Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB5361

Introduced
11/20/24  

Caption

Improving Atmospheric River Forecasts Act

Impact

The impact of SB5361 on state laws includes heightened state responsibilities concerning weather forecasting and public safety preparedness. By prioritizing atmospheric river forecasts and associated risks, the bill can lead to more timely warnings and potentially life-saving preparations in communities vulnerable to these climatic phenomena. Enhanced hazard communication strategies are encouraged to ensure that the public understands the implications of forecast data, thus promoting a proactive approach to risk management.

Summary

SB5361, known as the Improving Atmospheric River Forecasts Act, aims to enhance the lead time, accuracy, and dissemination of atmospheric river forecasts across the United States. The bill proposes the establishment of an Atmospheric River Forecast Improvement Program, led by the Under Secretary in collaboration with the weather enterprise and educational institutions. Through improved modeling, data assimilation, and innovative observations, the program seeks to reduce risks associated with atmospheric rivers, including the economic impacts they can have on communities prone to flooding and severe weather events.

Contention

Points of contention surrounding SB5361 revolve around the allocation of resources toward the atmospheric river program and the potential implications for existing weather-related agencies, like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Some stakeholders may express concerns regarding the effectiveness of federal funding in addressing these local issues. Additionally, the need for collaboration with various regional entities might introduce bureaucratic challenges in implementing the program effectively.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

CA AB30

Atmospheric rivers: research: reservoir operations.

US SB322

Improving Atmospheric River Forecasts ActThis bill requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish an atmospheric river forecast improvement program.In carrying out the program, NOAA must seek to reduce loss of life and property and other economic losses caused by atmospheric river events through research and development on accurate, effective, and actionable forecasting and warnings. The program must generally involve the establishment of quantitative atmospheric river forecast skill metrics, the development of an atmospheric river forecast system within a unified forecast system, and the development of tools and products to predict periods of active or inactive atmospheric river landfalls and inland penetration, among other activities. The program must periodically test and evaluate the value of incorporating innovative observations (e.g., observations from radar, aircraft, ocean buoys, and other sources) to facilitate the improvement of modeling and forecasting. The program must also consider the development of best practices for communicating the existence and severity of atmospheric river events, as well as other information about atmospheric rivers. The program may seek to improve precipitation modeling, with an emphasis on forecasting for complex terrain. The bill also requires NOAA to acquire and sustain adequate crewed and uncrewed aircraft (i.e., drones), equipment, and personnel necessary to meet air reconnaissance mission requirements annually during the expected atmospheric river season (November through March). 

US HB3966

Improving Atmospheric River Forecasts Act

CA SB599

Atmospheric rivers: research: forecasting methods: experimental tools.

CA AB2078

Atmospheric Rivers: Research, Mitigation, and Climate Forecasting Program.

US HB6093

Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Reauthorization Act of 2023 Weather Act Reauthorization Act of 2023

US SB5601

A bill to improve the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's weather research, support improvements in weather forecasting and prediction, expand commercial opportunities for the provision of weather data, and for other purposes.

CA AB557

Atmospheric Rivers: Research, Mitigation, and Climate Forecasting Program.