Obama establishes federal earthquake risk management standard

President Barack Obama recently issued an executive order that establishes a federal earthquake risk management standard.

The new standard requires federal agencies to use earthquake-resistant designs in the most current building codes when constructing new structures or renovating existing buildings. Goals of the order include improving the strength and durability of buildings, reducing risks to people, reducing recovery costs after earthquakes, and speeding up the recovery time for communities.

The White House’s statement on this action encourages federal agencies to go beyond codes to design better earthquake resiliency into buildings. This action supports the Administration’s efforts to create more resilient communities to withstand a variety of natural disasters.