Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB5601

Caption

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.

Impact

The implications of SB5601 are broad, impacting state laws related to environmental monitoring and emergency preparedness. The reauthorization of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act will enhance the infrastructure for weather-related data gathering and analysis. Additionally, it will encourage collaboration between federal agencies and state governments, improving responses to natural disasters through better predictive tools and communication. The bill emphasizes technical assistance and financial support for local entities, particularly those in high-risk areas, indicating a potential shift towards more locally-driven disaster preparedness initiatives.

Summary

SB5601, known as the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Reauthorization Act of 2024, aims to enhance the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) capabilities in weather research, forecasting, and the commercialization of weather data. The bill proposes significant funding over the next several years to support a variety of programs, including tornado research, hurricane forecast improvements, and the modernization of weather data dissemination methods. This initiative seeks to integrate external data sources from both private and public sectors to bolster the accuracy of National forecasts.

Contention

Notably, points of contention could arise surrounding the integration of private sector data services within federally managed programs. Some stakeholders may argue about the implications of relying on commercial data, potentially raised concerns on data privacy and the quality control of externally sourced information. Furthermore, efforts to streamline weather forecasting, while beneficial for the accuracy of predictions, may raise questions regarding funding allocations and prioritization between rural and urban areas in the distribution of resources for weather monitoring systems.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB6093

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

US HB3980

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Act of 2023

US HB4913

To establish in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration a program to improve precipitation forecasts, and for other purposes.

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 SB599

Atmospheric rivers: research: forecasting methods: experimental tools.

US SB5361

Improving Atmospheric River Forecasts Act

US SB324

Smarter Weather Forecasting for Water Management, Farming, and Ranching Act of 2025This bill directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish pilot projects to support improved subseasonal to seasonal precipitation forecasting for water management in the western United States and for agriculture nationwide. (Under current law, subseasonal means the time range between two weeks and three months, and seasonal means the time range between three months and two years.)Specifically, NOAA must establish a pilot project to address challenges to improving forecasting and related product development for water management in the western United States. The project must address, among other items, improvements to operational modeling in mountainous regions and to the forecasting of atmospheric rivers. NOAA must also establish a second pilot project to address challenges to improving forecasting and related product development for U.S. agriculture. The project must address, among other items, improvements to operational modeling of warm-season precipitation and to the prediction of certain spring and summer weather patterns.  Each pilot project must include activities that engage with and leverage the resources of academic institutions and entities within NOAA, and that achieve measurable objectives for operational forecast improvement. NOAA’s authority with respect to these pilot projects expires five years after the bill’s enactment. 

US HB2406

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention Improvements Act of 2025

US HB3915

Aviation Weather Improvement Act

US AB2078

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

Similar Bills

US SB4343

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US HB6093

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

US SB5361

Improving Atmospheric River Forecasts Act

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). 

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