Washington, D.C. – Rep. Mark Amodei announced the inclusion of $34.85 million in
appropriations for the continued development and expansion of the ShakeAlert West Coast earthquake early warning system, with language specifically directing the United States Geological Survey to initiate the expansion of the program into Nevada.
This funding was secured in H.R. 6938, the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water
Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026, which was signed
into law by the President on January 23, 2026.
“While neighboring states already have the tools and technology to warn residents of
potential earthquakes, Nevada has lagged behind,” said Rep. Mark Amodei. “This funding will equip our state’s experts with the resources they need to implement a proven system
that keeps Nevadans safe and communities prepared for seismic activity. I appreciate the
University of Nevada for its leadership and advocacy on this issue, and it was an honor to
work alongside them to secure the funding that will bring ShakeAlert to Nevada.”
“We thank Representative Amodei for his leadership in advocating for this funding to
advance research and create much needed infrastructure for earthquake emergency
response in Nevada,” said Brian Sandoval, President, University of Nevada.
"The possibility of ShakeAlert expanding to serve Nevada is really exciting,” said Christie
Rowe, Director of Nevada Seismological Laboratory. “We will help the USGS develop a
plan that fits Nevada's people, industries, and infrastructure to offer the best warning
system possible. We are so grateful for the support from Nevada's congressional
delegation that resulted in this critical step toward earthquake early warning for Nevada."
"The ShakeAlert system was designed in such a way that it could be expanded to other U.S.
regions with high earthquake risk,” said Robert de Groot, Coordinator for
Communication, Education, Outreach, and Technical Engagement for the ShakeAlert
Program. “Possibilities could include the populated areas across high-risk regions of
Nevada, Alaska, Utah, the New Madrid Seismic Zone, the Puerto Rico region, and
elsewhere. Development of a technical implementation plan would be the first step in a
multi-step process for ShakeAlert rollout to parts of Nevada."
Background
ShakeAlert works by detecting the fastest seismic waves close to an earthquake as soon as it starts. Computer algorithms compare the signals from several seismic stations and
confirm that a large earthquake has occurred and trigger an alert. For areas farther away
from the source of the earthquake, the alert arrives via cell phones and WEA Alerts before
damaging seismic waves reach that location.
The precious seconds of warning allow people to Drop, Cover and Hold to protect
themselves, and allow trains, water supply systems, emergency services, manufacturing,
schools, and health care facilities to put emergency measures in place or stop delicate
procedures just before shaking begins.
appropriations for the continued development and expansion of the ShakeAlert West Coast earthquake early warning system, with language specifically directing the United States Geological Survey to initiate the expansion of the program into Nevada.
This funding was secured in H.R. 6938, the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water
Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026, which was signed
into law by the President on January 23, 2026.
“While neighboring states already have the tools and technology to warn residents of
potential earthquakes, Nevada has lagged behind,” said Rep. Mark Amodei. “This funding will equip our state’s experts with the resources they need to implement a proven system
that keeps Nevadans safe and communities prepared for seismic activity. I appreciate the
University of Nevada for its leadership and advocacy on this issue, and it was an honor to
work alongside them to secure the funding that will bring ShakeAlert to Nevada.”
“We thank Representative Amodei for his leadership in advocating for this funding to
advance research and create much needed infrastructure for earthquake emergency
response in Nevada,” said Brian Sandoval, President, University of Nevada.
"The possibility of ShakeAlert expanding to serve Nevada is really exciting,” said Christie
Rowe, Director of Nevada Seismological Laboratory. “We will help the USGS develop a
plan that fits Nevada's people, industries, and infrastructure to offer the best warning
system possible. We are so grateful for the support from Nevada's congressional
delegation that resulted in this critical step toward earthquake early warning for Nevada."
"The ShakeAlert system was designed in such a way that it could be expanded to other U.S.
regions with high earthquake risk,” said Robert de Groot, Coordinator for
Communication, Education, Outreach, and Technical Engagement for the ShakeAlert
Program. “Possibilities could include the populated areas across high-risk regions of
Nevada, Alaska, Utah, the New Madrid Seismic Zone, the Puerto Rico region, and
elsewhere. Development of a technical implementation plan would be the first step in a
multi-step process for ShakeAlert rollout to parts of Nevada."
Background
ShakeAlert works by detecting the fastest seismic waves close to an earthquake as soon as it starts. Computer algorithms compare the signals from several seismic stations and
confirm that a large earthquake has occurred and trigger an alert. For areas farther away
from the source of the earthquake, the alert arrives via cell phones and WEA Alerts before
damaging seismic waves reach that location.
The precious seconds of warning allow people to Drop, Cover and Hold to protect
themselves, and allow trains, water supply systems, emergency services, manufacturing,
schools, and health care facilities to put emergency measures in place or stop delicate
procedures just before shaking begins.
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