[House Report 118-306]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
118th Congress } { Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
1st Session } { 118-306
======================================================================
WEATHER RESEARCH AND FORECASTING INNOVATION REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2023
_______
December 11, 2023.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on
the State of the Union and ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Lucas, from the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology,
submitted the following
R E P O R T
[To accompany H.R. 6093]
The Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, to whom
was referred the bill (H.R. 6093) 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, having considered the same,
reports favorably thereon with an amendment and recommends that
the bill as amended do pass.
CONTENTS
Page
Purpose and Summary.............................................. 42
Background and Need for Legislation.............................. 43
Legislative History.............................................. 43
Committee Views.................................................. 44
Section-by-Section............................................... 45
Related Committee Hearings....................................... 54
Committee Consideration.......................................... 55
Roll Call Votes.................................................. 55
Application of Law to the Legislative Branch..................... 57
Statement of Oversight Findings and Recommendations of the
Committee...................................................... 57
Statement of General Performance Goals and Objectives............ 57
Duplication of Federal Programs.................................. 57
Federal Advisory Committee Act................................... 57
Unfunded Mandate Statement....................................... 57
Earmark Identification........................................... 57
Committee Cost Estimate.......................................... 57
New Budget Authority, Entitlement Authority, and Tax Expenditures 58
Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate........................ 58
Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported............ 58
The amendment is as follows:
Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the
following:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Weather Research and
Forecasting Innovation Reauthorization Act of 2023'' or the ``Weather
Act Reauthorization Act of 2023''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Definitions.
TITLE I--REAUTHORIZATION OF THE WEATHER RESEARCH AND FORECASTING
INNOVATION ACT OF 2017
Sec. 101. Public safety priority.
Sec. 102. United States weather research and forecasting.
Sec. 103. Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes
Experiment (VORTEX).
Sec. 104. Hurricane forecast improvement program.
Sec. 105. Tsunami Warning and Education Act reauthorization.
Sec. 106. Observing system planning.
Sec. 107. Observing system simulation experiments.
Sec. 108. Computing resources prioritization.
Sec. 109. Earth prediction innovation center.
Sec. 110. Satellite architecture planning.
Sec. 111. Improving uncrewed activities.
Sec. 112. Interagency Council for Advancing Meteorological Services.
Sec. 113. Ocean observations.
Sec. 114. Consolidation of reports.
Sec. 115. National Landslide Hazards Reduction Program.
Sec. 116. Amendments to the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research
and Control Act of 1998.
TITLE II--ENHANCING FEDERAL WEATHER FORECASTING AND INNOVATION
Sec. 201. Weather innovation for the next generation.
Sec. 202. Next generation radar.
Sec. 203. Data voids in highly vulnerable areas of the United States.
Sec. 204. Atmospheric rivers forecast improvement program.
Sec. 205. Coastal flooding and storm surge forecast improvement
program.
Sec. 206. Aviation weather and data innovation.
Sec. 207. NESDIS joint venture partnership transition program.
Sec. 208. Advanced weather interactive processing system.
Sec. 209. Reanalysis and reforecasting.
Sec. 210. National Weather Service workforce.
TITLE III--COMMERCIAL WEATHER AND ENVIRONMENTAL OBSERVATIONS
Sec. 301. Commercial Data Program.
Sec. 302. Commercial Data Pilot Program.
Sec. 303. Contracting authority and avoidance of duplication.
Sec. 304. Data assimilation, management, and sharing practices.
Sec. 305. Clerical amendment.
TITLE IV--COMMUNICATING WEATHER TO THE PUBLIC
Sec. 401. Definitions.
Sec. 402. Hazardous weather or water event risk communication.
Sec. 403. Hazard communication research and engagement.
Sec. 404. National Weather Service communications improvement.
Sec. 405. NOAA Weather Radio modernization.
Sec. 406. Post-storm surveys and assessments.
Sec. 407. Government Accountability Office report on alert
dissemination for hazardous weather or water events.
Sec. 408. Data collection management and protection.
TITLE V--IMPROVING WEATHER INFORMATION FOR AGRICULTURE AND WATER
MANAGEMENT
Sec. 501. Weather and climate information in agriculture and water
management.
Sec. 502. National Integrated Drought Information System.
Sec. 503. National Mesonet Program.
Sec. 504. National Coordinated Soil Moisture Monitoring Network.
Sec. 505. National water center.
Sec. 506. Satellite transfers report.
Sec. 507. Precipitation forecast improvement program.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
(a) In General.--In this Act, the terms ``seasonal'', ``State'',
``subseasonal'', ``Under Secretary'', ``weather enterprise'', ``weather
data'', and ``weather industry'' have the meanings given such terms in
section 2 of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of
2017 (15 U.S.C. 8501).
(b) Weather Data Defined.--Section 2 of the Weather Research and
Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8501) is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (6); and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following new
paragraph:
``(5) Weather data.--The term `weather data' means
information used to track and predict weather conditions and
patterns, including forecasts, observations, and derivative
products from such information.''.
TITLE I--REAUTHORIZATION OF THE WEATHER RESEARCH AND FORECASTING
INNOVATION ACT OF 2017
SEC. 101. PUBLIC SAFETY PRIORITY.
Section 101 of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of
2017 (15 U.S.C. 8511) is amended by adding at the end the following new
sentence: ``The Under Secretary shall ensure the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration remains focused on providing accurate and
timely weather forecasts that protect lives and property and enhance
the national economy by disseminating to the public and core partners
through nimble, flexible, and mobile methods critical weather
information and impact-based decision support services.''.
SEC. 102. UNITED STATES WEATHER RESEARCH AND FORECASTING.
Section 110 of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of
2017 (15 U.S.C. 8519) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 110. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
``(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research to carry
out this title the following:
``(1) $155,000,000 for fiscal year 2024, of which--
``(A) $90,000,000 is authorized for weather
laboratories and cooperative institutes;
``(B) $30,000,000 is authorized for the United States
Weather Research Program;
``(C) $20,000,000 is authorized for tornado, severe
storm, and next generation radar research; and
``(D) $15,000,000 is authorized for the joint
technology transfer initiative described in section
102(b)(4) of this title.
``(2) $156,550,000 for fiscal year 2025, of which--
``(A) $90,900,000 is authorized for weather
laboratories and cooperative institutes;
``(B) $30,300,000 is authorized for the United States
Weather Research Program;
``(C) $20,200,000 is authorized for tornado, severe
storm, and next generation radar research; and
``(D) $15,150,000 is authorized for the joint
technology transfer initiative described in section
102(b)(4) of this title.
``(3) $158,116,000 for fiscal year 2026, of which--
``(A) $91,809,000 is authorized for weather
laboratories and cooperative institutes;
``(B) $30,603,000 is authorized for the United States
Weather Research Program;
``(C) $20,402,000 is authorized for tornado, severe
storm, and next generation radar research; and
``(D) $15,302,000 is authorized for the joint
technology transfer initiative described in section
102(b)(4) of this title.
``(4) $159,697,000 for fiscal year 2027, of which--
``(A) $92,727,000 is authorized for weather
laboratories and cooperative institutes;
``(B) $30,909,000 is authorized for the United States
Weather Research Program;
``(C) $20,606,000 is authorized for tornado, severe
storm, and next generation radar research; and
``(D) $15,455,000 is authorized for the joint
technology transfer initiative described in section
102(b)(4) of this title.
``(5) $161,294,000 for fiscal year 2028, of which--
``(A) $93,654,000 is authorized for weather
laboratories and cooperative institutes;
``(B) $31,218,000 is authorized for the United States
Weather Research Program;
``(C) $20,812,000 is authorized for tornado, severe
storm, and next generation radar research; and
``(D) $15,609,000 is authorized for the joint
technology transfer initiative described in section
8512(b)(4) of this title.
``(b) Limitation.--No additional funds are authorized to carry out
this title or the amendments made by this title.''.
SEC. 103. VERIFICATION OF THE ORIGINS OF ROTATION IN TORNADOES
EXPERIMENT (VORTEX).
(a) In General.--Section 103 of the Weather Research and Forecasting
Innovation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8513) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 103. VERIFICATION OF THE ORIGINS OF ROTATION IN TORNADOES
EXPERIMENT (VORTEX).
``(a) In General.--The Under Secretary, in collaboration with the
United States weather industry and academic partners, shall maintain a
program for rapidly improving tornado forecasts, predictions, and
warnings, including forecaster training in radar interpretation and
information integration from new sources.
``(b) Goal.--The goal of the program under subsection (a) shall be to
develop and extend accurate tornado forecasts, predictions, and
warnings in order to reduce the loss of life or property related to
tornadoes, with a focus on the following:
``(1) Improving the effectiveness and timeliness of tornado
forecasts, predictions, and warnings.
``(2) Optimizing lead time and providing actionable
information beyond one hour in advance.
``(3) Transitioning from warn-on-detection to warn-on-
forecast.
``(c) Innovative Observations.--The Under Secretary shall ensure the
program under subsection (a) periodically examines, tests, and
evaluates the value of incorporating innovative observations, such as
novel sensor technologies, observation tools or networks, crewed or
uncrewed systems, and hosted instruments on commercial aircrafts,
vessels, and satellites, with respect to the improvement of tornado
forecasts, predictions, and warnings.
``(d) Activities.--The Under Secretary shall award grants for
research, including relating to the following:
``(1) Implementing key goals and achieving program milestones
to the maximum extent practicable as outlined by the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's 2019 report, `Tornado
Warning Improvement and Extension Program Plan'.
``(2) In coordination with the National Science and
Technology Council's Social and Behavioral Sciences
Subcommittee, improving the social, behavioral, risk,
communication, and economic sciences regarding vulnerabilities,
risk communication, and delivery of information critical for
reducing the loss of life or property related to tornadoes.
``(3) Improving the physical sciences, computer modeling, and
tools related to tornado formation, the impacts of tornadoes on
the built and natural environment, and the interaction of
tornadoes and hurricanes.
``(e) Warnings.--In carrying out subsection (a), the Under Secretary,
in coordination with the program established under section 406, shall--
``(1) conduct and transition to operations the research
necessary to develop and deploy probabilistic weather forecast
guidance technology for tornadoes and related weather
phenomena;
``(2) incorporate into tornado modeling and forecasting, as
appropriate, social, behavioral, risk, communication, and
economic sciences;
``(3) enhance workforce training on radar interpretation and
use of tornado warning systems; and
``(4) expand computational resources to support higher-
resolution modeling to advance the capability for warn-on-
forecast.
``(f) Tornado Rating System.--The Under Secretary, in collaboration
with local communities and emergency managers, shall--
``(1) evaluate the system used as of the date of the
enactment of this section to rate the severity of tornadoes;
``(2) determine whether updates to such system are required
to ensure such ratings accurately reflect the severity of
tornados; and
``(3) if determined necessary, update such system.
``(g) Annual Budget.--The Under Secretary shall, not less frequently
than annually, submit to Congress a proposed budget corresponding with
carrying out this section.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents in section 1(b) of the
Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 is amended by
amending the item relating to section 103 to read as follows:
``Sec. 103. Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes
Experiment (VORTEX).''.
SEC. 104. HURRICANE FORECAST IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.
Section 104 of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of
2017 (15 U.S.C. 8514) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 104. HURRICANE FORECAST IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.
``(a) In General.--The Under Secretary, in collaboration with the
United States weather industry and academic partners, shall maintain a
program to improve hurricane forecasting, predictions, and warnings.
``(b) Goal.--The goal of the program under subsection (a) shall be to
develop and extend accurate hurricane forecasts, predictions, and
warnings in order to reduce the loss of life or property related to
hurricanes, with a focus on the following:
``(1) Improving the understanding and prediction of rapid
intensity change and projected path of hurricanes, including
probabilistic methods for hurricane hazard mapping.
``(2) Improving the forecast and impact-based communication
of inland flooding, compound flooding, and storm surges from
hurricanes, in coordination with the program established under
section 205 of the Weather Act Reauthorization Act of 2023.
``(3) Incorporating social, behavioral, risk, communication,
and economic sciences to clearly inform response to prevent the
loss of life or property, such as evacuation or shelter in
place.
``(4) Evaluating and incorporating, as appropriate,
innovative observations, such as novel sensor technologies,
observation tools or networks, crewed or uncrewed systems, and
hosted instruments on commercial aircrafts, vessels, and
satellites.
``(c) Activities.--The Under Secretary shall award grants for
research, including relating to the following:
``(1) Implementing key strategies and following priorities
and objectives outlined by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration's 2019 report `Hurricane Forecast Improvement
Program'.
``(2) In coordination with the National Science and
Technology Council's Social and Behavioral Sciences
Subcommittee and other relevant interagency committees,
improving the social, behavioral, risk, communications, and
economic sciences related to vulnerabilities, risk
communication, and delivery of information critical for
reducing the loss of life or property related to hurricanes.
``(3) Improving the physical sciences, operational modeling,
and tools related to hurricane formation, the impacts of wind
and water-based hurricane hazards on the built and natural
environment, and the interaction of hurricanes and tornadoes.
``(d) Warnings.--In carrying out subsection (a), the Under Secretary,
in coordination with the program established under section 406, shall--
``(1) conduct and transition to operations the research
necessary to develop and deploy probabilistic weather forecast
guidance technology relating to hurricanes and related weather
phenomena;
``(2) incorporate into hurricane modeling and forecasting, as
appropriate, social, behavioral, risk, communication, and
economic sciences research; and
``(3) expand computational resources to support and improve
higher-resolution operational modeling of hurricanes and
related weather phenomena.
``(e) Annual Budget.--The Under Secretary shall, not less frequently
than annually, submit to Congress a proposed budget corresponding with
carrying out this section.''.
SEC. 105. TSUNAMI WARNING AND EDUCATION ACT REAUTHORIZATION.
(a) Title Heading.--The Tsunami Warning and Education Act (enacted as
title VIII of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management
Reauthorization Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-479)) is amended in the
title heading, by inserting ``RESEARCH,'' after ``WARNING,''.
(b) Purposes.--Section 803 of the Tsunami Warning and Education Act
(33 U.S.C. 3202) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``timeliness and'' before
``accuracy'';
(2) in paragraph (7), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(3) in paragraph (8), by striking the period and inserting
``; and''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(9) to ensure data and metadata are managed, archived, and
made available for operations, research, education, and
mitigation activities in accordance with section 305 of the
Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017.''.
(c) Tsunami Forecasting and Warning Program.--Section 804 of the
Tsunami Warning and Education Act (33 U.S.C. 3203) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (4), by inserting ``, using industry
and scientific best practices,'' after ``operational
condition'';
(B) in paragraph (5)--
(i) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``global
seismic network'' and inserting ``Global
Seismic Network'';
(ii) by redesignating subparagraphs (D), (E),
(F), and (G), as subparagraphs (E), (F), (G),
and (H), respectively; and
(iii) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the
following new subparagraph:
``(D) the global navigation satellite system (GNSS)
network;'';
(C) by amending paragraph (6) to read as follows:
``(6) ensure data quality and management systems, support
data and metadata access and archiving, and support the
requirements of the program pursuant to the Foundations for
Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-435)
and chapter 31 of title 44, United States Code;'';
(D) in paragraph (7)--
(i) by amending the matter preceding
subparagraph (A) to read as follows: ``include
a cooperative effort among the Administration,
the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
(NASA), and the National Science Foundation
(NSF) under which the Director of USGS, the
Director of the NSF, and the Administrator of
NASA shall--'';
(ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and''
at the end; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following new
subparagraphs:
``(C) provide reliable and real-time support for the
GNSS network data streams from NSF, NASA, and USGS
maintained networks, and supplement instrumentation
coverage for rapid earthquake assessment;
``(D) assess the data and information relating to
warning systems of collaborating agencies for potential
utilization in NOAA's warning system, taking into
consideration advancement in research and technology;
``(E) incorporate, as practicable, tsunami
notifications and warnings in the USGS Earthquake Early
Warning System; and
``(F) incorporate, as practicable, preliminary
analysis or data from the National Earthquake
Information Center regarding the source and magnitude
of an offshore earthquake within five minutes of
detection;'';
(E) in paragraph (8)--
(i) by inserting `` and decision support
aides'' after ``graphical warning products,'';
and
(ii) by inserting ``-prone'' after
``tsunami'';
(F) in paragraph (9), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(G) in paragraph (10), by striking the period and
inserting ``; and''; and
(H) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(11) update tsunami inundation maps, models, or other
geographic products, in order to best support, as appropriate,
relevant agencies with tsunami mitigation and recovery
activities.'';
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) by striking paragraph (1) and redesignating
paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs (1) and (2),
respectively; and
(B) in paragraph (1), as so redesignated--
(i) by striking ``the Atlantic Ocean,
including the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico,
that are determined--'' and inserting ``the
Pacific, Arctic, and Atlantic Oceans, including
the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico, that are
determined to pose significant risks of tsunami
for States and United States territories along
the coastal areas of such regions; and''; and
(ii) by striking subparagraphs (A) and (B);
(3) by redesignating subsections (d), (e), (f), and (g) as
subsections (e), (f), (g), and (h), respectively;
(4) by inserting after subsection (c) the following new
subsection:
``(d) Tsunami Warning Alert Level Evaluation.--The Administrator, in
collaboration with social scientists, emergency personnel, and high-
risk communities, shall--
``(1) evaluate tsunami alert levels terminology, timing, and
effectiveness;
``(2) determine if such alerts produce the desired response
and understanding from possible tsunami-prone communities; and
``(3) if necessary, update the alert level system for
increased effectiveness.'';
(5) in subsection (e), as so redesignated--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A),
by inserting ``responsible for Alaska, the
continental United States, Hawaii, United
States territories, and international entities
the Administrator determines appropriate''
before the period;
(ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``which
is primarily responsible for Alaska and the
continental United States''; and
(iii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``,
which is primarily responsible for Hawaii, the
Caribbean, and other areas of the Pacific not
covered by the National Center'';
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by inserting
``current,'' after ``sea level,'';
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and
volcanic eruptions'' and inserting ``volcanic
eruptions, or other sources'';
(iii) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``buoy
data and tidal'' and inserting ``and coastal'';
(iv) in subparagraph (E), by striking
``Integrated Ocean Observing System of the
Administration'' and inserting ``United States
and global ocean and coastal observing
system'';
(v) in subparagraph (H), by inserting
``monitoring needs,'' after ``response,''; and
(vi) by amending subparagraph (I) to read as
follows:
``(I) Providing a Tsunami Warning Coordinator to
coordinate with partners and stakeholders products and
services of the centers supported or maintained under
paragraph (1).'';
(C) by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows:
``(3) Fail-safe warning capability.--The Administrator shall
support and maintain fail-safe warning capability for the
tsunami warning centers supported or maintained under paragraph
(1), and such centers shall conduct at least one service back
up drill biannually.'';
(D) in paragraph (4)--
(i) by amending the matter preceding
subparagraph (A) to read as follows: ``The
Administrator shall coordinate with the weather
forecast offices of the National Weather
Service, the centers supported or maintained
under paragraph (1), and such national and
regional program offices of the Administration
as the Administrator or the coordinating
committee, as established in section 805(b),
consider appropriate to ensure that regional
and local weather forecast offices--'';
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and''
after the semicolon;
(iii) in subparagraph (C), by striking the
period and inserting ``; and''; and
(iv) by adding at the end the following new
subparagraph:
``(D) conduct education and outreach efforts to help
prepare coastal communities for tsunami hazards.'';
(E) in paragraph (5)--
(i) in the section heading, by striking
``Uniform'' and inserting ``Standardized'';
(ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking
``uniform'' and inserting ``standardized'';
(iii) in subparagraph (C)(ii), by striking
``uniform'' and inserting ``standardized'';
(iv) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``and''
after the semicolon;
(v) in subparagraph (E), by striking the
period and inserting ``; and''; and
(vi) by adding at the end the following new
subparagraph:
``(F) align the analytic techniques and methodologies
of the existing tsunami warning centers supported or
maintained under paragraph (1) to ensure seamless
continuity of operations and mitigate risk of
operational failure by prioritizing investments that
include--
``(i) replacing end of life equipment;
``(ii) ensuring product consistency;
``(iii) enabling consistent operational
process for backup capabilities;
``(iv) mitigating existing operational
security risks; and
``(v) meeting information security
requirements specified in chapter 35 of title
44, United States Code.''; and
(F) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(7) Reporting.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this paragraph and annually thereafter until
such time as all relevant requirements have been satisfied, the
Administrator shall provide to the Committee on Science, Space,
and Technology of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the
Senate an update briefing on the progress of the following:
``(A) Standardizing products and procedures under
paragraph (5), including tsunami assessments, forecast
guidance, and related products.
