[House Report 119-438]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
119th Congress } { Rept. 119-438
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
2nd Session } { Part 1
======================================================================
NATIONAL EARTHQUAKE HAZARDS REDUCTION PROGRAM
REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2025
_______
January 12, 2026.--Ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Westerman, from the Committee on Natural Resources, submitted the
following
R E P O R T
together with
ADDITIONAL VIEWS
[To accompany H.R. 3168]
[Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office]
The Committee on Natural Resources, to whom was referred
the bill (H.R. 3168) to reauthorize the Earthquake Hazards
Reduction Act of 1977, and for other purposes, having
considered the same, reports favorably thereon without
amendment and recommends that the bill do pass.
Purpose of the Legislation
The purpose of H.R. 3168 is to reauthorize the Earthquake
Hazards Reduction Act of 1977, and for other purposes.
Background and Need for Legislation
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is in charge of
monitoring and reporting earthquakes, assessing damage, and
researching their causes and effects.\1\ The National
Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP)\2\ is aimed at
gaining a better understanding of earthquakes while also
reducing risks in the U.S.\3\ NEHRP is a joint-agency effort
led by the National Institute of Standards and Technology
(NIST), with support from the USGS, the National Science
Foundation, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA).\4\ These agencies work together in various scientific
pursuits, but they also have individual goals for mitigating
damage from earthquakes.
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\1\``Earthquake Hazards Program,'' U.S. Geological Survey, https://
www.usgs.gov/programs/earthquake-hazards.
\2\42 U.S.C. 7704.
\3\Linda R. Rowan, ``The National Earthquake Hazards Reduction
Program (NEHRP): Overview and Issues for Congress,'' Congressional
Research Service, November 4, 2024, https://www.congress.gov/crs-
product/R43141.
\4\Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEHRP was first authorized in 1977\5\ with the goal of
managing the impacts of earthquakes on life, property, and the
economy.\6\ The program was designed to achieve this goal
through a large, coordinated effort between the community of
earthquake professionals in academia, businesses, government
agencies, and codes and standards organizations that develop
earthquake building codes.\7\ NEHRP has been reauthorized
several times, most recently in 2018.\8\ The 2018
reauthorization established the first operational earthquake
early warning system in the U.S., aptly named ShakeAlert.\9\
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\5\42 U.S.C. 7704.
\6\``The National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP)
Overview,'' Federal Emergency Management Agency, July 2019, https://
www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_
nehrp_overview_fact_sheet.pdf.
\7\Id.
\8\P.L. 115-307.
\9\Id.
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ShakeAlert operates in California, Oregon, and Washington
and aims to quickly alert people who are in the affected areas
of an earthquake.\10\ This application, run by the USGS, can
save thousands of lives and millions of dollars by alerting an
individual's phone or other electronic device, notifying them
that an earthquake has been detected. The application has been
successfully integrated into several industries across the West
Coast, including the Metrolink in southern California\11\ where
it has been integrated into Metrolink's Positive Train Control
systems to automatically slow or stop trains when an alert is
received.\12\ H.R. 3168 reauthorizes NEHRP through Fiscal Year
(FY) 2030.
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\10\Id.
\11\``Case Studies,'' ShakeAlert, https://www.shakealert.org/
education-and-outreach/case-
studies/.
\12\Id.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Committee Action
H.R. 3168 was introduced on May 1, 2025, by Representative
David Valadao (R-CA). The bill was referred to the Committee on
Natural Resources, and within the Committee to the Subcommittee
on Energy and Mineral Resources. The bill was also referred to
the Committees on Science, Space, and Technology and
Transportation and Infrastructure. On May 20, 2025, the
Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held a hearing on
the bill. On June 25, 2025, the Committee on Natural Resources
met to consider the bill. The Subcommittee on Energy and
Mineral Resources was discharged from further consideration of
H.R. 3168 by unanimous consent. The bill was ordered favorably
reported to the House of Representatives by unanimous consent.
Hearings
For the purposes of clause 3(c)(6) of House rule XIII, the
following hearing was used to develop or consider this measure:
hearing by the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources
held on May 20, 2025.
Section-by-Section Analysis
Section 1. Short title
Section 1 designates the bill as the ``National Earthquake
Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act of 2025''.
Section 2. Improvements to National Earthquake Hazards Reduction
program
Section 2 makes technical changes to the Earthquake Hazards
Reduction Act to include Tribal governments in NEHRP
activities. It also adds the Chair of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) as a Member of the Interagency
Coordinating Committee on Earthquake Hazards Reduction and adds
the Chair of the Scientific Earthquake Studies Advisory
Committee as a Member of the Advisory Committee on Earthquake
Hazards Reduction.
Section 2 further clarifies USGS's responsibility by
requiring the agency to coordinate with the Chair of the FCC,
Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, and Administrator of the FEMA on data sharing
and resource allocation in the event of an oceanic earthquake
and tsunami. Section 2 also extends USGS's responsibilities to
include communicating with State, local, and Tribal governments
on earthquake early warning improvements, as well as expanding
the earthquake early warning system to include additional high-
risk areas for increased detection and providing aftershock
notifications when a significant earthquake is detected.
Section 3. Authorization of appropriations
Section 3 authorizes appropriations for this program
through FY 2030 at current funding levels of $83,403,000 per
year.
