S. 1626: National Landslide Preparedness Act Reauthorization Act of 2025

The National Landslide Preparedness Act Reauthorization Act of 2025 aims to update and extend existing legislation focused on managing and mitigating landslide hazards. It emphasizes improving preparedness and resilience to landslide events, which can be exacerbated by weather-related phenomena such as atmospheric river flooding and extreme precipitation events. Here are the main components of the bill:

Definitions and Addition of Terms

The bill clarifies certain definitions in relevant legislation, such as:

• Atmospheric River: A corridor of strong water vapor that can cause significant precipitation.
• Atmospheric River Flooding Event: Flooding caused by atmospheric rivers that threatens human safety and property.
• Extreme Precipitation Event: Rainfall that exceeds historical levels for a given location.

Reauthorization of the National Landslide Preparedness Act

The act reauthorizes the National Landslide Preparedness Act, updating definitions and expanding the focus to include:

• Risks posed by atmospheric river flooding events and extreme precipitation to landslide hazards.
• Involvement of Native Hawaiian organizations and tribal organizations in landslide preparedness discussions and efforts.

National Landslide Hazards Reduction Program

The bill establishes a national program aimed at:

• Enhancing landslide preparedness and research.
• Creating a national strategy to assess and manage risks associated with landslides exacerbated by weather events.
• Identifying regions at risk of landslides due to various geologic and hydrologic conditions.

Emergency Response to Landslides

The act proposes improved emergency management strategies, including:

• Development of early warning systems for landslide events.
• Real-time risk management protocols to respond better to landslide threats.
• Collaboration with local governments, tribal organizations, and educational institutions to enhance response efforts.

Funding and Grants

The bill increases the funding authorized for landslide preparedness activities. It allows for:

• $35 million allocated to the United States Geological Survey for landslide-related research.
• A specific allocation of $10 million designated for landslide early warning systems in high-risk areas.
• Regional partnerships focused on landslide research and monitoring, particularly in Alaska and other areas at risk.

3D Elevation Program

The bill also advances a 3D elevation program, aimed at improving the data quality for landslide and hazard assessments by enhancing mapping and monitoring capabilities.

Interagency Coordination

Establishment of a Coordinating Committee on Landslide Hazards is mandated, ensuring collaboration between various federal agencies, including NASA, to enhance landslide monitoring and emergency response capabilities.

Relevant Companies

• GE: General Electric may be involved in technologies for monitoring and assessing environmental hazards.
• FLR: Fluor Corporation, which provides engineering and construction services, could be impacted through contracts related to infrastructure resilience against landslides.
• MAS: MasTec may benefit from increased demand for construction and maintenance services as communities focus on mitigating landslide risks.