``(B) Migrating the message generation systems of the
centers supported or maintained under paragraph (1) to
the Advanced Weather Information Processing Systems, or
successor systems.
``(C) The structural reorganization effort, if
necessary, to align such centers' organizational
charts.
``(D) The expected timeline for the full completion
of standardizing such centers' products and
procedures.'';
(6) in subsection (f), as so redesignated--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A),
by inserting ``detect, measure, and'' after
``used to'';
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and''
after the semicolon;
(iii) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``and
the Advanced National Seismic System'' and
inserting ``the Advanced National Seismic
System, and the global navigation satellite
system (GNSS); and''; and
(iv) by adding at the end the following new
subparagraph:
``(D) ensure research is coordinated with tsunami
warning operations;''; and
(B) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``according to
industry best practices'' before the period; and
(7) in subsection (h)(2)(A), as so redesignated, by striking
``accuracy of the tsunami model used'' and inserting
``timeliness and accuracy of the forecast used to issue the
warning''.
(d) National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program.--Section 805(c) of
the Tsunami Warning and Education Act (33 U.S.C. 3204(c)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (5)--
(A) by redesignating subparagraphs (B), (C), (D),
(E), (F), and (G) as subparagraphs (C), (D), (E), (F),
(G), and (H), respectively;
(B) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following
new subparagraph:
``(B) Coastal digital elevation models (DEMs) to
support the development of inundation maps.''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new
subparagraphs:
``(I) Evaluation of the variation of inundation
impact resulting from tsunami-driven sediment
transport.
``(J) Evaluation of tsunami debris impact on critical
infrastructure (as such term is defined in section
1016(e) of Public Law 107-56 (42 U.S.C. 5195c(e))) and
lifelines.
``(K) High-resolution and high-quality digital
elevation models needed for at-risk coastlines, ports,
and harbors, particularly for regions not covered by
existing inundation maps.''; and
(2) in paragraph (7)(C), by inserting ``and behavioral''
after ``social'';
(e) Tsunami Research Program.--Section 806 of the Tsunami Warning and
Education Act (33 U.S.C. 3205) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``section 805(d)'' and inserting
``section 805(b)''; and
(B) by inserting ``and management'' after ``data
collection'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``deployment and''
after ``may include'';
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``social science
research'' and inserting ``social and behavioral
science research, including data collection,'';
(C) in paragraph (4), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(D) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (7);
and
(E) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following
new paragraphs:
``(5) develop decision support tools;
``(6) leverage and prioritize research opportunities; and'';
and
(3) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(c) Research and Development Plan.--Not later than 12 months after
the date of the enactment of this subsection and not less frequently
than every 36 months thereafter, the Administrator, in consultation
with the Interagency Council for Advancing Meteorological Services,
shall develop a research and development and research to operations
plan to improve tsunami detection and forecasting capabilities that--
``(1) identifies and prioritizes research and development
priorities to satisfy section 804;
``(2) identifies key research needs for better detecting
tsunamis that may occur in open ocean and along the coastlines
of the United States and its territories, improve forecasting
of tsunamis that are not seismically driven, and other
opportunities determined appropriate;
``(3) develops plans for transitioning research to
operations; and
``(4) identifies collaboration opportunities that may further
and align tsunami research, development, warnings, and
operations between the centers supported or maintained under
section 804, the National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program,
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Center for
Tsunami Research, the National Science Foundation, the United
States Geological Survey, the Federal Emergency Management
Agency, institutions of higher education, private entities,
stakeholders, and others determined appropriate.'';
(f) Global Tsunami Warning and Mitigation Network.--Section 807(d) of
the Tsunami Warning and Education Act (33 U.S.C. 3206(d)) is amended by
inserting ``and management'' after ``data sharing'';
(g) Tsunami Science and Technology Advisory Panel.--Section 808(b)(1)
of the Tsunami Warning and Education Act (33 U.S.C. 3206a(b)(1)) is
amended by inserting ``and behavioral'' after ``social'';
(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 809 of the Tsunami
Warning and Education Act (33 U.S.C. 3207) is amended to read as
follows:
``SEC. 809. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
``There are authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator to
carry out this title $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through
2028, of which--
``(1) not less than 27 percent of the amount appropriated for
each fiscal year shall be for activities conducted at the State
level under the national tsunami hazard mitigation program
under section 805; and
``(2) not less than 8 percent of the amount appropriated
shall be for the tsunami research program under section 806.''.
SEC. 106. OBSERVING SYSTEM PLANNING.
Section 106 of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of
2017 (15 U.S.C. 8516) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (3)--
(A) by inserting ``Federal'' before ``observing
capabilities''; and
(B) by striking ``and'' after the semicolon;
(2) in paragraph (4)--
(A) by inserting ``, including private sector
partnerships or commercial acquisition,'' after
``options''; and
(B) by striking the period and inserting a semicolon;
and
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
``(5) compare costs and schedule, including cost-benefit
analysis, of Federal and private sector supplemental options to
fill the observation data requirements under paragraph (1) and
gaps identified pursuant to paragraph (3); and
``(6) not later than one year after the date of the enactment
of this paragraph, submit to Congress a report that provides an
analysis of the technical, schedule, cost, and cost benefit
analyses to place an operational polar-orbiting environmental
satellite capability in the early morning orbit to support the
weather enterprise and the Administration's mission.''.
SEC. 107. OBSERVING SYSTEM SIMULATION EXPERIMENTS.
Section 107 of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of
2017 (15 U.S.C. 8517) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(3), by striking ``providing data'' and
inserting ``comparison to current or experimental commercial
system capabilities that provide data'';
(2) in subsection (c)(1), by striking ``, including polar-
orbiting and geostationary satellite systems,'';
(3) by striking subsection (d); and
(4) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (d).
SEC. 108. COMPUTING RESOURCES PRIORITIZATION.
Section 108 of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of
2017 (15 U.S.C. 8518) is amended by striking subsection (a)(3)(C) and
all that follows through subsection (b)(7) and inserting the following
new subsections:
``(b) Computing Research Initiative.--
``(1) In general.--The Under Secretary, in collaboration with
the Secretary of Energy, shall carry out an initiative, which
may leverage Department of Energy high performance computers,
cloud computing, or expertise, to run advanced coupled models
in order to conduct proof of concept scenarios in comparison
with current issued forecasts and models. The Under Secretary
and Secretary of Energy shall carry out the initiative through
a competitive, merit-reviewed process, and consider
applications from Federal agencies, National Laboratories,
institutions of higher education (as such term is defined in
section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1001)), nonprofit institutions, and other appropriate entities
(or a consortia thereof).
``(2) Components.--In carrying out the initiative under
paragraph (1), the Under Secretary shall prevent duplication
and coordinate research efforts in artificial intelligence,
high performance computing, cloud computing, quantum computing,
modeling and simulation, machine learning, data assimilation,
large scale data analytics, and predictive analysis across the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and may--
``(A) conduct research to compare National Weather
Service forecast and model outputs to predictions and
model outputs developed through such initiative;
``(B) share relevant modeling system and applications
innovations developed through such initiative,
including Unified Forecast System-based applications,
through community-based activities, in accordance with
section 10601 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (15 U.S.C.
8512a);
``(C) leverage coordinating activities managed by the
National Science and Technology Council, the
Interagency Council for Advancing Meteorological
Services, and other relevant interagency entities;
``(D) provide sufficient capacity for long-term
archive and access of model output to support research
and long-term study;
``(E) determine computing decisions based on an agile
requirements framework; and
``(F) support the training, recruitment, and
retention of the next generation weather, water, and
climate computing workforce through incentives and
pathways for career development and employment
opportunities.
``(3) Research security.--The activities authorized under
this section shall be applied in a manner consistent with
subtitle D of title VI of the Research and Development,
Competition, and Innovation Act (enacted as division B of
Public Law 117-167; 42 U.S.C. 19231 et seq.).
``(4) Termination.--The authority under this subsection shall
terminate five years after the date of the enactment of this
subsection.
``(c) Artificial Intelligence Investments.--The Under Secretary shall
leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies to
facilitate, optimize, and further leverage advanced computing to
accomplish critical missions of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration by enhancing existing and forthcoming high-performance
and cloud computing infrastructure or systems.
``(d) Centers of Excellence.--The Under Secretary may expand, and
where applicable establish, centers of excellence to aid the adoption
of next-generation artificial intelligence and machine learning enabled
advanced computing capabilities. Each such center may carry out
activities that include the following:
``(1) Leveraging robust public-private partnership models to
provide access to training, experience, and long-term
development of workforce and infrastructure.
``(2) Developing and optimizing tools, libraries, algorithms,
data structures, and other supporting software necessary for
specific applications on high performance computing systems.
``(3) Applying modern artificial intelligence, deep machine-
learning, and advanced data analysis technologies to address
current and future mission challenges.
``(4) To the maximum extent practicable, explore quantum
computing and related application partnerships with public,
private, and academic entities to improve the accuracy and
resolution of weather predictions.
``(e) Multi-Year Contracts.--The Under Secretary may enter into
multi-year contracts in accordance with section 3903 of title 41,
United States Code, and shall ensure compliance with all clauses
provided in such section to support operations, research, and
development related to high performance and cloud computing
infrastructure or systems with an unfunded contingent liability in the
event of cancellation.
``(f) Report.--Not later than two years after the date of the
enactment of this subsection, the Under Secretary shall submit to the
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the
Senate a report evaluating the following:
``(1) The effectiveness of the initiative required under
subsection (b), including applied research discoveries and
advanced modeling improvements achieved.
``(2) A best estimate of the overall value of high-resolution
probabilistic forecast guidance for hazardous weather or water
events (as such term is defined in section 406) using a next-
generation weather forecast and warning framework.
``(3) The needs for cloud computing, quantum computing, or
high-performance computing, visualization, and dissemination
collaboration between the Department of Energy and the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
``(4) A timeline and guidance for implementation of the
following:
``(A) High-resolution numerical weather prediction
models.
``(B) Methods for meeting the cloud computing,
quantum computing, or high-performance computing,
visualization, and dissemination needs identified under
paragraph (3).''.
SEC. 109. EARTH PREDICTION INNOVATION CENTER.
Paragraph (5) of section 102(b) of the Weather Research and
Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8512(b)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon; and
(2) by striking subparagraph (E) and inserting the following
new subparagraphs:
``(E) developing community weather research modeling
systems that--
``(i) are accessible by the public in
accordance with section 10601 of the James M.
Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2023 (15 U.S.C. 8512a) and
available for archive and long-term study;
``(ii) meet basic end-user requirements for
running on public computers and networks
located outside of secure National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration information and
technology systems;
``(iii) utilize, whenever appropriate and
cost-effective, innovative strategies and
methods, including cloud-based computing
capabilities, for hosting and management of
part or all of the system described in this
subparagraph;
``(iv) utilize modeling systems that allow
for interoperability with new model components,
modules, and next-generation software and
coding languages;
``(v) allow for open testing and integration
of promising operational model improvements
from the broader community;
``(vi) access as close to a real-time basis
as possible operational data and metadata,
including commercially purchased data for use
in Earth Prediction Innovation Center research
and development testing grounds pursuant to
redistribution restrictions, licensing
agreements, and applicable existing laws and
regulations; and
``(vii) provide supported and portable
versions of the unified forecast system,
including applications for hurricane, space
weather, ocean, cryosphere, air quality, and
coastal models, that can reproduce current
operational global and regional model
prediction; and
``(F) establishing a National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration Data Lake, to be maintained by the
Administration, a commercial partner, or non-profit
entity, that consolidates and maintains a publicly
available and continuously updated collection of data
and metadata used in numerical weather prediction for
use in the Earth Prediction Innovation Center's model
testing, pursuant to redistribution restrictions,
licensing agreements, and applicable existing laws and
regulations.''.
SEC. 110. SATELLITE ARCHITECTURE PLANNING.
Section 301 of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of
2017 (15 U.S.C. 8531) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking paragraph (1) and
redesignating paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) as paragraphs (1),
(2), and (3), respectively;
(2) by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
``(b) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Satellite
Systems and Data.--
``(1) In general.--The Under Secretary shall maintain a fleet
of Administration space-based observation platforms that
provide critical operations-focused data and information to
support the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's
mission to monitor the global environment in order to protect
lives and property from extreme weather and other natural
phenomena.
``(2) Collaboration.--The Under Secretary shall implement
recommendations from the NOAA Observing Systems Council to
ensure an appropriate mix of government, academic, commercial
sector, and international partnerships in the provision of data
and information, including a broadened effort on data
acquisition through the Commercial Data Program under section
302 when cost effective and beneficial to the Administration.
``(3) Priority.--The Under Secretary shall ensure that
Administration platforms maintained under paragraph (1)
prioritize the development of products and services that are
tailored to meet the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration's mission.
``(4) National centers for environmental information.--The
Under Secretary shall maintain the National Centers for
Environmental Information to provide a long-term archive and
access to the Administration's national and global data and
metadata.''; and
(3) in subsection (f)(1), by striking ``2023'' and inserting
``2030''.
SEC. 111. IMPROVING UNCREWED ACTIVITIES.
Subparagraph (G) of section 102(b)(3) of the Weather Research and
Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8512(b)(3)) is amended by
striking ``, including commercial observing systems'' and inserting ``,
including stationary and mobile commercial observing systems, such as
uncrewed aircraft and marine systems, to provide observations of the
atmosphere and ocean, and other observations, in cooperation with the
Office of Marine and Aviation Operations''.
SEC. 112. INTERAGENCY COUNCIL FOR ADVANCING METEOROLOGICAL SERVICES.
(a) In General.--Section 402 of the Weather Research and Forecasting
Innovation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8542) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``Advancing Weather Services'' and
inserting ``Advancing Meteorological Services (in this
section referred to as the `Interagency Council')'';
and
(B) by striking ``Committee'' each place it appears
and inserting ``Council'';
(2) by amending subsections (b) and (c) to read as follows:
``(b) Co-Chairs.--The Director of the Office of Science and
Technology Policy and the Under Secretary shall serve as co-chairs of
the Interagency Council. The Under Secretary shall serve as the Federal
Coordinator for Meteorology.
``(c) Further Coordination.--The Director of the Office of Science
and Technology Policy shall take such steps as are necessary to
coordinate the activities of the Federal Government with stakeholders
in the United States weather industry, academic partners, State
governments, and emergency managers, including by implementing
mechanisms to encourage and enable the participation of non-Federal
employees in the functions of the Interagency Council.'';
(3) by adding at the end the following new subsections:
``(d) Functions.--The Interagency Council shall be the formal
mechanism by which all relevant Federal departments and agencies
coordinate implementation of policy and practices to ensure United
States global leadership in meteorological services. In doing so, the
Interagency Council shall review programs and support relevant weather
research and forecast innovation activities, as well as other related
implementation activities, related to Federal meteorological services,
including by carrying out the following:
``(1) Identifying and helping prioritize meteorological
research and service delivery needs, including relating to
observations, operational systems, communications, and
infrastructure.