Committee Oversight Findings and Recommendations
Regarding clause 2(b)(1) of rule X and clause 3(c)(1) of
rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the
Committee on Natural Resources' oversight findings and
recommendations are reflected in the body of this report.
Compliance With House Rule XIII and
Congressional Budget Act
1. Cost of Legislation and the Congressional Budget Act.
With respect to the requirements of clause 3(c)(2) and (3) of
rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives and
sections 308(a) and 402 of the Congressional Budget Act of
1974, the Committee has received the following estimate for the
bill from the Director of the Congressional Budget Office:
H.R. 3168 would amend the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act
of 1977 to make changes to the National Earthquake Hazards
Reduction Program, an interagency program focused on reducing
earthquake-related risks to life and property. H.R. 3168 also
would authorize appropriations of $83 million annually for
fiscal years 2026 through 2030 for the U.S. Geological Survey
(USGS) to implement the program. Of that amount, $30 million
would be used for the Advanced National Seismic System which
disseminates real-time information to communities about seismic
activity to support response efforts.
Additionally, the bill would require the USGS to coordinate
with the Federal Communications Commission and other agencies
to improve and expand early warning systems for earthquakes,
aftershocks, and tsunamis. The agencies also would be required
to report to the Congress every two years about activities
related to the program.
CBO assumes that the bill will be enacted near the end of
calendar year 2025 and that the authorized amounts will be
provided for each year beginning in 2026. In 2024, the USGS
allocated $100 million for the program from funds provided in
the appropriation acts for that year. Based on historical
spending patterns, CBO estimates that reauthorizing the program
would cost $383 million over the 2025-2030 period and $26
million after 2030, assuming appropriation of the authorized
amounts.
The costs of the legislation, detailed in Table 1, fall
within budget function 300 (natural resources and environment).
TABLE 1.--ESTIMATED INCREASES IN SPENDING SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATION UNDER H.R. 3168
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By fiscal year, millions of dollars--
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2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2025-2030
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Authorization........................................ 0 83 83 83 83 83 415
Estimated Outlays.................................... 0 60 78 81 82 82 383
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On June 24, 2025, CBO transmitted a cost estimate for S.
320, the National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program
Reauthorization Act of 2025, as ordered reported by the Senate
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on April 30,
2025. The Senate bill would authorize appropriations for
multiple agencies for different amounts and for a different
period than the House bill. The estimates reflect those
differences.
The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Aurora Swanson.
The estimate was reviewed by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy
Director of Budget Analysis.
Phillip L. Swagel,
Director, Congressional Budget Office.
2. General Performance Goals and Objectives. As required by
clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII, the general performance goal or
objective of this bill is to reauthorize the Earthquake Hazards
Reduction Act of 1977, and for other purposes.
Earmark Statement
This bill does not contain any Congressional earmarks,
limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined
under clause 9(e), 9(f), and 9(g) of rule XXI of the Rules of
the House of Representatives.
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act Statement
According to the Congressional Budget Office, H.R. 3168
contains no unfunded mandates as defined by the Unfunded
Mandates Reform Act.
Existing Programs
Directed Rule Making. This bill does not contain any
directed rule makings.
Duplication of Existing Programs. This bill does not
establish or reauthorize a program of the federal government
known to be duplicative of another program. Such program was
not included in any report from the Government Accountability
Office to Congress pursuant to section 21 of Public Law 111-139
or identified in the most recent Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance published pursuant to the Federal Program
Information Act (Public Law 95-220, as amended by Public Law
98-169) as relating to other programs.
Applicability to Legislative Branch
The Committee finds that the legislation does not relate to
the terms and conditions of employment or access to public
services or accommodations within the meaning of section
102(b)(3) of the Congressional Accountability Act.
Preemption of State, Local or Tribal Law
Any preemptive effect of this bill over state, local, or
tribal law is intended to be consistent with the bill's
purposes and text and the Supremacy Clause of Article VI of the
U.S. Constitution.
Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported
In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of
the House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by
the bill, as reported, are shown as follows (existing law
proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new
matter is printed in italics, and existing law in which no
change is proposed is shown in roman):
EARTHQUAKE HAZARDS REDUCTION ACT OF 1977
* * * * * * *
SEC. 5. NATIONAL EARTHQUAKE HAZARDS REDUCTION PROGRAM.
(a) Establishment.--
(1) In general.--There is established the National
Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program.
(2) Program activities.--The activities of the
Program shall be designed to--
(A) develop effective measures for earthquake
hazards reduction;
(B) promote the adoption of earthquake
hazards reduction measures by Federal, State,
[and local] local, and Tribal governments,
national standards and model code
organizations, architects and engineers,
building owners, and others with a role in
planning [and constructing], designing,
constructing, evaluating, and retrofitting
buildings, structures, and lifeline
infrastructure through--
(i) grants, contracts, cooperative
agreements, and technical assistance;
[(ii) development of standards,
guidelines, and voluntary consensus
codes for earthquake hazards reduction
for buildings, structures, and lifeline
infrastructure;]
(ii) development of standards,
guidelines, and voluntary standards,
guidelines, and consensus codes for
earthquake hazards reduction for
buildings, structures, and lifeline
infrastructure, including post-
earthquake recovery-based performance
objectives that address reoccupancy and
downtime of community-prioritized
buildings, structures, and services
provided by lifeline infrastructure;
(iii) development and maintenance of
a repository of information, including
technical data, on seismic risk,
community resilience, [and hazards
reduction; and] functional recovery,
and other hazards reduction topics;
(iv) publishing and maintaining a
systematic set of maps of active faults
and folds, liquefaction susceptibility,
in coordination with the National
Tsunami Hazards Mitigation Program,
tsunami susceptibility, susceptibility
for earthquake induced landslides, and
other seismically induced hazards; and
(C) improve the understanding of earthquakes
and their effects on communities, buildings,
structures, and lifeline infrastructure,
through interdisciplinary research that
involves engineering, natural sciences, and
social, economic, and decisions sciences; and
(D) continue the development of the Advanced
National Seismic System, including earthquake
early warning capabilities and the Global
Seismographic Network.
