[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 111 (Thursday, July 31, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8524-S8526]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
EARTHQUAKE HAZARDS ACT AMENDMENTS
Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate
now proceed to consideration of Calendar No. 141, S. 910.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report.
The legislative clerk read as follows:
A bill (S. 910) to authorize appropriations for carrying
out the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1997 for fiscal
years 1998 and 1999, and for other purposes, which had been
reported from the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation, with an amendment to strike all after the
enacting clause and inserting in lieu thereof the
following:
SECTION 1. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
Section 12 of the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977
(42 U.S.C. 7706) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(7)--
(A) by striking ``and'' after ``1995,''; and
(B) by inserting before the period at the end the
following: ``, $20,900,000 for the fiscal year ending
September 30, 1998, and $21,500,000 for the fiscal year
ending September 30, 1999'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) by striking ``and'' after ``September 30, 1995;'';
(B) by inserting before the period at the end the
following: ``; $51,142,000 for the fiscal year ending
September 30, 1998 of which $3,800,000 shall be used for the
Global Seismic Network operated by the Agency; and
$52,676,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1999, of
which $3,800,000 shall be used for the Global Seismic Network
operated by the Agency''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following: ``Of the amounts
authorized to be appropriated under this subsection, at
least--
``(1) $8,000,000 of the amount authorized to be
appropriated for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1998;
and
``(2) $8,250,000 of the amount authorized for the fiscal
year ending September 30, 1999,
shall be used for carrying out a competitive, peer-reviewed
program under which the Director, in close coordination with
and as a complement to related activities of the United
States Geological Survey, awards grants to, or enters into
cooperative agreements with, State and local governments and
persons or entities from the academic community and the
private sector.'';
(3) in subsection (c)--
(A) by striking ``and'' after ``September 30, 1995,''; and
(B) by inserting before the period at the end the
following: ``, (3) $18,450,000 for engineering research and
$11,920,000 for geosciences research for the fiscal year
ending September 30, 1998, and (4) $19,000,000 for
engineering research and $12,280,000 for geosciences research
for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1999''; and
(4) in the last sentence of subsection (d)--
(A) by striking ``and'' after ``September 30, 1995,''; and
(B) by inserting before the period at the end the
following: ``, $2,000,000 for the fiscal year ending
September 30, 1998, and $2,060,000 for the fiscal year ending
September 30, 1999''.
SEC. 2. AUTHORIZATION OF REAL-TIME SEISMIC HAZARD WARNING
SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT, AND OTHER ACTIVITIES.
(a) Automatic Seismic Warning System Development.--
(1) Definitions.--In this section:
(A) Director.--The term ``Director'' means the Director of
the United States Geological Survey.
(B) High-risk activity.--The term ``high-risk activity''
means an activity that may be adversely affected by a
moderate to severe seismic event (as determined by the
Director). The term includes high-speed rail transportation.
(C) Real-time seismic warning system.--The term ``real-time
seismic warning system'' means a system that issues warnings
in real-time from a network of seismic sensors to a set of
analysis processors, directly to receivers related to high-
risk activities.
(2) In general.--The Director shall conduct a program to
develop a prototype real-time seismic warning system. The
Director may enter into such agreements or contracts as may
be necessary to carry out the program.
(3) Upgrade of seismic sensors.--In carrying out a program
under paragraph (2), in order to increase the accuracy and
speed of seismic event analysis to provide for timely warning
signals, the Director shall provide for the upgrading of the
network of seismic sensors participating in the prototype to
increase the capability of the sensors--
(A) to measure accurately large magnitude seismic events
(as determined by the Director); and
(B) to acquire additional parametric data.
(4) Development of communications and computation
infrastructure.--In carrying out a program under paragraph
(2), the Director shall develop a communications and
computation infrastructure that is necessary--
(A) to process the data obtained from the upgraded seismic
sensor network referred to in paragraph (3); and
(B) to provide for, and carry out, such communications
engineering and development as is necessary to facilitate--
(i) the timely flow of data within a real-time seismic
hazard warning system; and
(ii) the issuance of warnings to receivers related to high-
risk activities.
(5) Procurement of computer hardware and computer
software.--In carrying out a program under paragraph (2), the
Director shall procure such computer hardware and computer
software as may be necessary to carry out the program.