``(2) Providing recommendations to streamline or consolidate
activities and develop greater efficiencies in cross-agency
activities.
``(3) Leveraging Earth system science research outcomes of
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and other
relevant Federal departments and agencies, including research
outcomes related to the relevant recommended key science and
applications questions and priorities in the National Academies
of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's 2018 report `Thriving
on Our Changing Planet: A Decadal Strategy for Earth
Observation from Space', to understand and predict high-impact
weather phenomena.
``(4) Facilitating the expansion and strengthening of
partnerships with private sector entities to advance
meteorological research, communications, and computing in
collaboration with the Earth system science, service, and
stakeholder communities.
``(5) Sharing information regarding meteorological research
improvement needs and science opportunities across relevant
Federal departments and agencies.
``(6) Providing advice to all relevant Federal departments
and agencies regarding potential collaborations and expected
level of resources needed to maintain and operate the
Interagency Council.
``(7) Enhancing communication and coordination and promoting
sharing within relevant Federal departments and agencies and
across the Interagency Council.
``(8) Developing, recruiting, and sustaining a professional
and diverse workforce for meteorological research and services.
``(e) Data Inventory.--The Interagency Council, in coordination and
avoidance of duplication with the United States Group on Earth
Observations, shall promote data and metadata access and archive
activities to increase accessibility, interoperability, and reusability
by maintaining a data inventory of meteorological observations. Not
less frequently than annually for a period of five years beginning on
the date of the enactment of this subsection, the Interagency Council
shall solicit updated information from private sector entities
identifying current and near future sources of such data. Such data
shall be made available to member departments and agencies under
subsection (a).
``(f) Coordination Office.--The Interagency Meteorological
Coordination Office shall provide to the Interagency Council such
administrative and logistical support as the Interagency Council may
require, as determined by the co-chairs.
``(g) Cost Share.--Member departments and agencies of the Interagency
Council under subsection (a) may provide reimbursable financial support
to the Interagency Meteorological Coordinating Office to enhance cost-
sharing and collaboration related to weather research and forecast
innovation activities.
``(h) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the
enactment of this subsection and annually thereafter, the Interagency
Council shall publish a report which identifies among member agencies
the following:
``(1) Federal programs that use meteorological observations,
data sources, and capabilities.
``(2) Federal programs that acquire such data from private
sector entities.
``(3) Advancements in meteorological data collection,
assimilation, and forecasting that could improve Federal
programmatic operational capabilities.
``(4) Barriers to acquiring meteorological observations, data
sources, and capabilities that could be used to better meet
Federal programmatic needs.''.
(b) References.--Any reference to the Interagency Committee for
Advancing Weather Services in any law, rule, regulation, paper, record,
map, or other such document of the United States shall be deemed to be
a reference to the Interagency Council for Advancing Meteorological
Services.
SEC. 113. OCEAN OBSERVATIONS.
Subsection (b) of section 12304 of the Integrated Coastal and Ocean
Observation System Act of 2009 (33 U.S.C. 3603) is amended by adding at
the end the following new paragraph:
``(5) Ships of opportunity pilot program.--
``(A) In general.--The Administrator, in coordination
with the heads of relevant Federal departments and
agencies, shall, subject to relevant regulations and
certifications, maintain pilot programs or projects to
contract with research or commercial ship operators for
data collection and assess the potential costs,
benefits, and viability of a global network of ocean
and atmospheric observing instruments operating on
research or commercial ocean vessels, including in the
Arctic, in order to supplement the Integrated Coastal,
Great Lakes, and Ocean Observation System in improving
understanding of coastal and ocean systems and their
relationships to human activities.
``(B) Standards and specifications.--The
Administrator shall ensure that data acquired through
the pilot program established pursuant to subparagraph
(A) meets the most recent standards and specifications
required for observation services and data as published
pursuant to subsection (c) of section 302 of the
Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of
2017.
``(C) Report.--Not later than five years after the
date of the enactment of this paragraph, the
Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary of
Transportation, shall submit to Congress a report on
the requirements for a global network of ocean and
atmospheric instruments operating on research or
commercial ocean vessels for measurement and data
transmission.
``(D) Sunset.--This paragraph shall terminate on the
earlier of--
``(i) September 30, 2029; or
``(ii) one year after the date on which the
report required under subparagraph (B) is
submitted by the Administrator.''.
SEC. 114. CONSOLIDATION OF REPORTS.
(a) Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017.--
(1) In general.--The Weather Research and Forecasting
Innovation Act of 2017 is amended--
(A) in section 102 (15 U.S.C. 8512), by striking
subsection (d);
(B) by amending section 105 (15 U.S.C. 8515) to read
as follows:
``SEC. 105. WEATHER RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PLANNING.
``Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this
section and not less frequently than semiannually thereafter, the Under
Secretary, acting through the Assistant Administrator for Oceanic and
Atmospheric Research, and in coordination with the Director of the
National Weather Service and the Assistant Administrator for Satellite
and Information Services, shall issue a research and development and
research to operations plan to maintain United States leadership in
numerical weather prediction and forecasting that--
``(1) describes the forecasting skill and technology goals,
objectives, expected budget, and progress of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in carrying out the
program conducted under section 102;
``(2) identifies and prioritizes specific research and
development activities, data collection and analysis,
predictive modeling, demonstration of potential operational
forecast application, education, training, and performance
metrics, weighted to meet the operational weather and flood-
event mission of the National Weather Service to achieve a
weather-ready Nation;
``(3) describes how the program conducted under section 102
will collaborate with Federal agencies and departments,
international partners, and stakeholders, including the United
States weather industry and academic partners, and the role of
each in advancing weather forecasting and communication;
``(4) identifies, through consultation with the National
Science Foundation, the United States weather industry, and
academic partners, research necessary to advance the scientific
understanding of weather processes and provide information to
improve weather warning and forecast systems in the United
States most effectively; and
``(5) describes how the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration is advancing community weather modeling.'';
(C) in section 403 (15 U.S.C. 8543)--
(i) in subsection (a), by inserting ``the''
after ``Director of''; and
(ii) by amending subsection (d) to read as
follows:
``(d) Annual Briefing.--Not less frequently than once each year, the
Under Secretary shall brief the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology of the House of Representatives on participation in the
program under subsection (a) and shall highlight any innovations that
come from the interaction described in subsection (b).''; and
(D) by striking sections 408 through 411 and section
414 and redesignating sections 412 and 413 as sections
408 and 409, respectively.
(2) Clerical amendments.--The table of contents in section
1(b) of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of
2017 is amended by striking the items relating to sections 408
through 414 and inserting the following new items:
``Sec. 408. Weather enterprise outreach.
``Sec. 409. Hurricane hunter aircraft.''.
(b) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Authorization Act
of 1992.--The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Authorization Act of 1992 (Public Law 102-567) is amended--
(1) in section 106, by striking subsection (c) (15 U.S.C.
1537); and
(2) in section 108 (15 U.S.C. 8520)--
(A) by striking subsection (b); and
(B) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection
(b).
SEC. 115. NATIONAL LANDSLIDE HAZARDS REDUCTION PROGRAM.
Subsection (h) of section 3 of the National Landslide Preparedness
Act (43 U.S.C. 3102) is amended, in the matter preceding paragraph (1),
by striking ``2021 through 2024'' and inserting ``2024 through 2028''.
SEC. 116. AMENDMENTS TO THE HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM AND HYPOXIA RESEARCH
AND CONTROL ACT OF 1998.
(a) Assessments.--Section 603 of the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia
Research and Control Act of 1998 (33 U.S.C. 4001) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by renumbering paragraphs (13) and (14) as
paragraphs (14) and (15), respectively; and
(B) by inserting after paragraph (12) the following
new paragraph:
``(13) the Department of Energy;''.
(2) by striking subsections (b), (c), (d), (e), (h), and (i)
and redesignating subsections (f) and (g) as subsections (b)
and (c), respectively;
(3) in subsection (b), as so redesignated--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``coastal waters
including the Great Lakes'' and inserting ``marine,
estuarine, and freshwater systems''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as
follows:
``(A) examine the causes and ecological consequences
of hypoxia on marine and aquatic species in their
natural environments, and socio-cultural or economic
costs of hypoxia, including impacts on food safety and
security;'';
(ii) by redesignating subparagraphs (B)
through (D) as subparagraphs (D) through (F),
respectively;
(iii) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the
following new subparagraphs:
``(B) examine the effect of other environmental
stressors on hypoxia;
``(C) evaluate alternatives for reducing, mitigating,
and controlling hypoxia and its environmental
impacts;'';
(iv) in subparagraph (D), as so redesignated,
by inserting ``, social,'' after
``ecological''; and
(v) in subparagraph (E), as so redesignated,
by striking ``hypoxia modeling and monitoring
data'' and inserting ``hypoxia modeling,
forecasting, and monitoring and observation
data''; and
(4) in subsection (c), as so redesignated, by mending such
subsection to read as follows:
``(c) Action Strategy and Scientific Assessment for Marine and
Freshwater Harmful Algal Blooms.--
``(1) Not less often than once every five years, the Task
Force shall complete and submit to Congress an action strategy,
including a scientific assessment, of harmful algal blooms in
the United States (in this Act referred to as the `Action
Strategy'). Each such Action Strategy, including scientific
assessment, shall examine both marine and freshwater harmful
algal blooms, including those in the Great Lakes and upper
reaches of estuaries, those in freshwater lakes and rivers, and
those that originate in freshwater lakes or rivers and migrate
to coastal waters.
``(2) Each Action Strategy under this subsection shall--
``(A) examine the causes and ecological consequences,
and the socio-cultural or economic costs, including
impacts on food safety and security, of harmful algal
blooms;
``(B) examine the effect of other environmental
stressors on harmful algal blooms;
``(C) examine potential methods to prevent, control,
and mitigate harmful algal blooms and the potential
ecological, social, cultural, and economic costs and
benefits of such methods;
``(D) identify priorities for research needed to
advance techniques and technologies to detect, predict,
monitor, respond to, and minimize the occurrence,
duration, and severity of harmful algal blooms,
including recommendations to eliminate significant gaps
in harmful algal bloom forecasting, monitoring, and
observation data;
``(E) evaluate progress made by, and the needs of,
Task Force activities and actions to prevent, control,
and mitigate harmful algal blooms;
``(F) identify ways to improve coordination and
prevent unnecessary duplication of effort among Federal
departments and agencies with respect to research on
harmful algal blooms; and
``(G) include regional chapters relating to the
requirements described in this paragraph in order to
highlight geographically and ecologically diverse
locations with significant ecological, social,
cultural, and economic impacts from harmful algal
blooms.''.
(b) Consultations.--Section 102 of the Harmful Algal Bloom and
Hypoxia Amendments Act of 2004 (33 U.S.C. 4001a) is amended--
(1) by striking ``the coastal'';
(2) by inserting ``and'' after ``Indian tribes,'';
(3) by inserting ``and'' after ``local governments,''; and
(4) by striking ``with expertise in coastal zone science and
management'' and inserting ``with relevant expertise''.
(c) National Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Program.--Section 603A
of the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998
(33 U.S.C. 4002) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``predicting,'' and inserting
``monitoring, observing, forecasting,''; and
(ii) by striking ``and'' after the semicolon;
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by striking ``comprehensive research plan
and action strategy under section 603B'' and
inserting ``the Action Strategy, including
scientific assessment, under section 603(c)'';
and
(ii) by striking the period and inserting ``;
and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(3) the scientific assessment under section 603(b).'';
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (3), by striking ``ocean and Great
Lakes'' and inserting ``marine, estuarine, and
freshwater systems''; and
(B) in paragraph (5), by inserting ``while
recognizing each agency is acting under its own
independent mission and authority'' before the
semicolon;
(3) in subsection (d), by striking ``Except as provided in
subsection (h), the'' and inserting ``The'';
(4) in subsection (e)--
(A) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
``(2) examine, in collaboration with State and local entities
and Indian Tribes, including island communities, low-population
rural communities, Indigenous communities, subsistence
communities, fisheries, and recreation industries that are most
dependent on coastal and water resources that may be impacted
by marine and freshwater harmful algal blooms and hypoxia, the
causes, ecological consequences, cultural impacts, and social
and economic costs of harmful algal blooms and hypoxia;'';
(B) by striking paragraph (3);
(C) by redesignating paragraphs (4), (5), and (6) as
paragraphs (3), (4), and (5), respectively;
(D) in paragraph (3), as so redesignated--
(i) by striking ``to, regional'' and
inserting ``to regional''; and
(ii) by striking ``agencies'' and inserting
``entities, and regional coastal observing
systems (as such term is defined in section
12330(6) of the Integrated Coastal and Ocean
Observation System Act of 2009 (33 U.S.C.
3602(6)))'';
(E) in paragraph (5), as so redesignated, by
inserting ``and communities'' after ``ecosystems'';
(F) by inserting after paragraph (5) (as
redesignated) the following new paragraph:
``(6) support sustained observations, including through peer-
reviewed, merit-based, competitive grant funding, to provide
State and local entities, Indian Tribes, and others access to
real-time or near real-time observation data for decision-
making to protect human and ecological health and local
economies;'';
(G) in paragraph (8), by striking ``State and local''
and inserting ``State, local, and Tribal''; and
(H) in paragraph (9)(A), by striking ``tribal'' and
inserting ``Tribal'';
(5) by amending subsections (f) and (g) to read as follows:
``(f) Cooperative Efforts.--The Under Secretary shall work
cooperatively with and avoid duplication of effort of other agencies on
the Task Force, and with and of States, Indian tribes, and
nongovernmental organizations concerned with marine and freshwater
issues, and shall coordinate harmful algal bloom and hypoxia and
related activities and research.
``(g) Freshwater and Estuarine Program Duties.--
``(1) In general.--The Administrator, in coordination with
the Task Force, shall carry out the duties under subsection (e)
for freshwater and estuarine aspects of the Program through the
activities authorized under section 603C.
``(2) Nonduplication.--The Administrator shall ensure that
activities carried out under this subsection focus on new
approaches to addressing freshwater harmful algal blooms and
are not duplicative of existing research and development
programs authorized under this Act or any other law.''; and
(6) by amending subsection (h) to read as follows:
``(h) Anti-Deficiency Act Applied to Harmful Algal Bloom Services.--
Any services by an officer or employee under this title relating to the
immediate development and dissemination of the Harmful Algal Bloom
Operational Forecast System of the National Centers for Coastal Ocean
Science and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall
be considered, for purposes of section 1342 of title 31, United States
Code, services for emergencies involving the safety of human life or
the protection of property. Such consideration shall only apply to
areas with active harmful algal blooms during any lapse in
appropriations beginning on or after the date of the enactment of this
subsection.''.
(d) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Activities.--
(1) In general.--The Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research
and Control Act of 1998 is amended by amending section 603B (33
U.S.C. 4003) to read as follows:
``SEC. 603B. NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION
ACTIVITIES.
``(a) In General.--The Under Secretary shall--
``(1) carry out marine, coastal, and Great Lakes harmful
algal bloom and hypoxia events response activities;
``(2) develop and enhance operational harmful algal bloom
observing and forecasting programs, including operational
observations and forecasting, monitoring, modeling, data
management, and information dissemination;
``(3) maintain and enhance peer-reviewed, merit-based,
competitive grant funding relating to harmful algal blooms and
hypoxia to--
``(A) maintain and enhance baseline monitoring
programs established by the Program;
``(B) support the projects maintained and established
by the Program;
``(C) address the research and management needs and
priorities identified in the Action Strategy under
section 603(c);
``(D) accelerate the utilization of effective methods
of intervention and mitigation to reduce the frequency,
severity, and impacts of harmful algal bloom and
hypoxia events;
``(E) identify opportunities to improve monitoring of
harmful algal bloom and hypoxia, with a particular
focus on coastal waters that may affect fisheries,
public health, or subsistence harvest;
``(F) examine the effects of other environmental
stressors on harmful algal blooms and hypoxia;
``(G) assess the effects of multiple environmental
stressors on living marine resources and coastal
ecosystems; and
``(H) evaluate adaptation and mitigation strategies
to address the impacts of harmful algal blooms and
hypoxia;
``(4) enhance communication and coordination among Federal
agencies carrying out marine and freshwater harmful algal bloom
and hypoxia activities and research;
``(5) to the greatest extent practicable, leverage existing
resources and expertise available from local research
universities and institutions; and
``(6) use cost effective methods in carrying out this
section.
``(b) Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System.--The
collection of monitoring and observing data under this section shall
comply with all data standards and protocols developed pursuant to the
Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009 (33 U.S.C.
3601 et seq.). Such data shall be made available through the system
established under that Act.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of contents in section 2
of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1998 is amended by
amending the item relating to section 603B to read as follows:
``Sec. 603B. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
activities.''.
(e) Environmental Protection Agency Activities.--
(1) In general.--The Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research
and Control Act of 1998 is amended by inserting after section
603B, as amended by subsection (d), the following new section:
``SEC. 603C. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY ACTIVITIES.
``The Administrator shall--
``(1) carry out research on the ecology and human health
impacts of freshwater harmful algal blooms;
``(2) develop and maintain forecasting and monitoring of, and
event response to, freshwater harmful algal blooms in lakes,
reservoirs, rivers, and estuaries (including tributaries
thereof);
``(3) enhance communication and coordination among Federal
agencies carrying out freshwater harmful algal bloom and
hypoxia activities and research;
``(4) to the greatest extent practicable, leverage existing
resources and expertise available from local research
universities and institutions; and
``(5) use cost effective methods in carrying out this
section.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of contents in section 2
of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1998 is amended by
inserting after the item relating to section 603B, as amended
by subsection (e), the following new item:
``Sec. 603C. Environmental Protection Agency activities.''.
