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California Senate Committee Approves Earthquake Early Warning Bill

SB 135 was approved by a 10-0 vote by the Senate Governmental Organization Committee.

On Tuesday, April 9, the California Senate Governmental Organization Committee approved SB 135 -- which would require the development of a comprehensive statewide earthquake early warning system in the state -- by a 10-0 vote. 

The legislation was announced on Jan. 28 by Sen. Alex Padilla, who says such a system would not only provide Californians critical seconds to take cover, assist loved ones or pull over safely to the side of the road, but it also could allow time to stop a train and power down other critical infrastructure. 

“An earthquake early warning would speed the response of critical public safety personnel by quickly identifying areas hardest hit by the quake,” he said in a press release. “California is going to have an earthquake early warning system, the question is whether we have one before or after the next big quake."

The measure now goes to the California Senate Natural Resources Committee for consideration.

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