Summary of Bill S 3606
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.
Congressional Summary of S 3606
National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act of 2024
This bill reauthorizes through FY2028 the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) and expands the activities federal agencies must conduct under the program, including activities relating to secondary effects of earthquakes and post-earthquake infrastructure performance.
NEHRP is a coordinated earthquake hazards reduction program of four federal agencies: the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the U.S. Geological Survey, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the National Science Foundation. Under NEHRP, these agencies are required to conduct various activities relating to earthquakes, including advancing warning systems, hazard reduction measures, and research to improve understanding of earthquakes and their effects.
The bill expands the scope of the activities under NEHRP, including requiring the agencies to
- improve understanding of and develop resilience measures for secondary effects and multiple hazards associated with earthquakes, such as tsunamis and fires;
- increase post-earthquake functional recovery, which means maintaining or restoring the pre-earthquake functionality of buildings and lifeline infrastructure systems (e.g., infrastructure for water, electricity, and transportation); and
- assist public entities with developing an inventory, and conducting seismic performance evaluation, of infrastructure with high seismic risk.
Additionally, the bill specifically includes tribal governments in the activities conducted under NEHRP.