(f) National Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Observing Network.--
(1) In general.--The Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research
and Control Act of 1998 is amended by amending section 606 (33
U.S.C. 4005) to read as follows:
``SEC. 606. NATIONAL HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM OBSERVING NETWORK.
``(a) In General.--The Under Secretary, acting through the National
Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) and the Integrated Ocean
Observing System (IOOS) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, shall integrate Federal, State, regional, and local
observing capabilities to establish a national network of harmful algal
bloom observing systems for the monitoring, detection, and forecasting
of harmful algal blooms by leveraging the capacity of IOOS regional
associations, including through the incorporation of emerging
technologies and new data integration methods, such as artificial
intelligence.
``(b) Coordination.-- In carrying out subsection (a), the IOOS
Program Office shall--
``(1) coordinate with NCCOS regarding observations, data
integration, and information dissemination; and
``(2) establish a Harmful Algal Bloom Data Assembly Center to
integrate, disseminate, and provide a central architecture to
support ecological forecasting.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of contents in section 2
of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1998 is amended by
amending the item relating to section 606 to read as follows:
``Sec. 606. National harmful algal bloom observing network.''.
(g) Definitions.--Section 609 of the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia
Research and Control Act of 1998 (33 U.S.C. 4008) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``means the comprehensive
research plan and action strategy established under section
603B'' and inserting ``means the action strategy, including
scientific assessment, for marine and freshwater harmful algal
blooms established under section 603(c)'';
(2) by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows:
``(3) Appropriate federal official.--The term `appropriate
Federal official' means--
``(A) in the case of marine systems or Great Lakes
hypoxia or harmful algal bloom event, including those
in estuarine areas, the Under Secretary of Commerce for
Oceans and Atmosphere; and
``(B) in the case of a freshwater hypoxia or harmful
algal bloom event, the Administrator of the
Environmental Protection Agency, in consultation with
the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and
Atmosphere.''.
(3) by striking paragraph (9);
(4) by redesignating paragraphs (4), (5), (6), (7), and (8)
as paragraphs (6), (7), (9), (10), and (11);
(5) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new
paragraphs:
``(4) Harmful algal bloom; harmful algal bloom and hypoxia
event.--
``(A) Harmful algal bloom.--The term `harmful algal
bloom' means marine or freshwater algae or macroalgae,
including Sargassum, that proliferate to high
concentrations, resulting in nuisance conditions or
harmful impacts on marine and freshwater ecosystems,
communities, or human health through the production of
toxic compounds or other biological, chemical, or
physical impacts of the algae outbreak.
``(B) Harmful algal bloom and hypoxia event.--The
term `harmful algal bloom and hypoxia event' means the
occurrence of a harmful algal bloom or hypoxia as a
result of a natural, anthropogenic, or undetermined
cause.
``(5) Harmful algal bloom or hypoxia event of significance.--
The term `harmful algal bloom or hypoxia event of significance'
means a harmful algal bloom or hypoxia event that has had or
will likely have significant detrimental environmental,
economic, social, subsistence use, or public health impacts.'';
(6) in paragraph (6), as so redesignated--
(A) by striking ``aquatic'' and inserting ``marine or
freshwater''; and
(B) by striking ``resident'' and inserting ``marine
or freshwater''; and
(7) by inserting after paragraph (7), as so redesignated, the
following new paragraph:
``(8) Subsistence use.--The term `subsistence use' means the
customary and traditional use of fish, wildlife, or other
freshwater, coastal, or marine resources by any individual or
community to meet personal or family needs, including essential
economic, nutritional, or cultural applications.''.
(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 610 of the Harmful
Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998 (33 U.S.C.
4009) is amended--
(1) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
``(a) In General.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the
Under Secretary to carry out this title $27,500,000 for each of fiscal
years 2024 through 2028.''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(c) Transfer Authority.--The Under Secretary is authorized to make
a direct non-expenditure transfer of funds authorized to be
appropriated pursuant to subsection (a) to the head of any Federal
department or agency, with the concurrence of such head, to carry out,
as appropriate, relevant provisions of this title.''.
(i) National Level Incubator Program.--
(1) In general.--The Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research
and Control Act of 1998 is amended by adding at the end the
following new section:
``SEC. 611. NATIONAL LEVEL INCUBATOR PROGRAM.
``(a) In General.--The Under Secretary, in collaboration with
research universities and institutions, shall establish a national
level incubator program to increase the number of available control
strategies and technologies relating to harmful algal blooms. Such
incubator shall establish a framework for preliminary assessments of
novel harmful algal bloom prevention, mitigation, and control
technologies in order to determine the potential for effectiveness and
scalability.
``(b) Operation.--The incubator under subsection (a) shall provide
merit-based funding for harmful algal bloom control strategies and
technologies that eliminate or reduce through biological, chemical, or
physical means the levels of harmful algae and associated toxins.
``(c) Database.--The incubator under subsection (a) shall include a
database to catalog the licensing and permitting requirements, economic
costs, feasibility, effectiveness, and scalability of both novel and
established prevention, control, and mitigation measures.
``(d) Prioritization.--In carrying out the incubator under subsection
(a), the Under Secretary shall prioritize proposed activities that
would, to the maximum extent practicable--
``(1) protect key habitats for fish and wildlife;
``(2) maintain biodiversity;
``(3) protect public health;
``(4) protect coastal resources of national, historical, and
cultural significance; or
``(5) seek to partially or fully benefit communities of
color, low-income communities, Indian Tribes or Indigenous
communities, and rural communities.''.
(2) Clerical amendments.--The table of contents in section 2
of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1998 is amended by
inserting after the item relating to section 610 the following
new item:
``Sec. 611. National level incubator program.''.
(j) Harmful Algal Bloom or Hypoxia Event of Significance.--Subsection
(g) of section 9 of the National Integrated Drought Information System
Reauthorization Act of 2018 (33 U.S.C. 4010) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in subparagraph (B), by adding at the end the
following new sentence: ``The appropriate Federal
official may waive the non-Federal share requirements
of this subsection if such official determines no
reasonable means are available through which the
recipient of the Federal share can meet the non-Federal
share requirement.''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following new
subparagraph:
``(D) Contract, grant, and cooperative agreement
authority.--The Under Secretary may enter into
agreements and grants with States, Indian Tribes, local
governments, or other entities to pay for or reimburse
costs incurred for the purposes of supporting the
determination of and assessing the environmental,
economic, social, subsistence use, and public health
effects of a harmful algal bloom or hypoxia event of
significance.'';
(2) in paragraph (2)(A), by inserting ``, leadership official
of an affected Indian Tribe, the executive official of the
District of Columbia, or a territory or possession of the
United States, including Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam,
the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Trust
Territories of the Pacific Islands, and American Samoa, if
affected'' after ``State''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(4) Funding authority.--To carry out this subsection,
notwithstanding any other provision of law, there is authorized
to be appropriated from the amounts made available to the Under
Secretary $2,000,000, to remain available until expended.''.
(k) Protect Families From Toxic Algal Blooms.--Section 128 of the
Water Resources Development Act of 2020 (33 U.S.C. 610 note) is
amended--
(1) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (f); and
(2) by inserting after subsection (d) the following new
subsection:
``(e) Harmful Algal Bloom Technologies.--In carrying out the
demonstration program under subsection (a), the Secretary may enter
into agreements with water and irrigation districts located in the
focus areas described in subsections (c) and (d) for the use or sale of
any new technologies developed under the program to expedite the
removal of harmful algal blooms in such areas.''.
TITLE II--ENHANCING FEDERAL WEATHER FORECASTING AND INNOVATION
SEC. 201. WEATHER INNOVATION FOR THE NEXT GENERATION.
(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary shall establish a Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation Program (in this section referred to
as the ``Program'') to ensure the continued performance of weather
radar capabilities, including systems currently being developed, with
interferences in the line of sight of such radar.
(b) Requirements.--In carrying out the Program, the Under Secretary,
in consultation with the Interagency Council for Advancing
Meteorological Services, shall--
(1) partner with the private sector, academia, Federal,
State, and local government entities, and any other entity the
Under Secretary considers appropriate;
(2) identify, evaluate, and test existing or near-commercial
technologies and solutions that improve radar coverage and
performance, including by mitigating the potential impact of
interferences on weather radar;
(3) to the maximum extent practicable, research additional
solutions that could mitigate the effects of interferences on
weather radar, such as--
(A) signal processing algorithms;
(B) short-term forecasting algorithms to replace
contaminated data;
(C) the use of dual polarization characteristics in
mitigating the effects of wind turbines on weather
radar; and
(D) gap filling radars to provide supplemental or
replacement observations in impacted areas; and
(4) develop, support, or partner with developers to provide
commercially viable technical mitigation solutions for
interferences to weather radar capabilities that are compatible
with the operational requirements of the weather radar systems.
(c) Priority.--In carrying out subsection (b), the Under Secretary
shall prioritize consideration of the following technology-based
mitigation solutions:
(1) Phased array weather radar systems.
(2) Supplementing or replacing contaminated data with
commercial radar data.
(3) The utilization of data from private sector associated
meteorological towers or similar capabilities.
(4) The display on local forecasting equipment of wind farm
boundaries and consolidated wind farm areas.
(5) The installation and provision of access to rain gauges.
(6) Any other technology-based mitigation solution the Under
Secretary determines could improve radar coverage by overcoming
interferences, beam blockage, or ghost echoes.
(d) Report; Recommendation.--
(1) In general.--Not later than two years after the date of
the enactment of this section and annually thereafter until the
Program terminates pursuant to subsection (e), the Under
Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the
implementation of the Program, including an evaluation of each
technology-based mitigation solution identified for priority
consideration pursuant to subsection (c), and a recommendation
regarding additional identification and testing of new
technologies based on such consideration.
(2) Final recommendation.--Not later than five years after
the date of the enactment of this section, the Under Secretary
shall provide to Congress a recommendation on whether
additional research, testing, and development through the
Program established under subsection (a) is needed, and a
determination of whether a cessation of field research,
testing, development and evaluation is appropriate.
(e) Termination.--The authority of the Under Secretary to carry out
the Program shall terminate on the earlier of--
(1) September 30, 2029; or
(2) one year after the date on which the final recommendation
required under subsection (d)(2) is submitted by the Under
Secretary.
(f) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Beam blockage.--The term ``beam blockage'' means a signal
that is partially or fully blocked due to an interference.
(2) Ghost echo.--The term ``ghost echo'' means radar signal
reflectivity or velocity return errors in radar data due to the
proximity of an interference.
(3) Interference.--The term ``interference'' includes the
following:
(A) a wind turbine that could limit the effectiveness
of a weather radar system;
(B) any building that disrupts or limits the
effectiveness of a weather radar system; or
(C) any other natural or human built structure that
affects a weather radar system.
SEC. 202. NEXT GENERATION RADAR.
(a) In General.--The Under Secretary shall develop a plan to replace
the Next Generation Weather Radar of the National Weather Service
(``NEXRAD'') system in existence as of the date of the enactment of
this section.
(b) Procurement Deadline.--The Under Secretary shall take such
actions as may be necessary to ensure the replacement described in
subsection (a) is completed by not later than September 30, 2040.
(c) Elements.--The plan developed pursuant to subsection (a) shall
include the following:
(1) Estimates of quantifiable improvements in radar
performance and service delivery, including coverage and
accuracy, to be made from replacement of the NEXRAD system
referred to in such subsection.
(2) Development of a digital phased array radar test article
designed to test and determine the specifications and
requirements for such replacement.
(3) Establishment of a weather surveillance radar testbed for
the following:
(A) Evaluation of commercial radars with the
potential to replace or supplement the NEXRAD system.
(B) Providing technical assistance for commercial
replacement or supplemental radars, including data void
filling radars in regions where geographical topography
prevents full utilization of conventional systems.
(4) Consultation and input solicited from meteorologists,
emergency managers, and public safety officials regarding the
specifications and requirements for the replacement of the
NEXRAD system referred in such subsection.
(5) Prioritized locations for initial deployment of the
replacement system described in subsection (a) that will
replace the NEXRAD system.
(6) Expected locations of such replacement system described
in subsection (a), including sites located more than 75 miles
away from an existing NEXRAD station and additional appropriate
locations.
(d) Radar-as-a-Service.--
(1) In general.--In order to supplement data voids in radar
coverage in existence as of the date of the enactment of this
section and ensure the continued performance of weather radar
capabilities, the Under Secretary may utilize and contract with
third party entities to fill such low-level and wide-area radar
data voids using diverse weather radars and data assimilation
technologies to better detect significant precipitation and
severe weather over a greater area across the population.
(2) Considerations.--In carrying out the activities under
paragraph (1), the Under Secretary may consider--
(A) utilizing and contracting with third-party
entities that have participated in the testbed
established in accordance with subsection (c)(3), the
National Mesonet Program, or Cooperative Research and
Development Agreements; and
(B) weather camera systems and services, including
systems and services in consultation with the Federal
Aviation Administration, as viable technologies to
supplement weather forecasting and prediction needs.
(e) Updates to Congress.--The Under Secretary shall provide to the
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate periodic updates on the implementation of
this section.
SEC. 203. DATA VOIDS IN HIGHLY VULNERABLE AREAS OF THE UNITED STATES.
(a) In General.--The Under Secretary, in coordination with the
Director of the National Weather Service and the Administrator of the
Federal Emergency Management Agency, in consultation with the United
States weather industry, academic partners, and in accordance with
activities implemented through existing regional atmospheric, coastal,
ocean, and Great Lakes observing systems, shall carry out activities to
ensure equitable and comprehensive weather observation coverage and
emergency information sharing in the United States, including relating
to the following:
(1) Reviewing areas in the continental United States and the
territories that are considered under-observed, underserved, or
highly vulnerable for weather phenomenon, including urban and
offshore regions, and identifying associated challenges to
providing such coverage.
(2) Increasing weather observations and developing new
weather observational capabilities, such as urban heat island
mapping campaigns, with respect to under-observed, underserved,
or highly vulnerable regions.
(3) Establishing or supporting testbeds to develop and
integrate new weather, water, and climate observation or
emergency information sharing tools, such as next generational
or supplemental radars for weather observations, in under-
observed, underserved, or highly vulnerable regions.
(4) To the maximum extent practicable, advancing weather and
water forecasting and climate modeling capabilities for under-
observed, underserved, or highly vulnerable regions.
(5) Undertaking workforce development efforts for emergency
management officials and meteorologists in under-observed,
underserved, or highly vulnerable areas, including urban
regions, of the United States.
(6) Using data void filling observations to better resolve
extreme rainfall in complex topography.
(7) Contributing to a national integrated heat health
information systems.
(b) Pilot Program.--In carrying out this section, the Under
Secretary, acting through the Director of the National Weather Service
and the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, shall
establish an interagency partnership to support pilot projects that
accelerate coordination and use of localized weather, water, and
climate data and impact-based communications in infrastructure and
emergency management decisions by Federal, State, and local officials.
(c) Priority.--At least one pilot project under subsection (b) shall
address key science challenges to using mesonet data in local decision
making and development of new tools and training for owners and
operators of critical infrastructure (as such term is defined in
section 1016(e) of Public Law 107-56 (42 U.S.C. 5195c(e))), such as
dams, energy generation and distribution facilities, nuclear power
plants, and transportation networks.
SEC. 204. ATMOSPHERIC RIVERS FORECAST IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Under Secretary, in collaboration with the
United States weather industry and academic partners, shall establish
an atmospheric river forecast improvement program (in this section
referred to as the ``program'').
(b) Goal.--The goal of the program shall be to reduce through the
development and extension of accurate, effective, and actionable
forecasts and warnings the loss of life or property from atmospheric
rivers, including by--
(1) establishing quantitative atmospheric river forecast
skill metrics that include quantifying the benefits of
dynamical modeling, data assimilation, and machine learning
improvements in the probabilistic forecasts of landfall
location, extreme wind and precipitation, and cascading
impacts;
(2) developing an atmospheric river forecast system within
the unified forecast system, and advancing next-generation
coupled modeling systems, with the capability of providing
seasonal to short-range atmospheric river forecasts that
include forecast of snow accumulation and other hydrologic
components;
(3) advancing scientific understanding of the roles of
atmospheric rivers in subseasonal to seasonal precipitation and
probabilistic predictions at subseasonal and seasonal scales;
(4) developing tools and improved forecast products to
predict periods of active or inactive atmospheric river
landfalls and inland penetration over the western United States
with a focus on addressing stakeholder and public needs related
to perceiving, comprehending, and responding to atmospheric
river forecast improvements; and
(5) enhancing research transition to operations through the
Administration's testbeds, including the evaluation of physical
and social science, technology, and other research to develop
products and services for implementation and use by relevant
stakeholders.
(c) Innovative Observations and Modeling.--The Under Secretary shall
ensure the program periodically examines, tests, and evaluates the
value of incorporating innovative observations, such as novel sensor
technologies, observation networks, soil moisture monitoring systems,
reservoir storage data, observations from crewed or uncrewed systems,
and hosted instruments on commercial aircrafts, vessels, and
satellites, and data assimilation tools, with respect to the
improvement of atmospheric river forecasts, predictions, and warnings.
(d) Program Plan.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary shall develop a plan that
details the specific research, development, data acquisition, and
technology transfer activities, as well as corresponding resources,
limitations, and timelines, necessary to achieve the goal of the
program under subsection (b).
(e) Annual Budget for Plan Submittal.--After the development of the
plan pursuant to subsection (d), the Under Secretary shall, not less
frequently than annually, submit to Congress a proposed budget
corresponding with the activities identified in such plan.
