Political Quotes

“I rise today to reaffirm my support for the 1998-1999 Reauthorization of the Earthquake Hazard Reduction Act of 1977. I think we can all agree that the goal of the National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program is a prime example of the proper role for government. In this bill we are calling for continued effort in the areas of public education, fundamental earth science research, development of better materials and building practices, and other activities that reduce the risk to life and property. This bill contains a provision that builds upon the national seismic network, improving its capability and forming the basis for a real-time seismic hazard warning system. A real-time warning system has the potential to save lives by alerting people outside the immediate area of an impending seismic shock. Advance warning can be critical in preventing injury by giving communities time to curtail high risk activities such as high-speed rail transportation, as well as shutoff of selected gas, electrical and water feeders to the effected area. This is pivotal in limiting the collateral damage caused after an earthquake by fire. As we have all seen by the devastation in Northridge, CA, the consequences of an earthquake are simply too important for a region to be lulled into a false sense of safety.”