Assemblymember Rodriguez Introduces Crucial Legislation to Establish the Extreme Weather Forecast and Threat Intelligence Integration Center

(Sacramento, CA) – Today, Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez (D – Pomona) introduced AB 277, which would require the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and the Department of Water Resources (DWR) to jointly establish and lead the Extreme Weather Forecast and Threat Intelligence Integration Center. This Center would be tasked with collecting, analyzing, and assessing extreme weather data and atmospheric conditions that could lead to major flooding, periods of extreme heat, or other dangerous and unhealthy conditions.

“The recent series of atmospheric rivers brought unanticipated amounts of precipitation and desolation across the state. While we have been faced with an ongoing drought for the past several years, these recent events are a reminder that California is a disaster-prone state, and we must prepare for all types of disasters that could very likely strike,” stated Assemblymember Rodriguez.

Following these atmospheric rivers that struck the state, over 40 counties proclaimed a local emergency. Additionally, Governor Newsom declared a state of emergency and ultimately requested a major disaster declaration from the President to obtain federal assistance for those who suffered devastation.

This new Center would collect and analyze data on extreme weather events to help reduce the severity of these incidents and further prevent the endangerment of persons, property, or the environment. The Center would take this a step further by developing and sharing intelligence products related to extreme weather for government decision-makers, local emergency managers, and public safety officials.

In response to the recent extreme weather events that have disrupted and destroyed the lives of many Californians, the Assembly Committee on Emergency Management is planning an oversight hearing to evaluate “California’s Preparedness and Response to Extreme Atmospheric River Incidents.”

“We are a disaster-prone state and need to anticipate the very real possibility of multiple catastrophic disasters occurring simultaneously. This legislation, coupled with the committee’s upcoming hearing, will allow us to do so as it relates to atmospheric rivers, highlighting our commitment to preparing for, mitigating, and investigating all disasters that hit California,” added Assemblymember Rodriguez.

Assemblymember Rodriguez (Twitter) represents the 53rd Assembly District which includes the cities of Chino, Montclair, Ontario, Pomona, and Upland. He is Chair of the Assembly Committee on Emergency Management.