(6) Reports on progress.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 120 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Director shall prepare and submit
to Congress a report that contains a plan for implementing a
real-time seismic hazard warning system.
(B) Additional reports.--Not later than 1 year after the
date on which the Director submits the report under
subparagraph (A), and annually thereafter, the Director shall
prepare and submit to Congress a report that summarizes the
progress of the Director in implementing the plan referred to
in subparagraph (A).
(7) Authorization of appropriations.--In addition to the
amounts made available to the Director under section 12(b) of
the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977 (42 U.S.C.
7706(b)), there are authorized to be appropriated to the
Department of the Interior, to be used by the Director to
carry out paragraph (2), $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years
1998 and 1999.
(b) Seismic Monitoring Networks Assessment.--
(1) In general.--The Director shall provide for an
assessment of regional seismic monitoring networks in the
United States. The assessment shall address--
(A) the need to update the infrastructure used for
collecting seismological data for research and monitoring of
seismic events in the United States;
(B) the need for expanding the capability to record strong
ground motions, especially for urban area engineering
purposes;
(C) the need to measure accurately large magnitude seismic
events (as determined by the Director);
(D) the need to acquire additional parametric data; and
(E) projected costs for meeting the needs described in
subparagraphs (A) through (D).
(2) Results.--The Director shall transmit the results of
the assessment conducted under this subsection to Congress
not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this
Act.
(c) Earth Science Teaching Materials.--
(1) Definitions.--In this subsection:
(A) Local educational agency.--The term ``local educational
agency'' has the meaning given that term in section 14101 of
the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
8801).
(B) School.--The term ``school'' means a nonprofit
institutional day or residential school that provides
education for any of the grades kindergarten through grade
12.
(2) Teaching materials.--In a manner consistent with the
requirement under section
[[Page S8525]]
5(b)(4) of the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977 (42
U.S.C. 7704(b)(4)) and subject to a merit based competitive
process, the Director of the National Science Foundation may
use funds made available to him or her under section 12(c) of
such Act (42 U.S.C. 7706(c)) to develop, and make available
to schools and local educational agencies for use by schools,
at a minimal cost, earth science teaching materials that are
designed to meet the needs of elementary and secondary school
teachers and students.
(d) Improved Seismic Hazard Assessment.--
(1) In general.--As soon as practicable after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Director shall conduct a project
to improve the seismic hazard assessment of seismic zones.
(2) Reports.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, and annually during the period of the
project, the Director shall prepare, and submit to Congress,
a report on the findings of the project.
(B) Final report.--Not later than 60 days after the date of
termination of the project conducted under this subsection,
the Director shall prepare and submit to Congress a report
concerning the findings of the project.
(e) Study of National Earthquake Emergency Training
Capabilities.--
(1) In general.--The Director of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency shall conduct an assessment of the need for
additional Federal disaster-response training capabilities
that are applicable to earthquake response.
(2) Contents of assessment.--The assessment conducted under
this subsection shall include--
(A) a review of the disaster training programs offered by
the Federal Emergency Management Agency at the time of the
assessment;
(B) an estimate of the number and types of emergency
response personnel that have, during the period beginning on
January 1, 1990 and ending on July 1, 1997, sought the
training referred to in subparagraph (A), but have been
unable to receive that training as a result of the
oversubscription of the training capabilities of the Federal
Emergency Management Agency; and
(C) a recommendation on the need to provide additional
Federal disaster-response training centers.
(3) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Director shall prepare and submit
to Congress a report that addresses the results of the
assessment conducted under this subsection.
SEC. 3. COMPREHENSIVE ENGINEERING RESEARCH PLAN.
(a) National Science Foundation.--Section 5(b)(4) of the
Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977 (42 U.S.C.
7704(b)(4)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (D);
(2) by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (E)
and inserting ``; and ''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(F) develop, in conjunction with the Federal Emergency
Management Agency, the National institute of Standards and
Technology, and the United States Geological Survey, a
comprehensive plan for earthquake engineering research to
effectively use existing testing facilities and laboratories
(in existence at the time of the development of the plan),
upgrade facilities and equipment as needed, and integrate
new, innovative testing approaches to the research
infrastructure in a systematic manner.''.
(b) Federal Emergency Management Agency.--Section 5(b)(1)
of the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977 (42 U.S.C.
