Cantwell, Murkowski introduce volcano monitoring bill
Published 10:23 am Thursday, October 8, 2015
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) introduced bipartisan legislation to modernize and improve the nation’s volcano monitoring and early warning capabilities
The National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring Program Act (S. 2056) establishes a National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring System, which includes the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) and the Cascadia Volcano Observatory, to monitor, warn, and protect citizens from undue and avoidable harm from volcanic activity. The bill would unify the monitoring systems of volcano observatories into a single connected system, as well as create a National Volcano Watch Office operational 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
“Most Washingtonians remember the impact the Mt. St. Helens eruption had on our communities. We have five active major volcanoes in the Cascade Range, so it’s critical that the Cascades Volcano Observatory has the technology to detect, forecast and warn communities of volcanic activity,” Cantwell said.
“Volcanic activity is a part of everyday life for many Alaskans – just last week, clouds of century-old ash from a 1912 volcanic eruption created a hazard for aircraft and possibly for human health,” Murkowski said.
Washington state is home to the Cascades Volcano Observatory, which is responsible for monitoring volcanoes in Washington, Oregon and Idaho including Washington’s Mount Baker, Glacier Peak, Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Adams.
