H.R. 2250: National Landslide Preparedness Act Reauthorization Act of 2025

This bill, titled the National Landslide Preparedness Act Reauthorization Act of 2025, aims to enhance the United States' efforts in managing and preparing for landslide hazards. Here are the key points of what the bill proposes:

Reauthorization and Definitions

The bill reauthorizes the National Landslide Preparedness Act, which focuses on improving national preparedness regarding landslides. This includes updates to definitions related to different types of weather events and conditions that can contribute to landslides, such as:

• Atmospheric river: This is described as a corridor of strong water vapor in the atmosphere that can produce significant rainfall or snowfall.
• Atmospheric river flooding event: A flooding scenario caused by atmospheric rivers that poses risks to life, property, or the economy.
• Extreme precipitation event: Defined as precipitation that exceeds what is typically expected in a five-year period for a specific location.

Program Establishment and Updates

The bill also outlines changes to existing programs aimed at reducing landslide hazards:

• It establishes a national strategy focused on assessing risks from atmospheric river flooding and extreme precipitation to safety and property.
• Increased focus on hazard risk assessments, which will identify areas needing attention due to hydrological changes or severe weather events.

Involvement of Various Entities

The bill emphasizes collaboration with a range of stakeholders, including:

• Local, state, and tribal governments, along with Native Hawaiian organizations, in landslide preparedness and response efforts.
• Educational institutions and other organizations with expertise in geology and landslide management to establish regional partnerships aimed at monitoring and researching landslide risks.

Funding and Resources

In terms of funding, the bill proposes:

• Increased financial support for the U.S. Geological Survey, allocating up to $35 million for landslide preparedness, with a specific earmark of $10 million for deploying landslide early warning systems in high-risk areas.
• Grants to support research, mapping, and monitoring in collaboration with local governments and tribal organizations.

Emergency Response Systems

The legislation aims to improve emergency response efforts during landslide events by:

• Enhancing debris flow early warning systems and integrating input from higher education institutions and other stakeholders.
• Coordinating emergency response and risk management for landslides, particularly those resulting from hydrological changes or extreme weather events.

Assessment and Coordination

The bill establishes an Interagency Coordinating Committee on Landslide Hazards, which will include representatives from various federal agencies, including NASA, to facilitate comprehensive monitoring and management of landslide risks across the country.

Concerns Addressed

Overall, the bill is structured to address a range of issues related to landslides, ensuring better data collection, community preparedness, and coordination among all levels of government and organizations involved in landslide management and response.

Relevant Companies

• URI (United Rentals, Inc.): As a provider of equipment rentals, URI may experience increased demand for supporting equipment and services in areas prone to landslides as governments and regions ramp up preparedness efforts.
• MTD (MTD Products Inc.): Manufacturer and marketer of outdoor power equipment which may see changes in demand for their products related to landslide prevention and recovery efforts.