7704(b)(1)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (D);
(2) by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (E)
and inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(F) work with the National Science Foundation, the
National institute of Standards and Technology, and the
United States Geological Survey, to develop a comprehensive
plan for earthquake engineering research to effectively use
existing testing facilities and laboratories (existing at the
time of the development of the plan), upgrade facilities and
equipment as needed, and integrate new, innovative testing
approaches to the research infrastructure in a systematic
manner.''.
(c) United States Geological Survey.--Section 5(b)(3) of
the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977 (42 U.S.C.
7704(b)(3)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (E);
(2) by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (G)
and inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(H) work with the National Science Foundation, the
Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the National
Institute of Standards and Technology to develop a
comprehensive plan for earthquake engineering research to
effectively use existing testing facilities and laboratories
(in existence at the time of the development of the plan),
upgrade facilities and equipment as needed, and integrate
new, innovative testing approaches to the research
infrastructure in a systematic manner.''.
(d) National Institute of Standards and Technology.--Section
5(b)(5) of the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977 (42
U.S.C. 7704(b)(5)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (B);
(2) by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (C)
and inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) work with the National Science Foundation, the
Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the United States
Geological Survey to develop a comprehensive plan for
earthquake engineering research to effectively use existing
testing facilities and laboratories (in existence at the time
of the development of the plan), upgrade facilities and
equipment as needed, and integrate new, innovative testing
approaches to the research infrastructure in a systematic
manner.''.
SEC. 4. REPEALS.
Sections 6 and 7 of the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of
1977 (42 U.S.C. 7705 and 7705a) are repealed.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection to the immediate
consideration of the bill?
There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the bill.
Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I rise today to reaffirm my support for the
1998-1999 Reauthorization of the Earthquake Hazard Reduction Act of
1977.
I think we can all agree that the goal of the National Earthquake
Hazard Reduction Program is a prime example of the proper role for
government. In this bill we are calling for continued effort in the
areas of public education, fundamental earth science research,
development of better materials and building practices, and other
activities that reduce the risk to life and property.
This bill contains a provision that builds upon the national seismic
network, improving its capability and forming the basis for a real-time
seismic hazard warning system. A real-time warning system has the
potential to save lives by alerting people outside the immediate area
of an impending seismic shock. Advance warning can be critical in
preventing injury by giving communities time to curtail high risk
activities such as high-speed rail transportation, as well as shutoff
of selected gas, electrical and water feeders to the effected area.
This is pivotal in limiting the collateral damage caused after an
earthquake by fire.
As we have all seen by the devastation in Northridge, CA, the
consequences of an earthquake are simply too important for a region to
be lulled into a false sense of safety. This point was brought home to
me when I heard that an earthquake had struck Chattanooga. Certainly,
not by any means, a large event, but a reminder, that the threat of
earthquakes occur throughout the Nation.
We have also included an important provision which underscores our
commitment to education. This bill would let NSF create and disseminate
earth science educational materials in a way that permits easy access
by educators and the general public. Acknowledging that FEMA and NSF
have both done an outstanding job in creating educational material, we
are looking for continued cooperation of all the agencies, one of the
hallmarks of the National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program [NEHRP].
To speed the process of moving this important legislation forward, I
offer a technical amendment which brings the funding authority for USGS
to the same level reflected in the House of Representatives version of
this bill. The adoption of this amendment should reduce the time it
will take for this important legislation to become law.
Mr. President, I believe that the passage of this legislation will
continue of the good work that these four agencies have been
undertaking--work that saves property, but most importantly, saves
American lives.
Mr. HOLLINGS. Mr President, I rise today in support of passage of S.
910, a bill to reauthorize appropriations for the Earthquake Hazards
Reduction Act. Catastrophic earthquakes are inevitable in the United
States. Scientists consider California to be the most likely location
for major earthquakes; however, all or parts of 39 states--populated by
more than 70 million people--have been classified as having major or
moderate seismic risk. Earthquakes are not uncommon in Alaska, Idaho,
Utah, and Nevada. Major earthquakes east of the Rockies are infrequent
but can prove devastating. In 1811-12, three huge earthquakes rocked
the New Madrid area of Missouri, near St. Louis and Memphis. These
earthquakes were so powerful that they changed the course of the
Mississippi River and rang bells in Boston. In 1886, an earthquake
leveled my hometown of Charleston. Estimates of the strength of the
Charleston quake range from 7.0 to 7.6 on the Richter Scale. Of
particular interest and concern about the east coast quakes is that
there is no known geological origin for them. This fact underscores the
[[Page S8526]]
possibility of unpredictable seismic activity in the United States.
