Rep. Whitesides Leads Robust Funding Effort for Earthquake Safety System

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Rep. George Whitesides led a bipartisan effort to push federal appropriators to fully fund the construction, operation, and maintenance of the nation's only public Earthquake Early Warning System (EEW), also called "ShakeAlert." ShakeAlert serves over 50 million residents and visitors in California, Oregon, and Washington, providing advanced notice of impending earthquakes so residents in affected areas can take steps to save lives and critical infrastructure.

"Every Californian understands the threat that even the smallest earthquakes can pose to communities and infrastructure, which is why I'm pushing my colleagues to fully fund the ShakeAlert system for the West Coast," said Rep. Whitesides. "The cutting-edge science developed in California helps detect when an earthquake is coming before the damage begins, notifying millions of people every single year and helping them protect themselves and their property. With natural disasters on the rise, it is critical that the federal government fully fund these kinds of programs that keep people safe."

Managed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), ShakeAlert detects significant earthquakes quickly, so alerts can be delivered to people before strong shaking arrives, urging them to take an immediate protective action. Alerts can also trigger automated actions that slow trains, close water system valves, issue public announcements, and open firehouse doors.

Between October 17, 2019 and September 1, 2023, ShakeAlert detected 94 earthquakes with estimated magnitudes of 4.5 or greater, triggering public messaging and allowing affected residents to take steps to adequately prepare themselves. With concern regarding increased seismic activity near the San Andreas Fault, there is public demand for the EEW to be fully funded and operational. FEMA estimates that earthquake recovery and losses cost $5 billion. The investment in ShakeAlert saves money for both the federal government and local areas impacted by earthquakes while keeping more people safe.

Rep. Whitesides was joined by Reps. Delbene and Bonamici in leading this letter. The letter was also signed by Representatives Brad Sherman, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Janelle S. Bynum, Lateefah Simon, Steve Cohen, Salud Carbajal, Judy Chu, Jimmy Gomez, Rick Larsen, Doris Matsui, Jimmy Panetta, Marilyn Strickland, Van Hoyle, Mark DeSaulnier, Mike Thompson, Jonathan. L Jackson, Kevin Mullin, Sean Casten, Eric Swalwell, Adam Smith, Kim Schrier, Maxine Dexter, Juan Vargas, Jared Moskowitz, Jared Huffman, Seth Magaziner, Sam T. Liccardo, and Sydney Kamlager Dove.

Read the full letter here.

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