(3) Interagency coordinating committee on earthquake
hazards reduction.--
(A) In general.--There is established an
Interagency Coordinating Committee on
Earthquake Hazards Reduction chaired by the
Director of the National Institute of Standards
and Technology (referred to in this subsection
as the ``Director'').
(B) Membership.--In addition to the Director,
the committee shall be composed of--
(i) the Administrator of the Federal
Emergency Management Agency;
(ii) the Director of the United
States Geological Survey;
(iii) the Director of the National
Science Foundation;
(iv) the Director of the Office of
Science and Technology Policy; and
(v) the Director of the Office of
Management and Budget.
(C) Meetings.--The Committee shall meet not
less frequently than once each year at the call
of the Director.
(D) Duties.--
(i) General duty.--The Interagency
Coordinating Committee shall oversee
the planning, management, and
coordination of the Program.
(ii) Specific duties.--The duties of
the Interagency Coordinating Committee
include the following:
(I) Developing, not later
than 6 months after the date of
the enactment of the National
Earthquake Hazards Reduction
Program Reauthorization Act of
2004 and updating
periodically--
(aa) a strategic plan
that establishes goals
and priorities for the
Program activities
described under
subsection (a)(2); and
(bb) a detailed
management plan to
implement such
strategic plan.
(II) Developing a coordinated
interagency budget for the
Program that will ensure
appropriate balance among the
Program activities described
under subsection (a)(2), and,
in accordance with the plans
developed under subclause (I),
submitting such budget to the
Director of the Office of
Management and Budget at the
time designated by the Director
for agencies to submit biennial
budgets.
(III) Developing interagency
memorandums of understanding
with any relevant Federal
agencies on data sharing and
resource commitment in the
event of an earthquake
disaster.
(IV) Coordinating with the
Interagency Coordinating
Committee on Windstorm Impact
Reduction and other natural
hazards coordination committees
as the Director determines
appropriate to share data and
best practices.
(V) Coordinating with the
Administrator of the National
Aeronautics and Space
Administration and the
Administrator of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration on data sharing
and resource allocation to
ensure judicious use of
Government resources and the
free-flowing exchange of
information related to
earthquakes and associated
secondary hazards.
(VI) Coordinating with the
Secretary of Agriculture and
the Secretary of the Interior
on the use of public lands for
earthquake monitoring and
research stations, and related
data collection.
(VII) Coordinating with the
Secretary of Transportation and
the Secretary of Housing and
Urban Development on the
effects of earthquakes on
transportation and housing
stocks.
(VIII) Coordinating with the
Chair of the Federal
Communications Commission on
the timely broadcasting of
emergency alerts generated by
the earthquake early warning
system.
(iii) Assistance from secretary of
agriculture and secretary of the
interior.--To the extent practicable,
the Secretary of Agriculture and the
Secretary of the Interior shall
expedite any request for a permit to
use public land under clause (ii)(VI).
(4) Biennial report.--
(A) In general.--Not less frequently than
once every two years, the Interagency
Coordinating Committee shall submit to the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation, the Committee on Energy and
Natural Resources, and the Committee on
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of
the Senate and the Committee on Science, Space,
and Technology, the Committee on Energy and
Commerce, the Committee on Natural Resources,
and the Committee on Homeland Security of the
House of Representatives a report on the
Program. Such report shall include--
(i) the Program budget for the
current fiscal year for each agency
that participates in the Program, and
for each major goal established for the
Program activities [under paragraph
(3)(D)(i)(I)] under paragraph
(3)(D)(ii)(I);
(ii) the proposed Program budget for
the next fiscal year for each agency
that participates in the Program, and
for each major goal established for the
Program activities [under paragraph
(3)(D)(i)(I)] under paragraph
(3)(D)(ii)(I);
(iii) a description of the activities
and results of the Program during the
previous year, including an assessment
of the effectiveness of the Program in
furthering the goals established in the
strategic plan [under paragraph
(3)(D)(i)(I)] under paragraph
(3)(D)(ii)(I);
(iv) a description of the extent to
which the Program has incorporated the
recommendations of the Advisory
Committee;
(v) a description of activities,
including budgets for the current
fiscal year and proposed budgets for
the next fiscal year, that are carried
out by Program agencies and contribute
to the Program, but are not included in
the Program;
(vi) a description of the activities,
including budgets for the current
fiscal year and proposed budgets for
the following fiscal year, related to
the grant program carried out under
subsection (b)(2)(A)(i); and
(vii) a statement regarding whether
the Administrator of the Federal
Emergency Management Agency has lowered
or waived the cost share requirement
for assistance provided under
subsection (b)(2)(A)(i).
