Washington Sen. Cantwell introduces bill to re-authorize landslide preparedness

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – As Washington State approaches the 10-year anniversary of its devastating Oso landslide, Sen. Maria Cantwell has introduced a bill that would re-authoritze legislation passed in 2021.

Sen. Cantwell introduced the National Landslide Preparedness Act that was signed into law in January 2021. Now, three years later, she says renewing it will allow continued improvements for natural disaster emergency preparedness.

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“Since we passed this bill, federal agencies have improved mapping technologies and gained a better understanding of the landslide risks facing our communities,” Sen. Cantwell said. “Now, nearly a decade since the devastating Oso landslide, and as more wildfires and atmospheric river events make landslides more likely, we must reauthorize and update these federal programs to help keep communities safe.”

The re-authorization will help expand early warning systems for landslides prompted by wildfires and stormwater drainage. It will also create a new federal program designed to find hazards in communities and even direct other resources toward map development and landslide research.

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The Oso landslide killed 43 people. According to the United States Geological Survey, landslides kill 25 to 50 people in the U.S. each year. The emergencies also damage communities. In fact, the National Research Council has estimated that landslides cause between $1.6 billion and $3.2 billion in damage yearly.

The legislation comes as a recent study found Oregon and Washington among the top states most at risk for landslides. For instance, the largest landslide in Earth’s recorded history took place in Washington state, when Mt. St. Helens erupted in 1980.

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Although this has historically been the case due to local geology, officials say risk in the Pacific Northwest is rising alongside climate change.

Those who live in slide-prone zones, like hills or slopes, or areas previously impacted by wildfires are especially at risk. Experts say people should protect their homes from ponding water to prevent a little runoff from becoming a major slide.

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