Coordinated Federal Response to Extreme Heat Act of 2025
Impact
The establishment of the National Integrated Heat Health Information System (NIHHIS) is expected to give states more robust tools and frameworks to address the rising threats posed by extreme heat. By streamlining data sharing and collaboration among various federal, state, and tribal entities, the bill intends to foster a comprehensive approach to managing heat health risks. Additionally, the bill mandates that a strategic plan be developed within two years of its enactment, which will guide federal agencies in their actions and help prioritize resources effectively in tackling heat-related health issues.
Summary
SB325, titled the 'Coordinated Federal Response to Extreme Heat Act of 2025', aims to establish a National Integrated Heat Health Information System under the oversight of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This initiative is designed to enhance the government's ability to prepare for and respond to health risks associated with extreme heat events, which are defined as occurrences of heat that significantly exceed local temperature norms over an extended duration. The bill seeks to coordinate efforts across federal agencies to improve data collection, risk assessment, and public health responses to extreme heat conditions.
Contention
While supporters believe the bill is a necessary step toward mitigating the public health impacts of climate change, some concerns were raised regarding its implementation and operational aspects. Critics argue that the effectiveness of such a centralized system depends on real-time data accessibility and the willingness of various agencies to coordinate their efforts. There are also apprehensions regarding funding and the prioritization of heat-related health risks compared to other pressing public health challenges. Furthermore, unique challenges posed by local climates and conditions may require tailored approaches that could be overlooked in a more standardized national system.
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.
A bill to direct the Secretary of the Interior to establish a National Climate Adaptation Science Center and Regional Climate Adaptation Science Centers to respond to the effects of extreme weather events and climate trends, and for other purposes.
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).
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.