SEC. 205. COASTAL FLOODING AND STORM SURGE FORECAST IMPROVEMENT
PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Under Secretary, in collaboration with the
Integrated Ocean Observing System, the United States weather industry,
and academic partners, shall establish a coastal flooding and storm
surge forecast improvement program (in this section referred to as the
``program'').
(b) Goal.--The goal of the program shall be to reduce through the
development and extension of accurate, effective, actionable, and
probable forecasts and warnings the loss of life or property from
coastal flooding, including high tide flooding, and storm surge events.
(c) Priority.--In implementing the program, the Under Secretary shall
prioritize activities that carry out the following:
(1) Improving understanding and capacity for real-time
operational prediction of the ocean's role in coastal flooding,
including high tide flooding, and storm surge events.
(2) Improving the capacity to mitigate or prevent the impacts
of coastal flooding, including high tide flooding, and storm
surge events, including by improving the understanding and
capacity of coastal communities to perceive, comprehend, and
respond to forecast information.
(3) Incorporating data from in situ distributed sensors into
models.
(4) Developing probabilistic coastal flooding, including high
tide flooding, and storm surge estimates to complement worst-
case scenario estimates, including for use in long-term
planning and risk management by States, Tribal governments,
localities, and emergency managers in coordination with the
Federal Emergency Management Agency, as appropriate.
(5) Establishing skill metrics for coastal inundation
forecasting that quantify the benefits of dynamical modeling,
data assimilation, and machine learning improvements in the
probabilistic forecast of coastal flooding, including high tide
flooding, and storm surge risk and impacts.
(6) Improving operational regional storm surge and wave
prediction models to enhance probabilistic guidance and
messaging.
(d) Innovative Observations and Modeling.--The Under Secretary shall
ensure the program periodically examines, tests, and evaluates the
value of incorporating enhanced model physics, hybrid dynamical or
machine learning based prediction systems, and innovative observations,
such as novel sensor technologies, observation networks, crewed or
uncrewed systems, and hosted instruments on commercial aircrafts,
vessels, and satellites, with respect to the improvement of coastal
flooding, including high tide flooding, and storm surge forecasts,
predictions, and warnings.
(e) Program Plan.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary shall develop a plan that
details the specific research, development, data acquisition, and
technology transfer activities, as well as corresponding resources and
timelines, necessary to achieve the goal of the program under
subsection (b).
(f) Annual Budget for Plan Submittal.--After the development of the
plan pursuant to subsection (e), the Under Secretary shall, not less
frequently than annually, submit to Congress a proposed budget
corresponding with the activities identified in such plan.
SEC. 206. AVIATION WEATHER AND DATA INNOVATION.
(a) Program.--The Under Secretary shall maintain an airborne
observation program (in this section referred to as the ``program'')
for the acquisition of atmospheric sensor data and the deployment of
critical atmospheric sensors, including in partnership with the weather
enterprise.
(b) Activities.--The program shall include activities that carry out
the following:
(1) Procurement of weather data available from commercial
aircraft, as determined by the Under Secretary.
(2) Acquisition of additional vertical profile observations
that provide spatial and temporal density, as determined by the
Under Secretary.
(3) Analysis of procured data when incorporated into the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's unified
forecast system in order to provide improved forecast
information for aircraft.
(c) Budget.--The Under Secretary shall, not less frequently than
annually, submit to Congress a proposed budget corresponding with the
activities described in subsection (b), including and analysis of
activities that can be complemented by National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration aircraft.
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--From amounts made available to
the Commercial Data Program under section 302 of the Weather Research
and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017, there is authorized to be
appropriated up to $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through
2028 to carry out the program.
(e) Aviation Weather and Turbulence Forecasting.--The Director of the
National Weather Service shall include turbulence events, icing
conditions, or other phenomena in the forecasting capabilities of the
National Weather Service's Aviation Weather Center, and deliver
operational forecasts with consistent, timely, and accurate weather and
turbulence information for the airspace system and the protection of
lives and property.
(f) Coordination.--In carrying out subsection (e), the Director of
the National Weather Service shall give consideration to
recommendations from the Administrator of the Federal Aviation
Administration in furtherance of section 44720 of title 49, United
States Code, and improve weather and turbulence forecasting
capabilities by--
(1) designating or establishing within the Federal Government
an interagency working group to determine weather and
environmental data or observation requirements, needs, and
potential solutions related to aviation weather and turbulence
modeling or forecasting;
(2) identifying current and future potential data gaps
related to turbulence events or phenomena that can--
(A) identify or inform route specific flight
planning; and
(B) be supplemented or filled by commercial aviation
tools;
(3) transitioning research initiatives and pilot programs,
including a pilot program of instrumentation for observing
greenhouse gases and other atmospheric factors deployed on
commercial aircraft and supporting the evaluation of a
sustained observing network using such platforms, into
operations that improve the forecasting missions of the
Aviation Weather Center;
(4) developing and deploying improved probabilistic aviation
weather forecast guidance technology; and
(5) updating interagency agreements as appropriate, including
to address reimbursable agreements.
(g) Next Generation Aviation Research.--Paragraph (3) of section
102(b) of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017
(15 U.S.C. 8512(b)), is amended--
(1) by redesignating subparagraphs (F) and (G) as
subparagraphs (G) and (H), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after subparagraph (E) the following new
subparagraph:
``(F) aviation weather phenomena, including
atmospheric composition and turbulence, to improve
scientific understanding and forecast capabilities for
the airspace system;''.
(h) Aviation Information Dissemination.--The Under Secretary shall
ensure the Aviation Weather Center is able, to the maximum extent
possible, to disseminate in a timely manner full resolution aviation
weather data, forecasts, and information to meet the needs of aviation
users.
SEC. 207. NESDIS JOINT VENTURE PARTNERSHIP TRANSITION PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Assistant Administrator of the National
Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service, in consultation
with the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration, shall administer broad agency announcements and other
transactional authority or contracting mechanisms, on an annual or more
frequent basis, to support a joint venture partnership program that
allows the Service to prioritize engagement with the private sector,
academia, and other Federal departments and agencies.
(b) Transition Program.--To support the development of next-
generation technologies, missions, data systems, spacecraft, and
instrument design, the Assistant Administrator of the National
Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service, in consultation
with the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration, shall maintain a program to transition selected awards
from research and study phases into demonstration. In selecting
awardees for demonstrations, the Assistant Administrator shall consider
technologies, missions, data systems, spacecraft, and instrument design
that--
(1) improve upon the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration's satellite architecture;
(2) have a direct impact on implementing the recommendations
of the Administration's 2018 Satellite Observing System
Architecture Study, ``Building a Plan for NOAA's 21st Century
Satellite Observing System''; and
(3) meet current or future mission requirements.
(c) Operational Planning.--In carrying out the transition program
under subsection (b), the Assistant Administrator of the National
Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service shall monitor
demonstration phase progress and plan for promising results that meet
mission requirements to be transitioned into National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration's operational satellite architecture.
(d) Annual Plan.--The Assistant Administrator of the National
Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service shall submit to
the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation an annual plan that outlines the
progress made in the joint venture partnership program under subsection
(a), the transition program for demonstrations under section (b), and
transition to operational architecture planning under subsection (c).
(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--From amounts authorized to be
appropriated to the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and
Information Service, there is authorized to be appropriated $20,000,000
for fiscal years 2024 through 2028 to carry out to this section.
SEC. 208. ADVANCED WEATHER INTERACTIVE PROCESSING SYSTEM.
(a) In General.--The Under Secretary, acting through the Director of
the National Weather Service, shall develop a strategy to transition
operations of the Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System to an
operational cloud-based environment in order to enable a more nimble,
flexible, and mobile workforce.
(b) Services.--The Under Secretary shall ensure that the Advanced
Weather Interactive Processing System in an operational cloud-based
environment referred to in subsection (a) provides impact-based
decision support services to emergency managers at the Federal, State,
local, and Tribal levels, and continues to provide the following
services:
(1) Integrating and displaying forecast data, including
meteorological, hydrological, climate, ocean, satellite, and
radar data, for National Weather Service field offices and
national centers.
(2) Acquiring and processing observational data from sensors
and local sources.
(3) Providing an interactive communications system, including
the satellite broadcast network, to connect relevant National
Weather Service employees and sites.
(4) Initiating the dissemination of weather, water, marine,
ecological, climate, aviation, and space warnings and forecasts
in a rapid and highly reliable manner.
(c) Elements.--The transition strategy developed pursuant to
subsection (a) may include the following:
(1) Establishment or support of testbeds, pilot projects, and
functional testing activities to facilitate remote evaluation
and automated testing.
(2) Coordinated training efforts needed for Federal and non-
Federal users and operators of the Advanced Weather Interactive
Processing System in an operational cloud-based environment
referred to in subsection (a).
(3) Evaluation of bandwidth requirements to achieve a quality
user experience.
(4) Installation of circuits to reduce lapses in network
operations and support backup functions.
(5) Establishment of a cloud-based, remotely accessible
repository for data referred to in subsection (b)(2).
(6) Development and deployment of virtualized systems to
replace physical hardware at operational sites.
(7) Evaluation of commercial cloud providers, including
hybrid approaches, to meet mission needs.
(8) Development, testing, demonstration, evaluation, and
operationalization of forecast and warning products, consistent
with the mission and scientific expertise of the
Administration.
(d) Transition Deadline.--The Under Secretary shall take such actions
as may be necessary to ensure the transition strategy described in
subsection (a) is completed by not later than September 30, 2030.
(e) Updates to Congress.--The Under Secretary shall submit to the
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate periodic updates on the implementation of
this section.
(f) Continued Innovation.--Nothing in this section may be construed
as prohibiting the development of new forecast capabilities, sub-
systems, or implementing modeling advancements on the operational
computing systems of the Administration.
SEC. 209. REANALYSIS AND REFORECASTING.
The Under Secretary may support reanalysis and reforecasting
activities within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
including through the hazardous weather testbed of the Administration,
for improving weather forecasts, extreme weather predictions, and
weather and climate datasets.
SEC. 210. NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WORKFORCE.
(a) Hiring.--The Director of the National Weather Service shall
annually submit to the Under Secretary and Congress an assessment of
the milestones, timelines, and service level expectations required for
the expeditious hiring and timely on-boarding of employees of the
National Weather Service. Each such assessment may include the
following:
(1) Recommendations to outsource hiring to any entity other
than the National Weather Service in order to meet such
milestones, timelines, and service level expectations.
(2) Determinations of the number of staff and designated
positions required at each forecasting office to provide
services to protect lives and property in the geographic region
of responsibility.
(b) Health and Morale Assessment.--The Director of the National
Weather Service shall contract or continue to partner with an entity
other than the National Weather Service to conduct an assessment of
medical impacts, including stress and long-term health impacts, on
National Weather Service employees related to required rotating shift
work. Such assessment may include options for mitigating such impacts
on employees and recommendations for improving benefits related to
required rotating shift work.
(c) Designation of Service Hydrologist.--
(1) In general.--The Director of the National Weather Service
may designate at least one service hydrologist at each Weather
Forecast Office of the National Weather Service.
(2) Limitation.--Nothing in this section may be construed to
authorize or require a change in the authorized number of full
time equivalent employees of the National Weather Service or
otherwise result in the employment of any additional employees.
(3) Performance by other employees.--Notwithstanding
paragraphs (4) and (5), the Director of the National Weather
Service may assign the performance of the responsibilities
described in this subsection to such other staff of the
National Weather Service as the Director considers appropriate
(4) Responsibilities.--In order to increase impact-based
decision support services, each service coordination
hydrologist designated under paragraph (1) shall, with respect
to hydrology, carry out the following:
(A) Be responsible for providing service to the
geographic area of responsibility covered by the
Weather Forecast Office at which the service
coordination hydrologist is employed to help ensure
that users of products and services of the National
Weather Service can respond effectively to improve
outcomes from flood events.
(B) Liaise with users of products and services of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, such
as emergency managers, the public, academia, media
outlets, users in the hydropower, transportation,
recreation, and agricultural communities, and forestry,
land, fisheries, and water management interests, to
evaluate the adequacy and usefulness of the products
and services referred to in subparagraph (A), including
extended range streamflow forecasts, water supply
forecasts, drought outlooks, flood inundation mapping,
coastal inundation, and flood warnings.
(C) Collaborate with the National Water Center, River
Forecast Centers, other Weather Forecast Offices, the
National Integrate Drought Information System,
Administration offices, and Federal, State, local, and
Tribal government agencies, as the Director considers
appropriate, in developing, proposing, and implementing
plans to develop, modify, or tailor such products and
services to improve the usefulness of such products and
services.
(D) Engage in interagency partnerships with Federal,
State, local, and Tribal government agencies to explore
the use of forecast-informed reservoir operations to
reduce flood risk and inform decisions related to water
resources management.
(E) Ensure the maintenance and accuracy of flooding
and water resource management partner call lists,
appropriate office hydrologic service policy or
procedures, and other hydrologic information or
dissemination methodologies or strategies.
(F) Work closely with Federal, State, local, and
Tribal emergency and floodplain management agencies,
and other agencies relating to disaster management, to
ensure a planned, coordinated, and effective
preparedness and response effort.
(5) Additional responsibilities.--A service coordination
hydrologist designated under this subsection may, with respect
to hydrology--
(A) work with a State agency to develop plans for
promoting more effective use of products and services
of the National Weather Service throughout the State
concerned;
(B) identify priority community preparedness
objectives;
(C) develop plans to carry out the responsibilities
described in paragraph (4); and
(D) conduct flooding event preparedness planning and
citizen education efforts with and through various
State, local, and Tribal government agencies and other
disaster management-related organizations.
TITLE III--COMMERCIAL WEATHER AND ENVIRONMENTAL OBSERVATIONS
SEC. 301. COMMERCIAL DATA PROGRAM.
The Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 is
amended by striking section 302 (15 U.S.C. 8532) and inserting the
following new section:
``SEC. 302. COMMERCIAL DATA PROGRAM.
``(a) Program Establishment.--The Under Secretary, in coordination
with the heads of appropriate offices of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, shall maintain a Commercial Data Program to
coordinate and execute acquisition of weather and environmental data
and services from private sector entities for operational use.
``(b) Program Elements.--The Under Secretary shall acquire satellite,
ground-based, airborne, or marine-based in situ, remote sensing, or
crowd-sourced data and services for operational use relating to weather
and environmental forecasting and modeling. The Under Secretary shall
ensure the Commercial Data Program coordinates, collaborates, and
ensures access to data across the Administration, including among the
following:
``(1) The National Mesonet Program.
``(2) The Aircraft Based Observation Program.
``(3) The U.S. Integrated Ocean Observation Program,
including existing regional associations.
``(4) The National Integrated Drought Information System,
including the National Coordinated Soil Moisture Monitoring
Network.
``(5) The Global Ocean Monitoring and Observing Program.
``(6) The National Data Buoy Center.
``(7) The Uncrewed Systems Operation Center.
``(8) The Ocean Exploration Program.
``(9) Any other program or office the Under Secretary
determines appropriate.
``(c) Standards and Specifications.--Not later than 180 days after
the date of the enactment of this section and on a continuous basis
thereafter, the Under Secretary shall publish data, metadata, and
service standards and specifications required for acquired observation
services and data for use, licensing, and attribution to ensure
quality, impact, and compatibility of such services and data with
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration modeling capabilities,
meteorological situational awareness, and forecasting.
``(d) Prioritization.--In acquiring commercial data and services, the
Under Secretary shall prioritize obtaining surface-based, airborne-
based, space-based, and coastal- and ocean-based data, metadata, and
services for operational use that participate in the Commercial Data
Pilot Program or other programs of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration that acquire commercial data or observations.
``(e) NOAA Observing Systems and Fleet Councils.--
``(1) In general.--The Under Secretary shall maintain the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Observing
Systems Council and the NOAA Fleet Council (in this subsection
referred to as the `Councils') to provide strategic
recommendations and guidance regarding the prioritization,
design, development, acquisition, upgrading, lifecycle,
performance monitoring, and retiring of major observing systems
portfolio components, including related to the acquisition of
commercial weather and environmental data and services.
``(2) Line office coordination.--The Councils shall ensure
coordination and adherence to uniform policies by providing
guidance to all line offices of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration engaged in observing systems
portfolio design, technology, development, execution, and
operation.
``(3) Committee.--The Under Secretary shall maintain a
Committee within the Councils to develop and approve procedural
directives, guides, or handbooks relevant to management of data
and information, including commercial data, and coordinate data
governance and management practices across the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration to promote consistent processes.
``(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--
``(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated
$100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028 to
carry out this section.
``(2) Sense of congress.--It is the sense of Congress that
the Under Secretary should seek to enter into contracts or
other appropriate agreements that enable the expenditure, to
the maximum extent practicable, of amounts authorized to be
appropriated or otherwise made available in a fiscal year to
carry out this section.
``(g) Data and Hosted Payloads.--Notwithstanding any other provision
of law, the Secretary of Commerce may enter into agreements relating to
the following:
``(1) The purchase of weather and environmental data and
services through contracts with commercial data and service
providers.
``(2) The placement of weather instruments on co-hosted
Federal, international, or private space, airborne, maritime,
or ground platforms.
``(h) Ombudsman.--The Under Secretary shall establish or designate at
least one Ombudsman position within the Commercial Data Program to
implement the recommendations of the Observing System Council under
subsection (e) related to commercial weather and environmental data and
services acquisitions. Such an Ombudsman shall act as the liaison
between commercial data and service providers and the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration with respect to receiving
recommendations and resolving issues related to engagement, testing,
contracting, or other areas related to the Administration's efforts to
acquire commercial weather and environmental data and services.
