Press Releases

OSO – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and U.S. Department of Interior Secretary Sally Jewell today spoke with local scientists and stakeholders about the need for more federal resources for education and preparedness in the wake of natural disasters, such as the SR 530 landslide.

“We’re fortunate to have someone in the administration like Secretary Jewell, who knows the Pacific Northwest and its unique natural landscape so well. It was an honor to take her to a place that will always be near and dear to my heart – the community of Oso,” DelBene said. “In a matter of seconds, lives changed on March 22, 2014. A lot of lessons were learned after that tragic landslide including that lawmakers need to do more to ensure we fund resources and research efforts to prevent future natural disasters from becoming national tragedies, which is why I’m working on legislation to do just that.”

After the site visit, DelBene and Jewell recognized Great ShakeOut Day by practicing in an earthquake drill with a Darrington science class at the Oso Firehouse. They also attended a roundtable with U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to discuss the unique threats in the Pacific Northwest, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and landslides.

“As climate change makes storms more severe, sound science provided by the U.S. Geological Survey becomes even more critical to help communities better predict and respond to natural disasters,” said Secretary Jewell. “Scientists are helping citizens in the Pacific Northwest and nationwide cope with the impacts of sea level rise, severe wildfires, drought and other natural hazards – all exacerbated by climate change.”

DelBene plans to introduce legislation to increase funding for landslide research and mapping efforts conducted by USGS to help prevent and mitigate tragedies from future disasters.

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