(B) Support for preparation of report.--Each
head of a Program agency shall submit to the
Director of the National Institute of Standards
and Technology such information as the Director
may request for the preparation of a report
under subparagraph (A) not later than 90 days
after the date on which the Director requests
such information.
(5) Advisory committee.--
(A) In general.--The Director shall establish
an Advisory Committee on Earthquake Hazards
Reduction of at least 11 members, none of whom
may be an employee (as defined in subparagraphs
(A) through (F) of section 7342(a)(1) of title
5, United States Code, including the Chair of
the Scientific Earthquake Studies Advisory
Committee and representatives of research and
academic institutions, industry standards
development organizations, State [and local
government], local, and Tribal governments, and
financial communities who are qualified to
provide advice on earthquake hazards reduction
and represent all related scientific,
architectural, and engineering disciplines. The
recommendations of the Advisory Committee shall
be considered by Federal agencies in
implementing the Program.
(B) Assessment.--The Advisory Committee shall
assess--
(i) trends and developments in the
science and engineering of earthquake
hazards reduction;
(ii) effectiveness of the Program in
carrying out the activities under
(a)(2);
(iii) the need to revise the Program;
and
(iv) the management, coordination,
implementation, and activities of the
Program.
(C) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the
date of enactment of the National Earthquake
Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act
of 2004 and at least once every 2 years
thereafter, the Advisory Committee shall report
to the Director on its findings of the
assessment carried out under subparagraph (B)
and its recommendations for ways to improve the
Program. In developing recommendations, the
Committee shall consider the recommendations of
the United States Geological Survey Scientific
Earthquake Studies Advisory Committee.
(D) Application of chapter 10 of title 5,
united states code.--Section 1013 of title 5,
United States Code, shall not apply to the
Advisory Committee.
(b) Responsibilities of Program Agencies.--
(1) Lead agency.--The National Institute of Standards
and Technology shall have the primary responsibility
for planning and coordinating the Program. In carrying
out this paragraph, the Director of the Institute
shall--
(A) ensure that the Program includes the
necessary steps to promote the implementation
of earthquake hazard reduction measures by
Federal, State, and local governments, national
standards and model building code
organizations, architects and engineers, and
others with a role in planning and constructing
buildings and lifeline infrastructure;
(B) support the development of performance-
based seismic engineering tools, and work with
appropriate groups to promote the commercial
application of such tools, through earthquake-
related building codes, standards, and
construction practices;
(C) request the assistance of Federal
agencies other than the Program agencies, as
necessary to assist in carrying out this Act;
and
(D) work with the Federal Emergency
Management Agency, the National Science
Foundation, and the United States Geological
Survey, to develop a comprehensive plan for
earthquake engineering research to provide new
and 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.
(2) Department of homeland security; federal
emergency management agency.--
(A) Program responsibilities.--The
Administrator of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency--
(i) shall operate a program of grants
and assistance to enable States to
develop mitigation, preparedness, and
response plans, purchase necessary
instrumentation, prepare inventories
and conduct seismic safety inspections
of critical structures and lifeline
infrastructure, update building, land
use planning, and zoning codes and
ordinances to enhance seismic safety,
increase earthquake awareness and
education, and provide assistance to
multi-State groups for such purposes;
(ii) shall support the implementation
of a comprehensive earthquake
education, outreach, and public
awareness program, including
development of materials and their wide
dissemination to all appropriate
audiences and support public access to
locality-specific information that may
assist the public in preparing for,
mitigating against, responding to and
recovering from earthquakes and related
disasters;
(iii) shall, in conjunction with the
Director of the National Institute of
Standards and Technology, other Federal
agencies, and private sector groups,
use research results to support the
preparation, maintenance, and wide
dissemination of seismic resistant
design guidance and related information
on building codes, standards, and
practices for new and existing
buildings, structures, and lifeline
infrastructure, aid in the development
of performance-based design guidelines
and methodologies, and support model
codes that are cost effective and
affordable in order to promote better
practices within the design and
construction industry and reduce losses
from earthquakes;
(iv) shall enter into cooperative
agreements or contracts with States and
local jurisdictions and other Federal
agencies to establish demonstration
projects on earthquake hazard
mitigation, to link earthquake research
and mitigation efforts with emergency
management programs, or to prepare
educational materials for national
distribution; and
(v) shall support the Director of the
National Institute of Standards and
Technology in the completion of
programmatic goals.
(B) State assistance program criteria.--In
order to qualify for assistance under
subparagraph (A)(i), a State must--
(i) demonstrate that the assistance
will result in enhanced seismic safety
in the State;
(ii) provide 25 percent of the costs
of the activities for which assistance
is being given, except that the
Administrator may lower or waive the
cost-share requirement for these
activities for a small impoverished
community, as defined in section 203 of
the Disaster Relief Act of 1974 (42
U.S.C. 5133(a)); and
(iii) meet such other requirements as
the Administrator shall prescribe.
