DeFazio passes early earthquake, tsunami warning legislation for Pacific Northwest

he prospect of a major seismic disaster occurring along the Oregon Coast is undeniable.

In an attempt to face the inevitable, U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio, as one of his first official acts as Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, introduced and passed legislation in the House to create an early earthquake warning system for the coastline of the Northwestern United States.

DeFazio's bill, H.R. 876, The Pacific Northwest Earthquake Preparedness Act of 2019, also directs the president to establish an Earthquake and Tsunami Task Force that will develop a strategy to better protect and prepare for major earthquakes and tsunamis on the Cascadia Subduction Zone. H.R. 876 was cosponsored by representatives Suzanne Bonamici from Oregon District 1, and Harley Rouda from California's 48th District.