Oregon Governor Orders State Buildings Earthquake-Proofed by 2060

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has signed an executive order mandating that all new state buildings over 10,000 square feet be designed to withstand a 9.0-magnitude Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake, with comprehensive seismic upgrades required for existing buildings by 2060. This proactive measure aims to ensure that state buildings remain operational as safe havens and command centers for emergency response after such a disaster, which seismologists warn could strike with a magnitude between 8.0 and 9.0 in the coming decades. The Cascadia Subduction Zone has a 16% to 22% chance of producing an 8.7 or greater magnitude quake in the next 50 years, making preparedness critical. Experts emphasize that resilient state buildings are essential for emergency responders to effectively aid communities in the aftermath of the inevitable “big one.” The order also prioritizes structures vital to continuity of operations, including those used by first responders and large office buildings. This long-term approach spreads the multibillion-dollar cost over decades to incrementally upgrade or replace vulnerable infrastructure, reflecting a commitment to public safety and disaster readiness.