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Dr. Lucy Jones, Congressman Adam Schiff Discuss Trump’s Proposed Budget Cuts to Earthquake Early Warning System
News Jun 02, 2017
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Adam Schiff listens as Dr. Lucy Jones discusses the catastrophic implications of Trump’s planned elimination of the Earthquake Early Warning System funding Thursday. – Photo by Terry Miller / Beacon Media News
By Terry Miller
A vocal and high-profile opponent of the new administration’s policies, Congressman Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) and legendary seismologist Lucy Jones, a.k.a. “The Earthquake Lady,” held a joint press conference at Cal Tech recently to discuss President Trump’s plans to cut EEWS. The early earthquake warning system for the West Coast could possibly be reduced to a pile of sensor rubble if the proposal by the White House is approved.
At a packed second floor briefing room, local and national media asked some tough questions about the reality of Trump’s attempt to “punish” California. Adam Schiff was eloquent in his response to one reporter’s question of whether he felt Trump’s decisions, particularly where California is concerned, is punitive.
“It’s always perilous to ascribe a motive to this administration….” Schiff said. He also said he felt it was within the realm of possibilities that the current administration could be vindictive to states that were perceived non-supportive of Trump’s agenda.
“With this dysfunctional administration, how will we get anything done?” Schiff said. “The White House decision to eliminate support is incredibly misguided and dangerous,” Schiff said. Schiff said not only would the ShakeAlert system save lives but also continue to provide jobs for some very talented scientists.
“The cost of the system pales in comparison to the potential cost of lives and to business, homes and critical infrastructure if a major earthquake hits without warning,” Schiff said.
