That statement is not entirely accurate. While it's true that the vast majority of earthquakes occur near plate boundaries, areas away from plate boundaries can still experience earthquakes, though they are generally less frequent and less intense. Here's why:

* Plate Boundaries are the Primary Source: Plate boundaries are where the Earth's tectonic plates interact. These interactions (collision, separation, or sliding past each other) cause stress and strain on the surrounding rock, leading to the release of energy in the form of earthquakes.

* Intraplate Earthquakes: Earthquakes can also occur within the interior of tectonic plates, known as intraplate earthquakes. These are less common but can be significant. They are caused by:

* Stress from Plate Movement: Even within a plate, the constant movement of the plates can cause stress that builds up over time and eventually releases as an earthquake.

* Pre-existing Faults: Older, inactive fault lines within a plate can be reactivated by the stress from plate movement, leading to earthquakes.

* Mantle Plumes: Hot, rising plumes of mantle material can create stress on the overlying crust, causing earthquakes.

Examples of Intraplate Earthquakes:

* New Madrid Seismic Zone (USA): Located in the middle of the North American plate, this area experienced some of the largest earthquakes in US history.

* The 2011 Virginia Earthquake: This intraplate earthquake, felt across the eastern United States, highlighted that even areas considered relatively stable can experience seismic activity.

Conclusion: While plate boundaries are the main areas of earthquake activity, areas away from them are not immune. Intraplate earthquakes, though less common, demonstrate that the Earth's crust can be subjected to stress and strain even within the interior of a plate.