This week, the House Committee on Natural Resources moved forward with H.R. 3168, known as the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act. The bipartisan bill was introduced by Congressman David Valadao and Congressman Jim Costa. It aims to extend the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) through Fiscal Year 2030, offering resources for research, development, and implementation of measures to reduce earthquake risks.
Congressman Valadao emphasized the importance of preparedness for communities near active fault lines in California. “With millions of families living near active fault lines throughout California, we have a responsibility to make sure our communities are as prepared as possible for earthquakes,” he stated. He also highlighted that reauthorizing this program would lead to improved coordination and more reliable early warning systems.
Chairman Bruce Westerman of the House Committee on Natural Resources expressed support for the bill’s renewal. “H.R. 3168 renews the critical Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program through 2030,” he said, noting its role in reducing risks to life and property from future earthquakes in the U.S.
The NEHRP was initially authorized in 1977 and focuses on activities such as seismic monitoring and risk assessment. It is managed by four federal agencies: FEMA, NIST, NSF, and USGS. The program was last reauthorized in 2018.