(3) United states geological survey.--The United
States Geological Survey shall report on significant
domestic and international earthquakes and conduct
research and other activities necessary to characterize
and identify earthquake hazards, assess earthquake
risks, monitor seismic activity, and improve earthquake
forecasts. In carrying out this paragraph, the Director
of the United States Geological Survey shall--
(A) conduct a systematic assessment of the
seismic risks in each region of the Nation
prone to earthquakes, including, where
appropriate, the establishment and operation of
intensive monitoring projects on hazardous
faults, seismic microzonation studies in urban
and other developed areas where earthquake risk
is determined to be significant, and
engineering seismology studies;
(B) work with officials of State [and local],
local, and Tribal governments to ensure that
they are knowledgeable about the specific
seismic risks in their areas;
(C) develop standard procedures, in
consultation with the Administrator of the
Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Chair
of the Federal Communications Commission, and
the Director of the National Institute of
Standards and Technology, for issuing
earthquake alerts and early warnings;
(D) coordinate with the Administrator of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
and the Administrator of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency on data sharing and resource
allocation to support a timely response to
oceanic earthquakes and tsunamis;
(E) in consultation with the Chair of the
Federal Communications Commission, ensure that
earthquake alerts and early warnings are
broadcast as rapidly and reliably as possible,
in the predominant languages in the affected
region, to ensure maximum warning time for
nearby persons;
(F) expand the earthquake early warning
system within and to additional high risk
hazard areas, including making improvements as
practicable to improve detection and increase
the time between warning messages and
perceptible ground motion;
(G) coordinating with affected State and
Tribal governments on earthquake early warning
system improvements;
(H) issue earthquake forecasts, when
appropriate, for aftershocks associated with
significant earthquakes in the United States;
[(D)] (I) issue when
necessary and feasible, and
notify the Administrator of the
Federal Emergency Management
Agency, the Chair of the
Federal Communications
Commission, the Director of the
National Institute of Standards
and Technology, and State and
local officials, an alert and
an earthquake warning;
[(E)] (J) operate, including the National
Earthquake Information Center, a forum for the
international exchange of earthquake
information which shall--
(i) promote the exchange of
information on earthquake research and
earthquake preparedness between the
United States and other nations;
(ii) maintain a library containing
selected reports, research papers, and
data produced through the Program;
(iii) answer requests from other
nations for information on United
States earthquake research and
earthquake preparedness programs; and
(iv) direct foreign requests to the
agency involved in the Program which is
best able to respond to the request;
[(F)] (K) operate a National Seismic System;
[(G)] (L) support regional seismic networks,
which shall complement the National Seismic
Network[; and];
[(H)] (M) 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[.];
[(I)] (N) work with other Program agencies to
coordinate Program activities with similar
earthquake hazards reduction efforts in other
countries, to ensure that the Program benefits
from relevant information and advances in those
countries;
[(J)] (O) maintain suitable seismic hazard
maps and data in support of building codes for
structures and lifeline infrastructure,
including maps of natural hazards associated
with earthquakes and additional maps needed for
performance-based design approaches; and
[(K)] (P) support the Director of the
National Institute of Standards and Technology
in the completion of programmatic goals.
(4) National science foundation.--
(A) In general.--The National Science
Foundation shall be responsible for funding
research on earth sciences to improve the
understanding of the causes and behavior of
earthquakes, on earthquake engineering, and on
human response to earthquakes. In carrying out
this paragraph, the Director of the National
Science Foundation shall--
(i) encourage prompt dissemination of
significant findings, sharing of data,
samples, physical collections, and
other supporting materials, and
development of intellectual property so
research results can be used by
appropriate organizations to mitigate
earthquake damage;
(ii) in addition to supporting
individual investigators, support
university research consortia, State
agencies, State geological surveys, and
centers for research in geosciences and
in earthquake engineering;
(iii) work closely with the United
States Geological Survey to support
applied science in the production of a
systematic series of earthquake-related
geologic hazard maps, and to identify
geographic regions of national concern
that should be the focus of targeted
solicitations for earthquake-related
research proposals;
(iv) support research that improves
the safety and performance of
buildings, structures, and lifeline
systems using experimental and
computational facilities;
(v) emphasize, in earthquake
engineering research, development of
economically feasible methods to
retrofit existing buildings and to
protect lifeline infrastructure to
mitigate earthquake damage;
(vi) support research that studies
the political, economic, and social
factors that influence the
implementation of hazard reduction
measures;
(vii) include to the maximum extent
practicable diverse institutions,
including Historically Black Colleges
and Universities and those serving
large proportions of Hispanics, Native
Americans, Asian-Pacific Americans, and
other underrepresented populations;
(viii) 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;
and
(ix) support the Director of the
National Institute of Standards and
Technology in the completion of
programmatic goals.
(B) Identification of funding.--The National
Science Foundation shall--
(i) to the extent practicable, note
in any notice of Program funding or
other funding possibilities under the
Program that the funds are part of the
Program;
(ii) to the extent practicable, track
the awarding of Federal funds through
the Program; and
(iii) not less frequently than once
every 2 years, submit to the director
of the Program a report specifying the
amount of Federal funds awarded to
conduct research that enhances the
understanding of earthquake science.
(5) National institute of standards and technology.--
In addition to the lead agency responsibilities
described under paragraph (1), the National Institute
of Standards and Technology shall be responsible for
carrying out research and development to improve
community resilience through building codes and
standards and practices for structures and lifeline
infrastructure. In carrying out this paragraph, the
Director of the National Institute of Standards and
Technology shall--
(A) work closely with national standards and
model building code organizations, in
conjunction with the Agency, to promote the
implementation of research results;
(B) promote better building practices among
architects and engineers;
(C) work closely with national standards
organizations to develop seismic safety
standards and practices for new and existing
lifeline infrastructure;
(D) support the development and commercial
application of cost effective and affordable
performance-based seismic engineering by providing
technical support for seismic engineering practices and
related building code, standards, and practices
development; and
(E) 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.
