Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark Amodei (NV-02)
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 their 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.