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National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act of 2025
1/8/2026, 12:15 PM
Summary of Bill S 320
The Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977 was originally enacted to establish a national earthquake hazards reduction program. This program is designed to reduce the risks associated with earthquakes through research, education, and preparedness efforts. The current bill aims to build upon this foundation and further improve the nation's ability to mitigate the impact of earthquakes.
Some key provisions of Bill 119 s 320 include: 1. Authorizing funding for earthquake research and monitoring programs. 2. Enhancing coordination between federal, state, and local agencies in earthquake preparedness and response efforts. 3. Promoting the development of earthquake-resistant building codes and standards. 4. Improving public education and outreach on earthquake risks and safety measures. Overall, Bill 119 s 320 seeks to strengthen the nation's resilience to earthquakes and reduce the potential loss of life and property damage caused by these natural disasters. By authorizing and enhancing the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977, this legislation aims to better protect communities across the United States from the devastating effects of earthquakes.
Congressional Summary of S 320
National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act of 2025
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;
- improve 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.
Read the Full Bill
Current Status of Bill S 320
Bipartisan Support of Bill S 320
Total Number of Sponsors
1Democrat Sponsors
1Republican Sponsors
0Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
1Democrat Cosponsors
0Republican Cosponsors
1Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 320
Primary Policy Focus
Emergency ManagementAlternate Title(s) of Bill S 320
Comments
Francesca Finch
1 year ago
I think this bill is great! It's gonna help protect us from earthquakes and keep us safe. I'm all for it! Can't wait to see how this helps us in the long run.