(c) Budget Coordination.--
(1) Guidance.--The Interagency Coordinating Committee
shall each year provide guidance to the other Program
agencies concerning the preparation of requests for
appropriations for activities related to the Program,
and shall prepare, in conjunction with the other
Program agencies, an annual Program budget to be
submitted to the Office of Management and Budget.
(2) Reports.--Each Program agency shall include with
its annual request for appropriations submitted to the
Office of Management and Budget a report that--
(A) identifies each element of the proposed
Program activities of the agency;
(B) specifies how each of these activities
contributes to the Program; and
(C) states the portion of its request for
appropriations allocated to each element of the
Program.
* * * * * * *
SEC. 12. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a)(1) General.--There are authorized to be appropriated to
the President to carry out the provisions of section 5 and 6 of
this Act (in addition to any authorizations for similar
purposes included in other Acts and the authorizations set
forth in subsections (b) and (c) of this section), not to
exceed $1,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30,
1978, not to exceed $2,000,000 for the fiscal year ending
September 30, 1979, and not to exceed $2,000,000 for the fiscal
year ending September 30, 1980.
(2) There are authorized to be appropriated to the Director
to carry out the provisions of sections 5 and 6 of this Act for
the fiscal year ending September 30, 1981--
(A) $1,000,000 for continuation of the Interagency
Committee on Seismic Safety in Construction and the
Building Seismic Safety Council programs,
(B) $1,500,000 for plans and preparedness for
earthquake disasters,
(C) $500,000 for prediction response planning,
(D) $600,000 for architectural and engineering
planning and practice programs,
(E) $1,000,000 for development and application of a
public education program,
(F) $3,000,000 for use by the National Science
Foundation in addition to the amount authorized to be
appropriated under subsection (c), which amount
includes $2,400,000 for earthquake policy research and
$600,000 for the strong ground motion element of the
siting program, and
(G) $1,000,000 for use by the Center for Building
Technology, National Bureau of Standards in addition to
the amount authorized to be appropriated under
subsection (d) for earthquake activities in the Center.
(3) There are authorized to be appropriated to the Director
for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1982, $2,000,000 to
carry out the provisions of section 5 and 6 of this Act.
(4) There are authorized to be appropriated to the Director,
to carry out the provisions of section 5 and 6 of this Act,
$1,281,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1983.
(5) There are authorized to be appropriated to the Director,
to carry out the provisions of section 5 and 6 of this Act, for
the fiscal year ending September 30, 1984, $3,705,000 and for
the fiscal year ending September 30, 1985, $6,096,000.
(6) There are authorized to be appropriated to the Director,
to carry out the provisions of section 5 and 6 of this Act, for
the fiscal year ending September 30, 1986, $5,596,000, and for
the fiscal year ending September 30, 1987, $5,848,000.
(7) There are authorized to be appropriated to the Director
of the Agency, to carry out this Act, $5,778,000 for the fiscal
year ending September 30, 1988, $5,788,000 for the fiscal year
ending September 30, 1989, $8,798,000 for the fiscal year
ending September 30, 1990, $14,750,000 for the fiscal year
ending September 30, 1991, $19,000,000 for the fiscal year
ending September 30, 1992, $22,000,000 for the fiscal year
ending September 30, 1993, $25,000,000 for the fiscal year
ending September 30, 1995, $25,750,000 for the fiscal year
ending September 30, 1996, $20,900,000 for the fiscal year
ending September 30, 1998, $21,500,000 for the fiscal year
ending September 30, 1999; $19,861,000 for the fiscal year
ending September 30, 2001, of which $450,000 is for National
Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program-eligible efforts of an
established multi-state consortium to reduce the unacceptable
threat of earthquake damages in the New Madrid seismic region
through efforts to enhance preparedness, response, recovery,
and mitigation; $20,705,000 for the fiscal year ending
September 30, 2002; and $21,585,000 for the fiscal year ending
September 30, 2003.
(8) There are authorized to be appropriated to the
Federal Emergency Management Agency for carrying out
this title--
(A) $21,000,000 for fiscal year 2005,
(B) $21,630,000 for fiscal year 2006,
(C) $22,280,000 for fiscal year 2007,
(D) $22,950,000 for fiscal year 2008,
(E) $23,640,000 for fiscal year 2009,
(F) $8,758,000 for fiscal year 2019,
(G) $8,758,000 for fiscal year 2020,
(H) $8,758,000 for fiscal year 2021,
(I) $8,758,000 for fiscal year 2022, and
(J) $8,758,000 for fiscal year 2023,
of which not less than 10 percent of available program
funds actually appropriated shall be made available
each such fiscal year for supporting the development of
performance-based, cost-effective, and affordable
design guidelines and methodologies in codes for
buildings, structures, and lifeline infrastructure.
