On Thursday, Rep. George Whitesides led a bipartisan effort to push federal appropriators to fully fund the construction, operation, and maintenance of the nation’s only public Earthquake Early Warning System (EEW), also called “ShakeAlert.”

ShakeAlert serves over 50 million residents and visitors in California, Oregon, and Washington, providing advanced notice of impending earthquakes so residents in affected areas can take steps to save lives and critical infrastructure.

“Every Californian understands the threat that even the smallest earthquakes can pose to communities and infrastructure, which is why I’m pushing my colleagues to fully fund the ShakeAlert system for the West Coast.

The cutting-edge science developed in California helps detect when an earthquake is coming before the damage begins, notifying millions of people every single year and helping them protect themselves and their property.

With natural disasters on the rise, it is critical that the federal government fully fund these kinds of programs that keep people safe,” said Rep. Whitesides

Managed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), ShakeAlert detects significant earthquakes quickly, so alerts can be delivered to people before strong shaking arrives, urging them to take an immediate protective action.

Alerts can also trigger automated actions that slow trains, close water system valves, issue public announcements, and open firehouse doors.

Between October 17, 2019 and September 1, 2023, ShakeAlert detected 94 earthquakes with estimated magnitudes of 4.5 or greater, triggering public messaging and allowing affected residents to take steps to adequately prepare themselves. ]

With concern regarding increased seismic activity near the San Andreas Fault, there is public demand for the EEW to be fully funded and operational. FEMA estimates that earthquake recovery and losses cost $5 billion.

The investment in ShakeAlert saves money for both the federal government and local areas impacted by earthquakes while keeping more people safe.

Rep. Whitesides was joined by Reps. Delbene and Bonamici in leading this letter. The letter was also signed by Representatives Brad Sherman, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Janelle S. Bynum, Lateefah Simon, Steve Cohen, Salud Carbajal, Judy Chu, Jimmy Gomez, Rick Larsen, Doris Matsui, Jimmy Panetta, Marilyn Strickland, Van Hoyle, Mark DeSaulnier, Mike Thompson, Jonathan. L Jackson, Kevin Mullin, Sean Casten, Eric Swalwell, Adam Smith, Kim Schrier, Maxine Dexter, Juan Vargas, Jared Moskowitz, Jared Huffman, Seth Magaziner, Sam T. Liccardo, and Sydney Kamlager Dove.

Read the full letter here.

KHTS FM 98.1 and AM 1220 is Santa Clarita’s only local radio station. KHTS mixes in a combination of news, traffic, sports, and features along with your favorite adult contemporary hits. Santa Clarita news and features are delivered throughout the day over our airwaves, on our website and through a variety of social media platforms. Our KHTS national award-winning daily news briefs are now read daily by 34,000+ residents. A vibrant member of the Santa Clarita community, the KHTS broadcast signal reaches all of the Santa Clarita Valley and parts of the high desert communities located in the Antelope Valley. The station streams its talk shows over the web, reaching a potentially worldwide audience. Follow @KHTSRadio on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.