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Seismological Society of America Endorses Reauthorization of National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program

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Seismological Society of America Supports Reauthorization of the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program NEHRP

The Seismological Society of America strongly orses the reauthorization of the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program NEHRP and urges Congress to renew its support with full funding for this vital public safety initiative.

As 75 of the U.S. population faces significant earthquake risks, annual damages from earthquakes are estimated at $14.7 billion nationwide, with total annualized economic losses much higher FEMA Publication P-366, 2023; source link below. NEHRP serves as the federal government's unified program med at mitigating earthquake risks and facilitating recovery after major seismic events across the nation. It achieves this through developing effective risk-reduction practices, enhancing strategies to identify and alleviate earthquake vulnerabilities, and conducting targeted research to deepen our understanding of earthquakes.

NEHRP coordinates activities among key federal agenciesFEMA, NIST, NSF, and USGSto address earthquake-related challenges effectively. Its unique role is essential for ensuring that these agencies focus on areas where national improvements in resilience are most urgently needed, without duplicating efforts or overlapping with private sector initiatives or the roles of other stakeholders.

NEHRP agencies collaborate extensively with academia, public sectors, and businesses to produce research and data critical to enhancing building codes and community and commercial planning. NEHRP-funded standards have led to the widespread adoption of seismic design practices that result in more resilient buildings, saving lives and reducing economic losses.

The program has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of earthquakes through cutting-edge discoveries in seismology, geology, and structural engineeringdiscoveries that significantly enhance our preparedness and response capabilities. The annual ShakeOut drills have educated millions about earthquake safety and provided invaluable guidance for responding to seismic events.

Based on the National Academy of Sciences report National Earthquake Resilience: Research, Implementation, and Outreach, NEHRP's research, preparation, and mitigation efforts are fundamental to making our nation more resilient to earthquakes. Reauthorizing NEHRP is therefore critical for fully implementing its goalsensuring that advancements in knowledge translate into actions and outcomes that protect the nation from the catastrophic impacts of major seismic events.

NEHRP has proven highly effective at reducing earthquake-related losses in the U.S., advancing research, boosting public awareness, and improving building safety standards. Continued funding is essential to sustn these achievements. For this reason and for the future safety, wealth, and security of our nation, we strongly encourage Congress to act on reauthorizing NEHRP.

Approved by the SSA Board of Directors, January 2024

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2022-2029 April 2023

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