemical incident impacting Orange County, and we ask that you approve it expeditiously.

On May 21, 2026, a toxic chemical leak occurred at the GKN Aerospace Facility located in Garden Grove, California. While emergency personnel have been working diligently to mitigate the incident, the crisis remains unresolved as of today and there is still an imminent threat of a toxic chemical leakage or explosion. This highly volatile situation has already forced the evacuation of approximately 40,000 residents and many businesses due to the chemical's extreme flammability and acute risks to public health. It remains unclear how long these families will remain displaced, which will require federal assistance, coordination, and action to supplement state and local efforts.

The severity of this disaster requires additional coordination and federal support. Therefore, we urge you to expeditiously approve California's request for an Emergency Declaration and to provide emergency protective measures and direct federal assistance under the public assistance program for Orange County. The safety, security, and well-being of evacuated residents and the surrounding communities remain our absolute highest priority. Thank you for your timely consideration of this request.

Sincerely,

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