H.R. 3168: National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act of 2025

The National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act of 2025 aims to update and continue the efforts established by the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977. The key objectives and provisions of this bill include the following:

1. Program Improvements

The bill proposes enhancements to the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program to involve:

• Inclusion of Tribal governments alongside local governments in earthquake hazards reduction efforts.
• Updates to program activities to include not just designing and constructing, but also evaluating and retrofitting buildings and structures against earthquake hazards.
• Development of standards and guidelines specifically focusing on earthquake hazards reduction to help improve the performance and recovery of community facilities after an earthquake.
• Focus on functional recovery and broader hazards reduction topics, expanding the scope of the program.

2. Coordination and Responsibilities

The bill emphasizes coordination among different federal and local agencies, including several notable updates:

• The Interagency Coordinating Committee is tasked with coordinating on emergency alerts related to earthquakes.
• Direct involvement of the Chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to ensure effective communication during emergencies.
• Collaboration with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and other agencies to improve data sharing and resource allocation, especially for ocean-related earthquakes and tsunamis.

3. Reporting and Advisory Functions

The bill requires biennial reports that keep track of the program's progress and updates. It also updates the Advisory Committee to include representatives from Tribal governments and emphasizes the importance of scientific input in earthquake studies.

4. Funding Appropriations

The bill puts forth specific funding allocations for the program over several fiscal years:

• Fiscal Year 2026: $83,403,000, with at least $30 million allocated for the Advanced National Seismic System.
• Fiscal Year 2027: $83,403,000, maintaining the same minimum allocation for the seismic system.
• Fiscal Years 2028-2030: Continued funding at the same levels and allocations.

5. Advanced Seismic System Development

The act aims to support the completion and enhancement of the Advanced National Seismic System, which is intended to improve the nation’s ability to detect and respond to seismic activity more quickly and effectively.

6. Emergency Preparedness Communication

Finally, there is an emphasis on ensuring that earthquake alerts and information are broadcast in a timely manner and in the primary languages of the receiving communities, optimizing the warning time for residents in affected areas.

Relevant Companies

• PLNT - Planet Fitness, which operates fitness centers, potentially impacted by reconstruction needs in earthquake-prone areas where centers may need retrofitting.
• THO - Thor Industries, a manufacturer of recreational vehicles that may see shifts in demand for earthquake-resistant housing solutions.