SRI Urges California Governor to Sign Earthquake Resiliency Bill AB 2681 into Law
A bill calling for a statewide inventory of seismically vulnerable buildings is awaiting Governor
"This bill will begin an important conversation about how to save lives and protect the overall well-being of our state," said
AB 2681 directs cities and counties in areas of high seismic activity to identify buildings vulnerable to serious damage or collapse in a major earthquake. The information will be provided to the
The bill passed the
"In recent times, we really haven't taken too many proactive steps to ensure that we are prepared for a major catastrophic earthquake event," said Assemblyman
With seismologists insisting that a major quake is overdue, city leaders see the bill as necessary to inform communities so they can manage risk and prepare for threats to public safety.
"Californians have a right to be informed about the safety and post-earthquake usability of the buildings in which they live and work based on the best information available,"
City representatives agreed: "The number one responsibility of government is to protect its citizens and guard against threats that may harm them," said
"Those concerned with enhancing the safety of Californians understand this legislation will provide important information enabling cities to better mitigate threats before earthquakes occur," he said. "Preventing the loss of lives and property is the essence of responsible leadership."
Total cost of the program is estimated at
- Social well-being: Knowing a structure is at-risk of failure in an earthquake is the first step to protecting vulnerable buildings that make up much of the state's more affordable housing stock, and of avoiding widespread homelessness that may result from a major quake.
- Economic stability: Studies indicate that an earthquake disaster in
California would trigger up to$289 billion in economic loss. Reconstruction costs alone are estimated at up to$113 billion . - Environmental health: Many seismically vulnerable buildings contain asbestos and lead, which, when released into the air and groundwater from crumbled rubble will burden landfills and pose a public health problem of potentially overwhelming impacts.
"Earthquakes, in a matter of seconds, can shatter entire communities, leaving large numbers of people homeless and displaced," said
About SRI: The Seismic Resilience Initiative is a working group led by the
About USRC:
CONTACT:
650-804-5737 or [email protected]
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SOURCE SRI: Seismic Resilience Initiative
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