``(i) Report.--Not later than two years after the date of the
enactment of this section, the Under Secretary shall submit to the
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate a report evaluating the activities and
needed authorities related to data governance and management practices,
including acquisition, collection, documentation, quality control,
validation, reprocessing, storage, retrieval, dissemination, and long-
term preservation activities across all National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration line, staff, and corporate offices.''.
SEC. 302. COMMERCIAL DATA PILOT PROGRAM.
The Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 is
amended by striking section 303 (15 U.S.C. 8533) and inserting the
following new section:
``SEC. 303. COMMERCIAL DATA PILOT PROGRAM.
``(a) Program Establishment.--Within the Commercial Data Program
under section 302, there shall be a Commercial Data Pilot Program to
engage with external partners and providers to test and develop shared
standards and methodologies for quality, use, licensing, and
attribution of observation services and data, and to ensure quality,
impact, and compatibility of such services and data with National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration modeling capabilities,
meteorological situational awareness, and forecasting. The Program is
authorized to test and evaluate all sources and types of observation
services, imagery, products, and data from private sector entities,
including new and innovative surface-based, airborne-based, space-
based, and coastal- and ocean-based data, metadata, and model
components.
``(b) Criteria.--The Under Secretary shall ensure that data acquired
through the Commercial Data Pilot Program described in subsection (a)
meets the most recent standards and specifications required for
observation services and data as published pursuant to section 302(c).
``(c) Pilot Contracts.--The Under Secretary shall, through an open
competition, regularly enter into pilot contracts with private sector
entities capable of providing observation services and data referred to
in subsection (a) that meet the standards and specifications published
pursuant to section 302(c) for so providing such services and data in a
manner that allows the Under Secretary to calibrate and evaluate such
services and data for use in National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration activities.
``(d) Assessment of Viability.--The Under Secretary shall annually
assess and submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology of the House of Representatives a summary of the pilot
contracts entered into pursuant to subsection (c), the extent to which
such contracts meet the standards and specifications published pursuant
to section 302(c), and any additional information determined necessary
related to the following:
``(1) The viability of assimilating observation services and
data from private sector entities into National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration forecasts and models.
``(2) The expected value added or improvements from such
services and data so assimilated into National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration forecasts and models.
``(3) The accuracy, quality, timeliness, validity,
reliability, usability, information technology security, and
cost-effectiveness of obtaining observation services and data
from private sector entities.
``(4) Steps to integrate within one year such services and
data into operational use by the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration or any associated challenges in
doing so.
``(e) Obtaining Future Data.--If an assessment under subsection (d)
demonstrates the ability of commercial services and data to meet the
standards and specifications published pursuant to section 302(c), the
Under Secretary shall--
``(1) when cost-effective and feasible, obtain observation
services and data from private sector entities through the
Commercial Data Program under section 302;
``(2) as early as possible in the acquisition process for any
future National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
satellite system, determine whether there is a suitable, cost-
effective, commercial capability available or that will be
available to meet applicable instrument, spacecraft, or system
requirements before completion of the critical design phase of
such planned satellite system;
``(3) if a suitable, cost-effective, commercial capability is
or will be available as described in paragraph (2), determine
whether and how such capability is in the national interest if
developed as a solely governmental system; and
``(4) submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science,
Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives a report
detailing any determinations made under paragraphs (2) and (3).
``(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--From amounts authorized to be
appropriated pursuant to section 302 to carry out such section, not
less than 15 percent of such amounts each fiscal year are authorized to
be appropriated to carry out this section.''.
SEC. 303. CONTRACTING AUTHORITY AND AVOIDANCE OF DUPLICATION.
Title III of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of
2017 is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``SEC. 304. CONTRACTING AUTHORITY AND AVOIDANCE OF DUPLICATION.
``(a) In General.--Consistent with other Federal agencies that
contract and partner with private sector entities, the Under Secretary
is authorized to use contracting mechanisms and enter into agreements
that utilize multiyear contract options. In carrying out sections 302
and 303, the Under Secretary shall, to the greatest extent possible--
``(1) enter into year-long or multiyear contract options
using contracting mechanisms that foster resiliency of
datatypes purchased;
``(2) partner and contract with multiple observation service
and data providers simultaneously to reduce risks of data gaps
and improve mission robustness; and
``(3) utilize authorities, such as additional forms of
transaction agreements under section 301, that allow for
innovative partnerships with private sector entities.
``(b) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this title may be construed as
infringing on the acquisition authority or strategy of Federal entities
authorized under title 10, United States Code.
``(c) Unnecessary Duplication.--In meeting the requirements under
this title, the Under Secretary shall avoid unnecessary duplication
between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration, other Federal
departments and agencies, and private sector entities, including
relating to corresponding expenditures of funds and employment of
personnel by--
``(1) coordinating existing activities with other civilian
Federal departments and agencies which provide, contract, or
partner with private sector entities to acquire, weather and
environmental observations and data; and
``(2) coordinating and soliciting weather and environmental
observations and data requirements and needs from other
civilian Federal departments and agencies to be acquired by the
Commercial Data Program under section 302.
``(d) Fair Compensation for Interagency Needs.--The Under Secretary,
to the maximum extent practicable, shall ensure that Federal
departments and agencies utilizing services and data under sections 302
and 303 fairly compensate the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, or the non-Federal entities providing such services or
data, as appropriate, for use.''.
SEC. 304. DATA ASSIMILATION, MANAGEMENT, AND SHARING PRACTICES.
Title III of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of
2017, as amended by section 303 of this Act, is further amended by
adding at the end the following new section:
``SEC. 305. DATA ASSIMILATION, MANAGEMENT, AND SHARING PRACTICES.
``(a) Data Standards.--The Under Secretary, in collaboration with the
weather enterprise, shall seek to establish consistent and open data
and metadata standards to support open science, including simple cloud-
optimized data formats and application programming interfaces that
support findability, accessibility, usability, and preservability.
``(b) Data Infrastructure.--
``(1) In general.--The Under Secretary, in consultation with
the Chief Information Officer and appropriate program heads,
shall consolidate and arrange data infrastructure needs to
ensure efficient and effective data transfer between National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration offices by considering
the use of commercial cloud technologies, or similar hybrid
structures, to host and transmit data and metadata.
``(2) Federal partnerships.--In carrying out paragraph (1),
the Under Secretary may partner with the heads of other Federal
departments and agencies, including the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration, the Department of Energy, the United
States Space Force, the United States Coast Guard, the United
States Navy, the Federal Aviation Administration, the United
States Forest Service, the Environmental Protection Agency, the
National Science Foundation, and the United States Geological
Survey, to collocate data with joint utility and support a
transition to cloud architectures, including commercial cloud
networks.
``(3) Long term data archive.--The Under Secretary shall
ensure the long-term management, maintenance, and stewardship
of archival data and metadata acquired through the Commercial
Data Program under section 302 is conducted within the National
Centers for Environmental Information.
``(c) Data Sharing With the Weather Enterprise.--To the greatest
extent practicable, the Under Secretary shall make accessible to
members of the weather enterprise that are United States persons data
not subject to redistribution contract permissions and purchased
through the Commercial Data Program under section 302 or shared through
international government partners. If purchased data must be
assimilated into numerical weather prediction models or automated
forecast guidance to satisfy redistribution contract permissions, the
Under Secretary shall make accessible without delay to members of the
weather enterprise that are United States persons the numerical weather
prediction model or automated forecast guidance output, as the case may
be.
``(d) Data Assimilation.--
``(1) In general.--The Under Secretary, in coordination with
the Commercial Data Program under section 302, the National
Centers for Environmental Information, and any other offices
within the Administration, shall establish a program to test,
advance, and implement data assimilation methods, which may
include artificial intelligence, machine learning, data pre-
and post-processing, efficient input and output, and next-
generation algorithms.
``(2) Data assimilation university consortium.--Through the
program established pursuant to paragraph (1), the Under
Secretary shall establish a consortium consisting of
institutions of higher education (as such term is defined in
section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1001)) to address critical research challenges for data
assimilation and foster a growing data assimilation workforce.
The consortium shall seek to--
``(A) solve critical research issues for data
assimilation through innovative research;
``(B) increase significantly the number of students,
including graduate level and Ph.D. candidates, in data
assimilation;
``(C) utilize modern software and frameworks, such as
the Joint Effort for Data Assimilation Integration, to
conduct data assimilation research and development and
facilitate research to operations efforts;
``(D) identify and prioritize critical research areas
in data assimilation and facilitate operations to
research efforts;
``(E) establish and enable an effective collaboration
infrastructure between National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration facilities, such as labs, centers, or
joint agency institutes, and the research community,
including a mechanism for external partners to host
Administration employees; and
``(F) establish mechanisms to enable all members of
the consortium to archive and access data required to
support the work under this subsection.
``(3) Coordination.--In carrying out this subsection, the
Under Secretary shall ensure the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration and its associated activities focus
on research to operations and operations to research, including
by coordinating and collaborating with the Joint Center for
Satellite Data Assimilation.
``(4) Data assimilation, management, and sharing practices
security.--The activities authorized under this subsection
shall be applied in a manner consistent with subtitle D of
title VI of the Research and Development, Competition, and
Innovation Act (enacted as division B of Public Law 117-167; 42
U.S.C. 19231 et seq.).
``(e) Study on Data Management.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the data of
the enactment of this section, the Under Secretary shall seek
to enter into an agreement with a non-Federal entity to conduct
a study on matters concerning data practices and management
needs at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
In conducting the study, the outside entity shall--
``(A) assess the costs and benefits of current data
management needs for observational and operational
mission requirements;
``(B) develop recommendations regarding how to make
more robust and cost-effective the data portfolio of
the Administration;
``(C) identify data infrastructure technologies and
needs that are essential to the performance of modeling
systems of the Administration;
``(D) assess the sharing needs and practices of the
Administration for both internal and external sharing
dissemination; and
``(E) develop recommendations for methods of data
infrastructure sharing, including data purchased from
the commercial sector.
``(2) Authorization of appropriations.--From amounts
authorized to be appropriated to the Commercial Data Program
under section 302, there are authorized to be appropriated to
carry out the study under paragraph (1) $1,000,000, to remain
available until expended.''.
SEC. 305. CLERICAL AMENDMENT.
The table of contents in section 1(b) of the Weather Research and
Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 is amended by striking the items
relating to sections 302 and 303 and inserting the following new items:
``Sec. 302. Commercial Data Program.
``Sec. 303. Commercial Data Pilot Program.
``Sec. 304. Contracting authority and avoidance of duplication.
``Sec. 305. Data assimilation, management, and sharing practices.''.
TITLE IV--COMMUNICATING WEATHER TO THE PUBLIC
SEC. 401. DEFINITIONS.
In this title:
(1) Hazardous weather or water events.--The term ``hazardous
weather or water events'' has the meaning given such term in
section 406 of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation
Act of 2017 (Public Law 115-25; 131 Stat. 109), as amended by
section 402 of this Act.
(2) Institution of higher education.--The term ``institution
of higher education'' has the meaning given such term in
section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1001).
(3) NOAA weather radio.--The term ``NOAA Weather Radio''
means the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Weather Radio All Hazards network.
(4) Public cloud.--The term ``public cloud'' means an
information technology model in which service providers make
computing services, including compute and storage and develop-
and-deploy environments and applications, available on-demand
to organizations and individuals over the public internet or
other means that allows for the widest dissemination of
information.
(5) Watch; warning.--The terms ``watch'' and ``warning'' have
the meanings given such terms in section 406 of the Weather
Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 (Public Law
115-25; 131 Stat. 109), as amended by section 402 of this Act.
SEC. 402. HAZARDOUS WEATHER OR WATER EVENT RISK COMMUNICATION.
(a) In General.--Section 406 of the Weather Research and Forecasting
Innovation Act of 2017 (Public Law 115-25; 131 Stat. 109) is amended to
read as follows:
``SEC. 406. HAZARDOUS WEATHER OR WATER EVENT RISK COMMUNICATION.
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Hazardous weather or water events.--The term `hazardous
weather or water events' means weather or water events that
have a high risk of loss of life or property, including the
following:
``(A) Severe storms, such as hurricanes and short-
fused, small-scale hazardous weather or hydrologic
events produced by thunderstorms, including large hail,
damaging winds, tornadoes, and flash floods.
``(B) Winter storms, such as freezing or frozen
precipitation (including freezing rain, sleet, and
snow), or combined effects of freezing or frozen
precipitation and strong winds.
``(C) Other weather hazards, such as extreme heat or
cold, wildfire, drought, dense fog, high winds, and
river, coastal, or lakeshore flooding.
``(2) Institution of higher education.--The term `institution
of higher education' has the meaning given such term in section
101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001).
``(3) Watch; warning.--
``(A) In general.--The terms `watch' and `warning',
with respect to a hazardous weather or water event,
mean products issued by the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, intended for consumption by
the general public, to alert the general public to the
potential for or presence of such event and to inform
action to prevent loss of life or property.
``(B) Exception.--The terms `watch' and `warning' do
not include technical or specialized meteorological or
hydrological forecasts, outlooks, or model guidance
products.
``(b) System Communications.--The Under Secretary shall maintain and
improve the system of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration by which the risks of hazardous weather or water events
are communicated to the general public, with the goal of informing
response to prevent loss of life or property.
``(c) Hazard Risk Communication Improvement and Simplification.--
``(1) In general.--To carry out subsection (b), the Under
Secretary shall maintain a social, behavioral, risk,
communication, and economic sciences program (in this section
referred to as the `Program'), for the purpose of simplifying
and improving the communication of hazardous weather or water
events.
``(2) Terminology.--The Program, in coordination with social,
behavioral, risk, communication, and economic science community
and user feedback, shall identify, eliminate, or modify
unnecessary, redundant, or confusing terms for communications
regarding hazardous weather or water events and add new
terminology, as appropriate.
``(3) Communications improvement.--The Program shall improve
the form, content, and methods of communications regarding
hazardous weather or water events and associated risks to more
clearly inform response to prevent the loss of life or
property.
``(4) Evaluations.--The Program, in coordination with the
performance and evaluation branches of the National Weather
Service and Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, shall develop
metrics for such branches to track and evaluate the degree to
which communications regarding hazardous weather or water
events inform response.
``(5) Support plan.--The Program shall develop a plan for the
purpose of carrying out paragraph (3). Such plan shall be
periodically updated and informed by internal and extramural
research and the results of the evaluation of communications
regarding hazardous weather or water events and associated
risks under paragraph (4).
``(6) Methods.--In carrying out this section, the Program
shall develop and implement recommendations that--
``(A) are based on the best and most recent
understanding from social, behavioral, economic, risk,
and communications science research;
``(B) are validated by social, behavioral, risk, and
communications science, taking into account the
importance of methods that support reproduction and
replication of scientific studies, use of rigorous
statistical analyses, and, as applicable, data analysis
supported by artificial intelligence and machine
learning technologies;
``(C) account for the needs of various demographics,
vulnerable populations, and geographic regions;
``(D) account for the differences between various
types of hazardous weather or water events;
``(E) respond to the needs of Federal, State, and
local government partners and media partners; and
``(F) account for necessary changes in the
infrastructure, technology, and protocols for
developing and disseminating watches and warnings.
``(7) Coordination.--In carrying out this section, the
Program shall coordinate with the following:
``(A) Federal partners, including National
Laboratories, cooperative institutes, and regional
integrated sciences and assessments programs.
``(B) State and local government partners.
``(C) Tribal governments.
``(D) Institutions of higher education or a consortia
thereof.
``(E) Media partners.
``(8) Timeliness and consistency.--The Program shall develop
best practices and guidance for ensuring timely and consistent
communications across public facing platforms that disseminate
information related to hazardous weather or water events.''.
(b) Table of Contents.--Section 1(b) of the Weather Research and
Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 is amended by amending the item
relating to section 406 to read as follows:
``Sec. 406. Hazardous Weather or Water Event Risk Communication.''.
SEC. 403. HAZARD COMMUNICATION RESEARCH AND ENGAGEMENT.
Section 406 of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of
2017 (Public Law 115-25; 131 Stat. 109), as amended by section 402 of
this Act, is further amended by adding at the end the following new
subsections:
``(d) Hazard Communication Research and Engagement.--
``(1) In general.--The Under Secretary shall maintain, as
appropriate, a program to--
``(A) modernize the development and communication of
risk-based, statistically reliable, probabilistic
hazard information, with the goal of informing
appropriate responses to hazardous weather or water
events; and
``(B) improve the fundamental social, behavioral,
economic, risk, and communication science relating to
communications, including by means of collecting
voluntary data, regarding hazardous weather or water
events.
``(2) Coordination.--In carrying out the program under
paragraph (1), the Under Secretary shall coordinate and
communicate with States, Tribal governments, localities, and
emergency managers regarding research priorities and results.
``(3) Pilot program for tornado hazard communication
required.--To further research into communications regarding
hazardous weather or water events, the Under Secretary, in
coordination with the VORTEX program under section 103 and in
collaboration with one or more eligible institutions (or a
consortia thereof), shall establish a pilot program for tornado
hazard communication to test the effectiveness of implementing
research into operations with respect to tornadoes.
``(4) Pilot study for hurricane hazard communication.--
``(A) In general.--To further research into
communications regarding hazardous weather or water
events, the Under Secretary, in coordination with the
hurricane forecast improvement program under section
104, shall seek to enter into an agreement with an
appropriate entity, as determined by the Under
Secretary, to conduct a pilot study using a mixed
methods approach, such as surveys, focus groups, and
interviews, to gather information from hurricane prone
population areas regarding the levels of preparedness
of such areas for hurricanes or in response to the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's early
forecasts and warnings. Such study shall evaluate the
following:
``(i) Possession of disaster supplies.
``(ii) Evacuation decisions.
``(iii) Levels of trust of tropical cyclone
information and hurricane path prediction from
various sources.
``(iv) Access to tropical cyclone and
hurricane warnings in such study participant's
first language.
