The House passed legislation introduced by Peter DeFazio (D-OR) to help fund an earthquake early warning system that could save lives, reduce injuries, and mitigate infrastructure damage from a major quake off the Oregon Coast.

The Pacific Northwest Earthquake Preparedness Act of 2019 would require FEMA to develop a plan and identify the necessary funding for purchase and installation of an earthquake early warning system for the Cascadia Subduction Zone. DeFazio said an early warning system can send alerts to trigger automatic shutdowns of trains, manufacturing lines, close bridges, and protect students in unsafe schools. He said it can help reduce the long-term economic losses that are often excluded from damage estimates. A warning can have significant impact by alerting citizens of the need to take appropriate action when an earthquake occurs.