Bill 118 s 3606, also known as the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act of 2024, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to reauthorize the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP), which was originally established in 1977 to improve the nation's earthquake preparedness and response capabilities.
The bill seeks to continue funding for NEHRP, which includes four federal agencies - the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the United States Geological Survey (USGS). These agencies work together to conduct research, develop building codes, and provide education and outreach to help mitigate the impact of earthquakes on communities across the country.
Specifically, the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act of 2024 aims to enhance coordination between federal, state, and local agencies in earthquake preparedness and response efforts. It also seeks to improve the resilience of critical infrastructure, such as hospitals, schools, and transportation systems, to better withstand the impact of earthquakes.
Additionally, the bill includes provisions to support research on earthquake early warning systems, improve public education and outreach on earthquake risks, and enhance the collection and dissemination of earthquake data to inform decision-making at all levels of government.
Overall, the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act of 2024 is a bipartisan effort to strengthen the nation's ability to prepare for and respond to earthquakes, with the ultimate goal of saving lives and reducing the economic impact of these natural disasters.