Washington, DC - As April marks Earthquake Preparedness Month and on the heels of the devastating earthquake in Myanmar, U.S. Rep. Kevin Mullin (CA-15) and Rep. Vince Fong (CA-20) introduced bipartisan legislation that aims to improve America's resilience during future earthquakes.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), nearly 75 percent of the U.S. could experience a damaging earthquake in the next century, and almost half of the population - 150 million people - reside in areas that are at risk.

On average, earthquakes cost the U.S. billions of dollars a year in building damages and associated losses. Earthquakes threaten not only lives and buildings, but also critical services such as power, water, communications, and transportation. These services, also referred to as "lifelines," must be restored as quickly as possible following a natural disaster to enable other parts of a recovery effort. 

The Earthquake Resilience Act (H.R.2568.) would direct federal agencies to conduct America's first national risk assessment of earthquake resiliency to better understand how communities can prepare. It would also require the National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program to develop standards for lifeline infrastructure so these critical systems can be quickly restored during an earthquake or other disasters.

"As we recognize Earthquake Preparedness Month, it's clear that the risks of natural disasters extend far beyond California," said Rep. Kevin Mullin. "Our growing reliance on lifeline systems-those vital services that allow us to live, work, and communicate-make it even more urgent. We need a national risk assessment and consistent infrastructure standards to ensure communities across the country are ready. With natural disasters becoming more frequent, it's critical to start building resilience today for a safer future."

"The 2019 Ridgecrest earthquakes deeply impacted a vital community within my district. This disaster proved that emergencies can strike at any moment, highlighting the urgent need to strengthen the coordination between our federal government and local agencies. I look forward to addressing gaps in earthquake preparedness to ensure we protect our communities and save lives," said Rep. Vince Fong.

Seismic safety experts are championing the bill as a critical way to help communities across the country improve vital lifeline infrastructure.

"The National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) applauds Rep. Mullin and Rep. Fong for their leadership in reintroducing the bipartisan Earthquake Resilience Act, which improves and accelerates recovery of communities and businesses after an earthquake," said George K. Guszcza, President and CEO of NIBS. "Through the work of the Building Seismic Safety Council, NIBS has studied, developed, and maintained national seismic design standards for 45 years. Our communities - and their lifelines - must be ready."

As lifelong Californians who have experienced earthquakes first-hand, Reps. Mullin and Fong are pleased to co-lead this bill in the 119^th Congress.

Visit the Earthquake Resilience Act web page to learn more.

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