(b) Geological Survey.--(1) There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary of the Interior for purposes for
carrying out, through the Director of the United States
Geological Survey, the responsibilities that may be assigned to
the Director under this Act not to exceed $27,500,000 for the
fiscal year ending September 30, 1978; not to exceed
$35,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1979; not
to exceed $40,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30,
1980; $32,484,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30,
1981; $34,425,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30,
1982; $31,843,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30,
1983; $35,524,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30,
1984; $37,300,200 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1985
$35,578,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1986;
$37,179,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1987;
$38,540,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1988;
$41,819,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1989;
$55,283,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1990, of
which $8,000,000 shall be for earthquake investigations under
section 11; $50,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September
30, 1991; $54,500,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30,
1992; $62,500,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30,
1993; $49,200,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30,
1995; $50,676,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30,
1996; $52,565,000 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 $54,052,000 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.
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of the
Interior for purposes of carrying out, through the Director of
the United States Geological Survey, the responsibilities that
may be assigned to the Director under this Act $48,360,000 for
fiscal year 2001, of which $3,500,000 is for the Global Seismic
Network and $100,000 is for the Scientific Earthquake Studies
Advisory Committee established under section 210 of the
Earthquake Hazards Reduction Authorization Act of 2000;
$50,415,000 for fiscal year 2002, of which $3,600,000 is for
the Global Seismic Network and $100,000 is for the Scientific
Earthquake Studies Advisory Committee; and $52,558,000 for
fiscal year 2003, of which $3,700,000 is for the Global Seismic
Network and $100,000 is for the Scientific Earthquake Studies
Advisory Committee. Of the amounts authorized to be
appropriated under this paragraph, at least--
(A) $8,000,000 of the amount authorized to be
appropriated for the fiscal year ending September 30,
1998;
(B) $8,250,000 of the amount authorized for the
fiscal year ending September 30, 1999;
(C) $9,000,000 of the amount authorized to be
appropriated for fiscal year 2001;
(D) $9,250,000 of the amount authorized to be
appropriated for fiscal year 2002; and
(E) $9,500,000 of the amount authorized to be
appropriated for fiscal year 2003,
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.
(2) There are authorized to be appropriated to the United
States Geological Survey for carrying out this title--
(A) $77,000,000 for fiscal year 2005, of which not
less than $30,000,000 shall be made available for
completion of the Advanced National Seismic System
established under section 13;
(B) $84,410,000 for fiscal year 2006, of which not
less than $36,000,000 shall be made available for
completion of the Advanced National Seismic System
established under section 13;
(C) $85,860,000 for fiscal year 2007, of which not
less than $36,000,000 shall be made available for
completion of the Advanced National Seismic System
established under section 13;
(D) $87,360,000 for fiscal year 2008, of which not
less than $36,000,000 shall be made available for
completion of the Advanced National Seismic System
established under section 13;
(E) $88,900,000 for fiscal year 2009, of which not
less than $36,000,000 shall be made available for
completion of the Advanced National Seismic System
established under section 13;
(F) $83,403,000 for fiscal year 2019, of which not
less than $30,000,000 shall be made available for
completion of the Advanced National Seismic System
established under section 7707 of this title;
(G) $83,403,000 for fiscal year 2020, of which not
less than $30,000,000 shall be made available for
completion of the Advanced National Seismic System
established under section 7707 of this title;
(H) $83,403,000 for fiscal year 2021, of which not
less than $30,000,000 shall be made available for
completion of the Advanced National Seismic System
established under section 7707 of this title;
(I) $83,403,000 for fiscal year 2022, of which not
less than $30,000,000 shall be made available for
completion of the Advanced National Seismic System
established under section 7707 of this title; [and]
(J) $83,403,000 for fiscal year 2023, of which not
less than $30,000,000 shall be made available for
completion of the Advanced National Seismic System
established under section 7707 of this title[.];
(K) $83,403,000 for fiscal year 2026, of which not
less than $30,000,000 shall be made available for
completion of the Advanced National Seismic System
established under section 13;
(L) $83,403,000 for fiscal year 2027, of which not
less than $30,000,000 shall be made available for
completion of the Advanced National Seismic System
established under section 13;
(M) $83,403,000 for fiscal year 2028, of which not
less than $30,000,000 shall be made available for
completion of the Advanced National Seismic System
established under section 13;
(N) $83,403,000 for fiscal year 2029, of which not
less than $30,000,000 shall be made available for
completion of the Advanced National Seismic System
established under section 13; and
(O) $83,403,000 for fiscal year 2030, of which not
less than $30,000,000 shall be made available for
completion of the Advanced National Seismic System
established under section 13.
