With all the significant changes underway in the U.S. federal government, EERI is feeling some initial impacts. Under the U.S. National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP), EERI has a FEMA grant that supports our work to:
- Disseminate critical knowledge through our webinars, Oral History series and other events that advance the field and practice of earthquake engineering and related fields.
- Provide vital learning, networking and development opportunities for early career individuals to promote their study in earthquake risk reduction and to help them become the experts of the future.
- Prepare for future earthquake response and clearinghouse deployment to ensure that reconnaissance is coordinated to glean valuable lessons and identify future needs for research and practice.
EERI’s grant, along with other FEMA NEHRP grants, is currently under additional review. This pause creates uncertainty for these efforts.
In the short term, we are working to minimize impacts to our members and essential activities of the Institute by finding short-term solutions that avoid disruption of programs currently underway, like the 2025 Seismic Design Competition scheduled to start on March 31. As we look to the future, we may need to consider shrinking some of our programs if the federal funding landscape remains uncertain and diminished.
We know we are not alone, and have heard from many members who are also experiencing impacts from the changes underway. Our Public Policy and Advocacy Committee (PPA) is working to gather more information so we can make a stronger case about the importance of earthquake science and engineering practice to legislators and government leaders. Please share your own current or anticipated impacts here and join the PPA to help in these efforts.
In this time of uncertainty, public advocacy for earthquake risk reduction is more important than ever. EERI and our members have an essential voice. The PPA has drafted an advocacy letter to demonstrate the importance of work by our federal agencies, and EERI leaders and committee members are sharing it with many federal decision makers. Soon, we will be sharing more information on how you can also contact federal leaders to elevate our concerns.
I hope that you realize that your support of EERI through your membership is more important than ever. Your membership shows your confidence in our work and mission, and your membership dues also provide critical resources to help us maintain our focus on earthquake resilience during these turbulent times.
Now is a great time to show your support for EERI and pride in being a member. I encourage each of you to think of two colleagues who are essential partners in your work on earthquake risk reduction. Please take a moment to log in to your membership account and check the member directory to see if they are active members of EERI. If not, please send them an email and encourage them to join or recommit to EERI in 2025 by becoming a member.
Thank you for your continued membership. I appreciate and share your commitment to community action to building a more earthquake-resilient future.
Heidi Tremayne
Executive Director
