Bill targets enhanced natural disaster protections

Reps. Katie Porter (D-CA) and Garret Graves (R-LA) introduced last week a measure designed to standardize natural disaster research as a means of enhancing protection efforts.

The Disaster Learning and Life Saving Act would create an independent board to review the underlying causes of natural disasters and make recommendations to all government levels regarding safety initiatives.

“As California experiences yet another devastating wildfire season, it’s clear that we must do more to guard against natural disasters,” Porter said. “Orange County families have seen an uptick in the number and severity of natural disasters, so we know how important it is to have comprehensive research to make science-based policy.”

Porter said she is proud to partner to simplify how research is conducted and presented.

Graves said the National Transportation Safety Board has saved countless lives by examining the causes of transportation accidents and identifying life-saving safety improvements to airplanes, trains, pipelines, and vessels.

“There is no question that we continue to repeat the same two mistakes when it comes to natural disasters — preparation and response,” he said. “As a result, thousands of American lives and hundreds of billions of dollars have needlessly been lost. The National Disaster Safety Board will examine the causes of disasters and help to build upon some of our recent solutions to improve America’s preparedness and resilience. Based upon our recent disasters in Louisiana, I can give you one solution already — export the Cajun Navy to the other 49 states.”

Officials said companion legislation was introduced by Sens. Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA).