Us Congress House Bill HB3980

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/9/23
• Refer: 6/9/23

Caption

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Act of 2023

Impact

This bill will fundamentally reshape how NOAA operates and delivers vital services including weather forecasting, climate predictions, and oceanic research. By institutionalizing NOAA's functions and authorities, the legislation seeks to improve its capability in disaster preparedness and response, enhance resource management, and foster scientific advancement. Moreover, it emphasizes the importance of public engagement and transparency in disseminating scientific data, which is crucial for fostering community resilience against natural hazards and climate change.

Summary

House Bill 3980, known as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Act of 2023, proposes to establish the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as an independent scientific research and development agency. The bill aims to provide a robust statutory framework to enhance the Administration's focus on Earth system science and streamline its mission for better operational efficacy. With an independent status, NOAA is expected to prioritize its core functions while allowing for necessary restructuring to adapt to emerging scientific needs and challenges in environmental management.

Contention

Key points of contention around HB 3980 revolve around concerns regarding the independence of the agency, potential bureaucratic inertia, and the implications for inter-agency collaboration. Some stakeholders argue that creating a separate framework for NOAA could lead to a loss of integration with other governmental departments, hindering collaborative responses to environmental crises. Given the wide-ranging impacts of NOAA's work, including on public safety and economic sectors, the debate highlights the need for balancing independence with cooperative governance to address multifaceted environmental challenges effectively.