(c) National Science Foundation.--(1) To enable the
Foundation to carry out responsibilities that may be assigned
to it under this Act, there are authorized to be appropriated
to the Foundation not to exceed $27,500,000 for the fiscal year
ending September 30, 1978; not to exceed $35,000,000 for the
fiscal year ending September 30, 1979; not to exceed
$40,000,000 for the first year ending September 30, 1980;
$26,600,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1981;
$27,150,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30 1982;
$25,000,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1983;
$25,800,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1984;
$28,665,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1985
$27,760,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1986;
$29,009,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1987;
$28,235,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1988;
$31,634,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1989;
$38,454,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1990. Of
the amounts authorized for Engineering under section
101(d)(1)(B) of the National Science Foundation Authorization
Act of 1988, $24,000,000 is authorized for carrying out this
Act for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1991, and of the
amounts authorized for Geosciences under section 101(d)(1)(D)
of the National Science Foundation Authorization Act of 1988,
$13,000,000 is authorized for carrying out this Act for the
fiscal year ending September 30, 1991. Of the amounts
authorized for Research and Related Activities under section
101(e)(1) of the National Science Foundation Authorization Act
of 1988, $29,000,000 is authorized for engineering research
under this Act, and $14,750,000 is authorized for geosciences
research under this Act, for the fiscal year ending September
30, 1992. Of the amounts authorized for Research and Related
Activities under section 101(f)(1) of the National Science
Foundation Authorization Act of 1988, $34,500,000 is authorized
for engineering research under this Act, and $17,500,000 is
authorized for geosciences research under this Act, for the
fiscal year ending September 30, 1993. There are authorized to
be appropriated, out of funds otherwise authorized to be
appropriated to the National Science Foundation: (1)
$16,200,000 for engineering research and $10,900,000 for
geosciences research for the fiscal year ending September 30,
1995, (2) $16,686,000 for engineering research and $11,227,000
for geosciences research for the fiscal year ending September
30, 1996, (3) $18,450,000 for engineering research and
$11,920,000 for geosciences research for the fiscal year ending
September 30, 1998, (4) $19,000,000 for engineering research
and $12,280,000 for geosciences research for the fiscal year
ending September 30, 1999. There are authorized to be
appropriated to the National Science Foundation $19,000,000 for
engineering research and $11,900,000 for geosciences research
for fiscal year 2001; $19,808,000 for engineering research and
$12,406,000 for geosciences research for fiscal year 2002; and
$20,650,000 for engineering research and $12,933,000 for
geosciences research for fiscal year 2003.
(2) There are authorized to be appropriated to the National
Science Foundation for carrying out this title--
(A) $38,000,000 for fiscal year 2005;
(B) $39,140,000 for fiscal year 2006;
(C) $40,310,000 for fiscal year 2007;
(D) $41,520,000 for fiscal year 2008;
(E) $42,770,000 for fiscal year 2009;
(F) $54,000,000 for fiscal year 2019,
(G) $54,000,000 for fiscal year 2020,
(H) $54,000,000 for fiscal year 2021,
(I) $54,000,000 for fiscal year 2022, and
(J) $54,000,000 for fiscal year 2023.
(d) NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY.--(1) To
enable the National Institute of Standards and Technology to
carry out responsibilities that may be assigned to it under
this Act, there are authorized to be appropriated $425,000 for
the fiscal year ending September 30, 1981; $425,000 for the
fiscal year ending September 30, 1982; $475,000 for the fiscal
year ending September 30, 1983; $475,000 for the fiscal year
ending September 30, 1984; $498,750 for the fiscal year ending
September 30, 1985 $499,000 for the fiscal year ending
September 30, 1986; $521,000 for the fiscal year ending
September 30, 1987; $525,000 for the fiscal year ending
September 30, 1988; $525,000 for the fiscal year ending
September 30, 1989; $2,525,000 for the fiscal year ending
September 30, 1990; $1,000,000 for the fiscal year ending
September 30, 1991; $3,000,000 for the fiscal year ending
September 30, 1992; and $4,750,000 for the fiscal year ending
September 30, 1993. There are authorized to be appropriated,
out of funds otherwise authorized to be appropriated to the
National Institute of Standards and Technology, $1,900,000 for
the fiscal year ending September 30, 1995, $1,957,000 for the
fiscal year ending September 30, 1996, $2,000,000 for the
fiscal year ending September 30, 1998, $2,060,000 for the
fiscal year ending September 30, 1999, $2,332,000 for fiscal
year 2001, $2,431,000 for fiscal year 2002, and $2,534,300 for
fiscal year 2003.
(2) There are authorized to be appropriated to the National
Institute of Standards and Technology for carrying out this
title--
(A) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2005,
(B) $11,000,000 for fiscal year 2006,
(C) $12,100,000 for fiscal year 2007,
(D) $13,310,000 for fiscal year 2008,
(E) $14,640,000 for fiscal year 2009,
(F) $5,900,000 for fiscal year 2019,
(G) $5,900,000 for fiscal year 2020,
(H) $5,900,000 for fiscal year 2021,
(I) $5,900,000 for fiscal year 2022, and
(J) $5,900,000 for fiscal year 2023.
of which $2,000,000 shall be made available each such fiscal
year for supporting the development of performance-based, cost-
effective, and affordable codes for buildings, structures, and
lifeline infrastructure.
* * * * * * *
ADDITIONAL VIEWS
H.R. 3168 would reauthorize the National Earthquake Hazards
Reduction Program (NEHRP) through FY 2030 and includes multiple
improvements. Established in 1977, NEHRP's role includes
reducing earthquake hazards, improving understanding of
earthquakes and their effects, and developing the Advanced
Seismic System, a nationwide network of seismic stations
operated by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). NEHRP also
includes programs within the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA), the National Institute of Standards and
Technology (NIST), and the National Science Foundation (NSF);
however, H.R. 3168 does not include the parts of the program
beyond the USGS. Senate companion legislation with broader
reauthorization is led by Sen. Padilla (D-CA) and Sen.
Murkowski (R-AK).
I support H.R. 3168 and urge passage of a comprehensive
program reauthorization.
Jared Huffman,
Ranking Member.
[all]