What we do know, though, is that the loss of life and property from
earthquakes can be considerable. For example, the January 17, 1994,
earthquake at Northridge, CA, was classified as only ``moderate'' in
magnitude. Nonetheless, 57 people died, and injuries totaled over
6,500. In addition, insurance payments for this moderate event were
over $6 billion, and the Federal supplemental appropriation totaled
another $9 billion. The Northridge has become the second most expensive
natural disaster in American history, exceeded only by Hurricane
Andrew. Reducing damage from earthquakes would not only save lives but
also save both private insurers and the Federal Government considerable
amounts of money.
That is what NEHRP, National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program,
established by the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977, is
designed to do. It is a Federal interagency program designed to help
minimize the loss of life and property caused by earthquakes. It
supports scientific research on the origins of earthquakes, and funds
engineering research to make buildings and other structures more
seismically resistant. NEHRP also disseminates this technical
information to the states, and helps states and localities prepare for
earthquakes. NEHRP focuses on helping states prepare for earthquakes,
in contrast to Federal disaster response programs that help states
after a major event.
The Northridge earthquake illustrates both NEHRP's accomplishments
and what some observers believe are continuing problems.
The most important accomplishment was the survival of most of the
buildings and highway overpasses which were built to meet new seismic
codes or retrofitted to meet those codes. For example, highway bridges
designed using standards developed after the late 1970s performed very
well. The most dramatic story concerns the retrofit of older highway
overpasses. After the Loma Prieta earthquake in Northern California in
1989, university researchers and Federal engineers, using NEHRP funds,
undertook a crash program to develop new ways to retrofit older highway
bridges and began applying those retrofit techniques to overpasses in
Southern California. At Northridge, six major highway bridges
collapsed. While further study is needed, it appears that the older
overpasses that were retrofitted survived, while those that did not
often failed.
Northridge also illustrated some continuing problems such as the
strength of ``lifelines''--water line, natural gas pipelines,
electrical lines, and so forth. Little research has been done to date
on how to make these facilities more earthquake-resistant. Dramatic
film from Northridge showed flooded streets with shooting jets of
burning natural gas and illustrated how easily these lines are broken.
Mr. President, S. 910 will authorize the funding needed to continue
the good work that has been done by the four participating agencies in
NEHRP--the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Geological
Survey, the National Science Foundation, and the National Institute of
Standards and Technology--and will allow them to address problems like
ruptured lifelines that continue to plague disaster response teams.
This bill also will require new assessments of our seismic hazard
warning systems, and our earthquake emergency training facilities to
ensure that the warning systems and training facilities are up to date,
properly operating, and responsive. In assessing the current conditions
of the seismic monitoring networks, the agencies are expected to pay
greater attention to understudied areas like the eastern seaboard where
catastrophic seismic events have occurred in the past, and are
predicted to occur in the future--yet are more difficult to understand.
This is a good bill. I commend the Senator from Tennessee for his
diligence in this area, and I encourage my colleagues to support
passage of this measure today.
Amendment No. 1054
(Purpose: To increase the authorization for the United
States Geological Survey for 1998 and 1999.)
Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, Senator Frist has an amendment at the
desk, and I ask for its consideration.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report.
The legislative clerk read as follows:
The Senator from Virginia [Mr. Warner], for Mr. Frist,
proposes an amendment numbered 1054.
Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that further
reading of the amendment be dispensed with.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
The amendment is as follows:
On page 9, line 19, strike ``$51,142,000'' and insert
``$52,565,000''.
On page 9, line 22, strike ``$52,676,000'' and insert
``$54,052,000''.
Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the amendment
be agreed to.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
The amendment (No. 1054) was agreed to.
Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the bill be
considered read a third time and passed, as amended, the motion to
reconsider be laid upon the table, and that any statements relating to
the bill appear at the appropriate place in the Record.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
The bill (S. 910), as amended, was deemed read the third time and
passed.
(The text of S. 910, as passed, will be printed in a future edition
of the Record.)
____________________