``(v) Determination regarding such study
participant's reasoning that may hinder the
ability of such a participant to evacuate or
willingness to evacuate.
``(B) Additional criteria.--The pilot study described
in subparagraph (A) shall define its methodology and be
made publicly available on a website of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
``(5) Eligible institution defined.--In this subsection, the
term `eligible institution' means any of the following:
``(A) An institution of higher education, nonprofit
organization, or other institution located in a
jurisdiction eligible to participate in the program
under section 113 of the National Science Foundation
Authorization Act of 1988 (42 U.S.C. 1862g).
``(B) An institution of higher education, nonprofit
organization, or other institution located in proximity
to a Weather Forecast Office of the National Weather
Service.
``(e) Hurricane Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences.--As part
of the program carried out under subsection (d), the Under Secretary
shall carry out research and development activities to improve how the
public receives, interprets, responds to, and values hurricane
forecasts and warnings. In conducting such activities, the Under
Secretary shall--
``(1) conduct a comprehensive review of what is known about
how the public receives, interprets, responds to, and makes
decisions regarding hurricane forecasts and warnings,
including--
``(A) how the connections between weather
observations, downstream models, and processes affect
the decision tools or products derived from such
hurricane forecasts and warnings;
``(B) how such hurricane forecasts and warnings
generated by decision tools and products are used by
emergency managers, governments, and other users to
benefit the public and stakeholder groups;
``(C) how past experiences with hurricanes impacts
decision making;
``(D) how the source of such hurricane forecasts and
warnings affects interpretation;
``(E) how tropical cyclone warnings and watches are
received and interpreted;
``(F) how understanding of and response to such
hurricane forecasts and warnings vary across
demographic groups, including the elderly, people with
disabilities, and other vulnerable populations;
``(G) language barriers; and
``(H) how understanding and response to such
hurricane forecasts and warnings varies across
geographic areas, including rural, urban, and suburban
areas;
``(2) identify communication data gaps based on the review
conducted pursuant to paragraph (1);
``(3) carry out research, including data collection and
baseline assessments, in coordination with the hurricane
forecast improvement program under section 104 to evaluate and
quantify the economic value of extending lead times of tropical
cyclone and hurricane warnings and watches, including
identifying the most effected or vulnerable populations and
potential impacts to those populations;
``(4) as part of post-storm surveys and assessments conducted
under section 406 of the Weather Act Reauthorization Act of
2023, conduct retrospective or ex ante assessments of previous
hurricane forecasts and warnings with improvements to better
understand the key components, including expected actions or
behavior changes, of the value of the forecasts and warnings
provided;
``(5) conduct cost benefit analysis of forecasts and warnings
improvement alternatives developed through the hurricane
forecast improvement program under section 104; and
``(6) conduct risk assessments for pre-, during, and post-
storm periods in regions and communities with significant
elderly populations, including retirement communities.''.
SEC. 404. NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE COMMUNICATIONS IMPROVEMENT.
(a) Improvement of NWS Instant Messaging Service.--The Director of
the National Weather Service shall improve the instant messaging
service used by personnel of the National Weather Service by
implementing, not later than October 1, 2027, a commercial off-the-
shelf communications solution that replaces the instant messaging
service commonly referred to as ``NWSChat''.
(b) Requirements.--The communications solution implemented under this
section shall--
(1) be hosted on the public cloud; and
(2) satisfy requirements set forth by the Director to ensure
such solution--
(A) best accommodates future growth;
(B) performs successfully with increased numbers of
users;
(C) is easy to use for the majority of users; and
(D) is similar to systems already in commercial use.
(c) Funding.--From amounts made available for Operations, Research,
and Facilities, the Director of the National Weather Service shall
allocate up to $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2027 to
carry out this section.
SEC. 405. NOAA WEATHER RADIO MODERNIZATION.
(a) In General.--The Under Secretary shall, to the maximum extent
practicable, expand coverage of the NOAA Weather Radio and ensure its
reliability. In carrying out this subsection, the Under Secretary
shall--
(1) maintain support for existing systems serving areas not
covered by or having poor quality cellular service;
(2) ensure consistent maintenance and operations monitoring,
with timely repairs to broadcast transmitter site equipment and
antennas;
(3) enhance the ability to amplify Non-Weather Emergency
Messages via NOAA Weather Radio as necessary; and
(4) acquire additional transmitters as required to expand
coverage to rural and underserved communities, units of the
National Park System, and National Recreation Areas.
(b) Modernization Initiative.--To the maximum extent practicable, the
Under Secretary shall enhance NOAA Weather Radio to ensure its
capabilities and coverage remain valuable to the public. In carrying
out this section, the Under Secretary shall--
(1) upgrade telecommunications infrastructure of NOAA Weather
Radio to accelerate the transition of broadcasts to internet
protocol-based communications over non-copper media;
(2) accelerate software upgrades to the Advanced Weather
Interactive Processing System, or the relevant system
successors, to implement partial county notifications and
alerts;
(3) consult with relevant stakeholders, including the private
sector, to enhance accessibility and usability of NOAA Weather
Radio data and feeds;
(4) develop options, including satellite backup capability
and commercial provider partnerships, for NOAA Weather Radio
continuity in the event of Weather Forecast Office outages;
(5) research and develop alternative options, including
microwave capabilities, to transmit NOAA Weather Radio signals
to transmitters that are remote or do not have internet
protocol capability; and
(6) transition critical applications to the Integrated
Dissemination Program, or the relevant program successors.
(c) Priority.--In carrying out subsection (b), the Under Secretary
shall prioritize practices, capabilities, and technologies recommended
in accordance with the assessment under subsection (d) to maximize
accessibility, particularly in remote and underserved areas of the
United States.
(d) Assessment for Management and Distribution.--Not later than one
year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary
shall complete an assessment of access to NOAA Weather Radio. In
conducting such assessment, the Under Secretary shall take into
consideration and provide recommendations regarding the following:
(1) The need for continuous, adequate, and operational real-
time broadcasts of the NOAA Weather Radio in both urban and
rural areas.
(2) Solicited inputs from relevant stakeholders on the
compatibility of NOAA Weather Radio data for third party
platforms that provide online services, such as websites and
mobile device applications, or deliver NOAA Weather Radio
access.
(3) Existing or new management systems that promote
consistent, efficient, and compatible access to NOAA Weather
Radio.
(4) The ability of NOAA to aggregate real time broadcast
feeds at one or more central locations.
(5) Effective interagency coordination.
(6) The potential effects of an electromagnetic pulse or
geomagnetic disturbance on NOAA Weather Radio.
(7) Any other function the Under Secretary determines
necessary.
SEC. 406. POST-STORM SURVEYS AND ASSESSMENTS.
(a) In General.--The Under Secretary shall continue to perform one or
more post-storm surveys and assessments following every hazardous
weather or water event determined by the Under Secretary to be of
sufficient societal importance to warrant a post-event survey and
assessment.
(b) Coordination.--The Under Secretary shall coordinate with Federal,
State, local and Tribal governments, private entities, and relevant
institutions of higher education (or a consortia thereof) when
conducting post-storm surveys and assessments under this section to
optimize data collection, sharing, integration, archiving, and access,
as appropriate for research needs.
(c) Data Availability.--The Under Secretary shall make the
appropriate data obtained from each post-storm survey and assessment
conducted under this section available to the public as soon as
practicable after conducting each such survey and assessment.
(d) Improvement.--In carrying out this section, the Under Secretary
shall--
(1) examine the role of uncrewed aerial and marine systems in
data collection during post-storm surveys and assessments
conducted under this section;
(2) identify gaps in and update tactics and procedures to
enhance the efficiency and reliability of data obtained from
post-storm surveys and assessments;
(3) to the maximum extent practicable, increase the number of
post-storm community impact studies, particularly among under-
observed, underserved, or highly vulnerable populations,
including--
(A) surveying-individual responses;
(B) conducting review of the accuracy of prior risk
evaluations;
(C) evaluating the efficacy of prior mitigation
activity; and
(D) gathering survivability statistics; and
(4) as appropriate, integrate community-based, social,
behavioral, risk, communication, and economic sciences elements
into existing post-storm surveys and assessments, including
relating to efficacy of forecast and warning information,
barriers to action, and messaging challenges.
(e) Support for Employees.--The Under Secretary shall provide
training, resources, and access to professional counseling to support
the emotional and mental health and well-being of employees conducting
post-storm surveys and assessments under this section.
(f) Exemption.--Subchapter I of chapter 35 of title 44, United States
Code, shall not apply to the collection of information during the
conduct of a survey or assessment authorized under subsection (a).
SEC. 407. GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE REPORT ON ALERT
DISSEMINATION FOR HAZARDOUS WEATHER OR WATER
EVENTS.
(a) In General.--Not later than 540 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States
shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
of the Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of
the House of Representatives a report that examines the information
technology infrastructure of the National Weather Service of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, specifically regarding
the system for timely public notification via alerts and updates
regarding hazardous weather or water events.
(b) Elements.--The report required by subsection (a) shall include
the following:
(1) An analysis of the information technology infrastructure
of the National Weather Service, including software and
hardware capabilities and limitations, including an examination
of server and data storage methods, broadband, data management,
and data sharing.
(2) An identification of secondary and tertiary fail-safes
for the timely distribution to the public of notifications via
alerts and updates regarding hazardous weather or water events.
(3) A process analysis to determine the source and extent to
which public notifications via alerts and updates regarding
hazardous weather or water events have been delayed and an
identification of possible improvements or corrective measures
to address latency in the notification process.
(4) An assessment of whether collaboration with other Federal
offices, States, or private entities could reduce delays in
notifications to the public.
(5) A description of actions being undertaken to better
identify critical steps in public notification via alerts and
updates for hazardous weather or water events that may be
vulnerable to disruption or failure in the event of
communication, technologic, or computational failure.
(6) The geographical differences in availability and
effectiveness of rural systems, including an estimated number
of rural areas affected by unreliable or unavailable accurate
systems and barriers to obtain or upgrade such systems.
SEC. 408. DATA COLLECTION MANAGEMENT AND PROTECTION.
(a) Data Collection.--The Under Secretary may collect social,
behavioral, and economic data, including Federal communication and
related public response to hazardous weather or water events. Where
appropriate, the Under Secretary shall encourage use of secondary data,
purchase data, or partner with the private sector.
(b) Data Management.--The Under Secretary shall establish a central
repository system for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration for social, behavioral, and economic data related to the
communication of and related public response to hazardous weather or
water events, including data developed or received pursuant to this
title.
(c) Protection of Data.--The Under Secretary shall ensure that all
data collected and managed by the Administration is done within with
all legal, regulatory, and contractual obligations and in accordance
with chapter 31 of title 44, United States Code, and the Federal
Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-435).
(d) Digital Watermarking.--The Under Secretary shall develop methods
to reduce the likelihood of unauthorized tampering with online public
notifications of hazardous weather or water events, such as developing
digital watermarks.
(e) Policies and Procedures.--The Under Secretary shall establish
policies and procedures for the collection, archiving, and stewardship
of data on community response, including the response of effected or
vulnerable populations, to hazardous weather or water events.
TITLE V--IMPROVING WEATHER INFORMATION FOR AGRICULTURE AND WATER
MANAGEMENT
SEC. 501. WEATHER AND CLIMATE INFORMATION IN AGRICULTURE AND WATER
MANAGEMENT.
Section 1762 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (15 U.S.C. 8521) is
amended--
(1) by amending subsection (h) to read as follows:
``(h) Subseasonal to Seasonal Forecasting Pilot Projects.--
``(1) Establishment.--The Under Secretary shall establish not
fewer than two pilot projects, in accordance with paragraph
(2), within the U.S. Weather Research Program of the Oceanic
and Atmospheric Research office of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration to support improved subseasonal to
seasonal precipitation forecasts for the following:
``(A) Water management in the western United States.
``(B) Agriculture in the central United States.
``(2) Objectives.--In carrying out this subsection, the Under
Secretary shall ensure the following:
``(A) A pilot project under subparagraph (A) of
paragraph (1) addresses key science challenges to
improving forecasts and developing related products for
water management in the western United States,
including the following:
``(i) Improving operational model resolution,
both horizontal and vertical, to resolve issues
associated with mountainous terrain, such as
intensity of precipitation and relative
fraction of rain versus snow precipitation.
``(ii) Improving fidelity in the operational
modeling of the atmospheric boundary layer in
mountainous regions.
``(iii) Resolving challenges in predicting
winter atmospheric circulation and storm
tracks, including periods of blocked versus
unblocked flow over the eastern North Pacific
Ocean and western United States.
``(iv) Utilizing outcomes from the
Atmospheric Rivers Forecast Improvement Program
as authorized in section 204 of the Weather Act
Reauthorization Act of 2023 to produce
operational tools and services.
``(v) Improving the quality and temporal and
spatial resolution of observations and accurate
operational modeling of air-sea interactions,
and the influence of oceans on subseasonal and
seasonal forecasting.
``(B) A pilot project under subparagraph (B) of
paragraph (1) addresses key science challenges to
improving forecasts and developing related products for
agriculture in the central United States, including the
following:
``(i) Improving the quality and temporal and
spatial resolution of observations and accurate
operational modeling of the land surface and
hydrologic cycle, including soil moisture and
flash drought processes.
``(ii) Improving fidelity in the operational
modeling of warm season precipitation
processes.
``(iii) Understanding and predicting large-
scale upper-level dynamical flow anomalies that
occur in spring and summer.
``(3) Activities.--A pilot project under this subsection
shall include activities that carry out the following:
``(A) Best implement recommendations of the National
Weather Service's 2020 Report, entitled `Subseasonal
and Seasonal Forecasting Innovation: Plans for the
Twenty-First Century'.
``(B) Achieve measurable objectives for operational
forecast improvement.
``(C) Engage with, and leverage the resources of,
institutions of higher education (as such term is
defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)), or a consortia thereof, and
entities within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration in existence as of the date of the
enactment of this subsection, including Regional
Climate Centers and the National Centers for
Environmental Information.
``(D) Are carried out in coordination with the
Assistant Administrator for the Office of Oceanic and
Atmospheric Research and the Director of the National
Weather Service.
``(4) Sunset.--The authority under this subsection shall
terminate on the date that is five years after the date of the
enactment of this subsection.''; and
(2) by amending subsection (j) to read as follows:
``(j) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated $45,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028 to
carry out the activities under this section.''.
SEC. 502. NATIONAL INTEGRATED DROUGHT INFORMATION SYSTEM.
(a) In General.--Section 3 of the National Integrated Drought
Information System Act of 2006 (15 U.S.C. 313d) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and''
after the semicolon;
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by inserting
``and'' after the semicolon; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following new
subparagraph:
``(C) incorporates flash drought research and tools
to enhance timely response;'';
(B) in paragraph (5), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(C) in paragraph (6)--
(i) by inserting ``(including ecological
drought)'' after ``drought'' each place it
appears; and
(ii) by striking the period and inserting a
semicolon; and
(D) by adding at the end the following new
paragraphs:
``(7) advance and deploy next generation technologies related
to drought and related publicly available data, such as
monitoring, preparedness, and forecasting capabilities
utilizing artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cloud
technologies; and
``(8) utilize observational networks, including the National
Weather Service cooperative observer program and State or
regional hydrological monitoring projects, and refine drought
indicators across a variety of spatial and temporal scales for
decision-support products by optimizing data and resources from
across the Federal Government, including snowpack, soil
moisture, groundwater, and rapid intensification data.'';
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking the period and
inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(4) in partnership with the National Mesonet Program,
establish memoranda of understanding to provide coordinated,
high-quality, nationwide drought information for the public
good, including integrated soil moisture information in
accordance with the 2021 report, `A Strategy for the National
Coordinated Soil Moisture Monitoring Network'.''; and
(3) by amending subsection (f) to read as follows:
``(f) Modeling Update.--The Under Secretary, in partnership with
National Integrated Drought Information System and the Climate
Prediction Center of the National Weather Service, shall undertake an
effort to transition existing drought products to probabilistic
forecasts and incorporate new and improved dynamical and statistical
forecast modeling tools.''.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 4 of the National
Integrated Drought Information System Act of 2006 (15 U.S.C. 313d note)
is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 4. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
``From amounts made available to Operations, Research, and Facilities
of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, there are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section the following:
``(1) $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2024.
``(2) $15,500,000 for fiscal year 2025.
``(3) $16,000,000 for fiscal year 2026.
``(4) $16,500,000 for fiscal year 2027.
``(5) $17,000,000 for fiscal year 2028.''.
SEC. 503. NATIONAL MESONET PROGRAM.
(a) Program.--The Under Secretary shall maintain the National Mesonet
Program (in this section referred to as the ``Program''). The Program
shall--
(1) obtain observations in all geographic environments to
improve understanding of and forecast capabilities for
atmospheric and water events, with a prioritization on
leveraging available commercial, academic, and other non-
Federal environmental data to enhance coordination across the
private, public, and academic sectors of the United States
weather enterprise; and
(2) establish memoranda of understanding with networks
outside of the scope of the Program.
(b) Program Elements.--The Program shall carry out the following
activities:
(1) Improve environmental observations used by the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Weather
Service to support baseline forecasts, including nowcasts, and
warnings that protect the Nation's citizens, businesses,
military, and government agencies, and enable such individuals
and entities to operate in safe, efficient, and orderly
manners.
(2) When demonstrably cost effective and meeting or exceeding
agency data quality standards, leverage existing networks of
environmental monitoring stations, including supplemental radar
systems, to increase the quantity and density of environmental
observations and data available to the Administration.
(3) Establish means to integrate greater density and type of
environmental observations into the Program on an annual basis,
including by encouraging local and regional networks of
environmental monitoring stations, in situ sensor networks and
satellite constellations to participate in the Program.
(4) Yield increased quantities of boundary-layer data to
improve numerical weather prediction performance, including
regarding subseasonal to seasonal timescales.
(5) Provide the critical technical and administrative
infrastructure needed to facilitate rapid integration and
sustained use of new and emerging networks of environmental
monitoring stations anticipated in coming years from non-
Federal sources.
(6) Expand and enhance environmental observational networks
in the roadway environment to provide real-time road weather
and surface conditions for surface transportation and related
economic sectors.
(7) Identify available terrestrial or marine environmental
data, or quantifiable gaps in such data, to improve the
understanding of air-sea interactions.
(8) Support the National Weather Service in reaching its
target of a 30-minute warning time for severe weather through
better predictive model algorithms driven by increasingly
effective observations.
(9) Coordinate with existing Administration data used for
forecasts, including data from the National Environmental
Satellite, Data, and Information Service, the Integrated Ocean
Observing System, the Global Ocean Monitoring and Observing
Program, the National Data Buoy Center, and the National Ocean
Service.
(10) Identify and communicate to the Office of Oceanic and
Atmospheric Research and other partners priorities of research
and development needed to advance observations in the Program.
(11) Support the National Coordinated Soil Moisture
Monitoring Network in acquiring soil moisture and related data
to support the development of decision-support products and
other information services.
(c) Financial and Technical Assistance.--
(1) In general.--In furtherance of the Program, the Under
Secretary may, to the extent amounts are made available, award
up to 15 percent of the Program's annual appropriations for
financial assistance to State, Tribal, private, and academic
entities seeking to build, expand, or upgrade equipment and
capacity of mesonet systems. Financial assistance under this
subsection may be made in coordination with and in addition to
awards from other Federal agencies.
(2) Agreements.--Before receiving financial assistance under
paragraph (1), the State, Tribal, private, or academic entity
seeking financial assistance under this subsection shall enter
into an agreement with the Under Secretary to provide data to
the Program, subject to verification by the Program of the
relative operational value and evaluation of the cost of such
data, for use in weather prediction, severe weather warnings,
and emergency response.
(3) Assistance and other support.--The Under Secretary may
provide technical assistance, project implementation support,
and guidance to State, Tribal, private, and academic entities
seeking financial assistance under this subsection. The Under
Secretary may provide technical and financial assistance for
maintenance of monitoring stations in underrepresented or
remote areas of the country where it is financially unfeasible
for one entity to operate such stations without such
assistance.
(4) Terms.--In providing financial assistance under this
subsection, the Under Secretary shall establish terms to ensure
that each State, Tribal, private, or academic entity that
receives financial assistance under this subsection receives a
level of Federal support commensurate with the quality and
other characteristics of the data to be provided.
(5) Determination.--A State, Tribal, private, or academic
entity may receive financial assistance under this subsection
only if the Under Secretary determines such entity shall
provide sufficient non-Federal financial support and full
maintenance to maintain the quality of the mesonet system and
associated data standards required by the Program for a period
of not less than five years.
(6) Priority.--The Under Secretary shall prioritize providing
assistance under paragraph (1) to at least one entity in an
underrepresented or remote area.
(d) Advisory Committee.--
(1) In general.--The Under Secretary shall ensure the Program
has an active advisory committee of subject matter experts to
make recommendations to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration on the identification, implementation,
procurement, and tracking of data needed to supplement the
Program, and recommend improvements, expansions, and
acquisitions of available data. The Under Secretary may
designate an existing Federal advisory committee, subcommittee,
or working group, including, if appropriate, the Science
Advisory Board of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, to carry out this subsection.
(2) Academic expertise.--The advisory committee under
paragraph (1), in consultation with the Program, shall include
expertise from one or more institutions of higher education (as
such term is defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act
of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)) to assist the advisory committee to
identify, evaluate, and recommend potential partnerships,
regional or subregional consortia, and collaborative methods
that would expand the number of participants and volume of data
in the Program.
(e) Regular Reporting.--The Under Secretary shall provide regular
briefings, not less than twice annually, to the Committee on Science,
Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee
on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate on all Program
activities. Such briefings shall include information relating to the
following:
(1) Efforts to implement the activities described in
subsection (b).
(2) Any financial or technical assistance provided pursuant
to subsection (c).
(3) Efforts to address recommendations received from the
advisory committee under subsection (d).
(4) The potential need and associated benefits of a coastal
and ocean mesonet, or other emerging areas of weather data
needs.
(5) Progress toward eliminating gaps in weather observation
data by States and regions of the United States.
(6) Any other topic the Under Secretary determines relevant.
(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--From amounts made available to
the National Weather Service, the Under Secretary, to carry out this
section, shall allocate up to the following amounts for each specified
fiscal year:
(1) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2024.
(2) $55,000,000 for fiscal year 2025.
(3) $61,000,000 for fiscal year 2026.
(4) $68,000,000 for fiscal year 2027.
(5) $70,000,000 for fiscal year 2028.
SEC. 504. NATIONAL COORDINATED SOIL MOISTURE MONITORING NETWORK.
(a) In General.--The Under Secretary, in collaboration with the
Secretary of Agriculture, the Director of the United States Geological
Survey, the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration, and the heads of other relevant Federal agencies and
departments, shall support the development, deployment, and maintenance
of soil moisture monitoring networks by managing the National
Coordinated Soil Moisture Monitoring Network (in this section referred
to as the ``Network'') within the National Integrated Drought
Information System.
(b) Activities.--The Under Secretary shall ensure the Network
includes activities that carry out the following:
(1) Establishing a visible, user-friendly website.
(2) Developing a set of criteria for high-quality data
sources.
(3) Supporting research necessary to develop or improve soil
moisture monitoring products at a national scale.
(4) Increasing the number of long-term, high-quality, in situ
and remote sensing soil moisture monitoring stations across the
United States.
(5) Sharing methodologies and validation protocols with the
private sector.
(6) Engaging with the citizen science community.
(7) Developing, releasing, and promoting new, nationwide
point-based and gridded soil moisture data products that meet
the needs of diverse end-user groups.
(8) Supporting community building and outreach to the network
of individuals engaged with soil moisture information delivery,
from data provision to end-user decision making.
SEC. 505. NATIONAL WATER CENTER.
Section 301 of the Coordinated Ocean Observations and Research Act of
2020 (42 U.S.C. 10371) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(A)--
(i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by
inserting ``as a component of the National
Centers for Environmental Prediction'' after
``center'';
(ii) in clause (i), by striking ``and'' after
the semicolon;
(iii) in clause (ii), by striking the period
and inserting ``; and''; and
(iv) by adding at the end the following new
clause:
``(iii) to provide service backup
capabilities and additional mission support
services for River Forecast Centers.''; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by adding at the end the
following new subparagraph:
``(F) Serving as the primary Center for collaboration
and coordination of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration's water research and
operational activities with existing Federal centers
and networks, including the Department of Agriculture,
the Army Corps of Engineers, the Bureau of Reclamation,
the United States Geological Survey, and the Federal
Emergency Management Agency.'';
(2) by striking subsection (b) and redesignating subsections
(c) through (e) as subsections (b) through (d) respectively;
and
(3) by amending subsection (c), as so redesignated, to read
as follows:
``(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated $46,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028 to
carry out this section.''.
SEC. 506. SATELLITE TRANSFERS REPORT.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act,
the Secretary of Commerce shall submit to the Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science,
Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives a report
describing the Department of Commerce's authorities, policies, and
Federal Government-wide policies related to transferring any portion of
the weather satellite systems operated by the Department of Commerce to
any other Federal department or agency. The report shall also include
the following:
(1) A description of the process for decommissioning a
Department of Commerce operational weather satellite, any
existing agreements related to transfers of weather satellites,
whether decommissioned or not, and any reimbursable agreements
related to the transfer of physical property or the operation
of Department of Commerce weather satellites on behalf of any
other Federal department or agency.
(2) A summary of any Department of Commerce plans for
potential transfer of existing or future weather satellite
systems to any other Federal department or agency.
SEC. 507. PRECIPITATION FORECAST IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Title VI of the Weather Research and Forecasting
Innovation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8501 et seq.) is amended--
(1) by redesignating section 603 as section 604; and
(2) by inserting after section 602 the following new section:
``SEC. 603. PRECIPITATION FORECAST IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.
``(a) In General.--The Under Secretary, in collaboration with the
United States weather industry, other Federal agencies, and academic
partners, shall maintain a program to improve precipitation forecasting
across timescales.
``(b) Goal.--The goal of the program under subsection (a) shall be to
provide more accurate, reliable, and timely precipitation forecasts
across timescales through the development and application of a fully
coupled Earth system prediction model in order to reduce the loss of
life or property related to precipitation extremes, with a focus on the
following:
``(1) Improving the understanding and prediction of
precipitation extremes from a variety of weather systems,
including atmospheric rivers.
``(2) Evaluating and incorporating, as appropriate,
innovative observations into operational monitoring and
forecast systems to improve precipitation forecasts.
``(3) Improving earth system model predictions of
precipitation extremes from atmospheric rivers, tropical
cyclones, summer-time thunderstorms, winter storms, and other
phenomena, in coordination with relevant programs.
``(4) Enhancing research transition to operations through
testbeds, including the evaluation of physical and social
science, technology, and other research to develop products and
services for implementation and use by relevant stakeholders.
``(5) Incorporating social, behavioral, and economic sciences
best practices into operations for more effective and
actionable watch and warning products that help drive public
safety and damage mitigation decisions in coordination with the
programs established in accordance with this Act.
``(6) Ensuring data and metadata management processes are in
place to support data access and archive for long term research
and operations among multiple partners.
``(c) Activities.--In carrying out the program under subsection (a),
the Under Secretary shall support research-to-operations work,
including relating to the following:
``(1) Implementing key strategies and following priorities
and objectives outlined by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration's `Precipitation Prediction Grand Challenge
Strategy'.
``(2) Improving the physical science, operational modeling
and tools, and technology related to better forecasting
precipitation extremes across timescales.
``(3) Improving the social, behavioral, risk, communications,
and economic sciences related to vulnerabilities, risk
communication, and delivery of information critical for
reducing the loss of life or property related to extreme
precipitation.
``(4) Conducting the research necessary to develop and deploy
probabilistic weather forecast guidance technology relating to
precipitation extremes in operational practice.
``(5) Enhancing the operational capacity of the National
Weather Service to deliver decision support for increasing
precipitation extremes.
``(6) Expanding computational resources to improve
precipitation modeling.
``(d) Annual Budget.--The Under Secretary shall, not less frequently
than annually, submit to Congress a proposed budget corresponding with
carrying out this section.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents in section 1(b) of the
Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 is amended by
striking the item relating to section 603 and inserting the following
new items:
``Sec. 603. Precipitation forecast improvement program.
``Sec. 604. Definitions.''.
Purpose and Summary
H.R. 6093 improves the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration's weather research, supports improvements in
weather forecasting and prediction, and expands commercial
opportunities for the provision of weather data. This bill
reauthorizes many of the activities and programs established by
the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 and
addresses research gaps that have been identified since the
enactment of that bill.
Background and Need for Legislation
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA), weather, water, and climate events cause
an average of approximately 650 deaths and $15 billion in
damage per year and are responsible for around 90 percent of
all presidentially declared disasters. About one-third of the
United States' economy, or roughly $3 trillion, is sensitive to
weather and climate. The primary Federal agency responsible for
addressing these events, the National Weather Service (NWS)
within NOAA, provides weather, hydrologic, and climate
forecasts and warnings for the United States, its territories,
adjacent waters, and ocean areas for the protection of life and
property as well as the enhancement of the national economy.
In April of 2017, H.R. 353, the Weather Research and
Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 (the Weather Act), was
signed into law and became the first comprehensive weather
policy authorization in over two decades. The Weather Act set
forth specific goals and guidance to improve NOAA's weather
research through advances in observational, computing, and
modeling capabilities, and support substantial improvement in
weather forecasting and prediction of high impact weather
events.
Many of the authorizations were short-term, lasting only
through FY 2018, which required the National Integrated Draught
Information System Reauthorization Act of 2018 to include clean
extensions of authorizations for many Weather Act programs
until FY 2023. Therefore, H.R. 6093 would be the first
comprehensive reauthorization and update of the Weather Act.
The Weather Act has resulted in numerous accomplishments to
date, including development of promising technologies and
techniques for hurricane forecast performance; efforts to
achieve the goal of tornado prediction beyond 1-hour; and
improvements in 2-week to 2-year forecasts known as subseasonal
and seasonal forecasting. Yet with severe weather events
constantly evolving, more communities facing new threats, and
programs set to expire, the need for H.R. 6093 is paramount.
Legislative History
H.R. 6093 was introduced on October 26, 2023, by Committee
on Science, Space, and Technology Chairman Lucas (R-OK) and is
cosponsored by Ranking Member Lofgren (D-CA) and
Representatives Miller (R-OH), Ross (D-NC), Babin (R-TX),
Sorensen (D-IL), Obernolte (R-CA), Foushee (D-NC), Collins (R-
GA), Stevens (D-MI), Weber (R-TX), Baird (R-IN), Garcia (R-CA),
Bice (R-OK), Fleischmann (R-TN), Tenney (R-NY), McCormick (R-
GA), Kean (R-NJ), Feenstra (R-IA), Moran (R-TX), Crawford (R-
AR), Bonamici (D-OR), Jackson (D-NC), Lee (D-PA), Issa (R-CA),
Sykes (D-OH), Caraveo (D-CO), Slotkin (D-MI), McClellan (D-VA),
and Frost (D-FL).
On November 8, 2023, the Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology met to consider H.R. 6093.
Chairman Lucas offered a Manager's Amendment, which made
minor technical and conforming changes to the text of the bill.
The amendment was adopted by voice vote.
Reps. Bonamici and Issa offered an amendment to insert the
Tsunami Warning, Research, and Education Amendments Act as Sec.
105 of the bill. The amendment was adopted by voice vote.
Rep. Obernolte offered an amendment to reauthorize and
extend the National Landslides Hazards Reduction Program
through FY 2028. The amendment was adopted by voice vote.
Reps. Bonamici and Posey offered an amendment to insert the
Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments
Act of 2023 as Sec. 116 of the bill. The amendment was adopted
by voice vote.
Rep. Jackson offered an amendment to add the identification
of locations to an existing plan for implementing the next-
generation radar replacement system. The amendment was adopted
by voice vote.
Rep. Sykes offered an amendment to ensure the NWS Aviation
Weather Center is able to disseminate data, forecasts, and
information in a timely manner to meet the needs of aviation
users. The amendment was adopted by voice vote.
Rep. Sorensen offered an amendment to authorize the support
of reanalysis and reforecasting activities. The amendment was
adopted by voice vote.
Reps. Strong and Ross offered an amendment to address
workforce issues at the National Weather Service by
establishing milestones, timelines, and service level
expectations required for expeditious hiring and timely
onboarding of NWS employees; conducting an assessment of
medical impacts, including stress and mental health, on NWS
employees working rotating shifts; and designating at least one
service hydrologist at each Weather Forecast Office. The
amendment was adopted by voice vote.
Rep. Posey offered an amendment to add research security
policies and procedures for the Data Assimilation University
Consortium. The amendment was adopted by voice vote.
Reps. Frost and Webster offered an amendment to insert the
Fixing Gaps in Hurricane Preparedness Act into Sec. 403 of the
bill. The amendment was adopted by voice vote.
Rep. McClellan offered an amendment to include under-
observed, underserved, and highly vulnerable populations in
post-storm community impact studies. The amendment was adopted
by voice vote.
Rep. Jackson offered an amendment to authorize a
precipitation forecast and modeling improvement program. The
amendment was adopted by voice vote.
Chairman Lucas moved that Committee favorably report the
bill, H.R. 6093, as amended, to the House of Representatives
with the recommendation that the bill be approved. The motion
was agreed to by a vote of 31-0.
Committee Views
The Committee notes the National Weather Service's
Modernization and Associated Restructuring program implemented
in the 1990s was a successful effort to transition the NWS into
the 21st century with no service disruptions. Yet, the
modernization plan envisioned 115 Weather Forecast Offices and
resulted in the closure or consolidation of multiple Weather
Service Offices and Weather Forecast Offices. It is the intent
of the Committee that nothing in H.R. 6093 be construed to
necessitate or recommend the closure or consolidation of any of
the 122 current Weather Forecast Offices, and the Committee
strongly discourages NOAA from pursuing any such related effort
based on the legislative direction provided in H.R. 6093 or
activities resulting from the bill.
The Committee also notes that Sec. 210 contains new
directives regarding the National Weather Service workforce. It
is the intent of the Committee that these authorities are
exercised in accordance with all existing laws, statutes, and
agreements in place at the time of enactment of H.R. 6093.
Section-by-Section
Section 1: Short title; Table of Contents
States the short title of the bill and includes the table
of contents for the bill.
Section 2: Definitions
Defines the terms ``seasonal,'' ``State,'' ``subseasonal,''
``Under Secretary,'' ``weather enterprise,'' ``weather data,''
and ``weather industry'' to have the same meaning as in the
Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017.
TITLE I--REAUTHORIZATION OF THE WEATHER RESEARCH AND FORECASTING
INNOVATION ACT OF 2017
Section 101: Public safety priority
Amends the Weather Act of 2017 to ensure that the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) remains focused
on providing accurate and timely weather forecasts that protect
lives and property and enhance the national economy.
Section 102: United States Weather Research and forecasting
Amends the Weather Act of 2017 with authorization of
appropriations for NOAA's Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric
Research to carry out the activities of this bill through four
accounts: weather laboratories and cooperative institutes; the
United States Weather Research Program; tornado, severe storm,
and next generation radar research; and the joint technology
transfer initiative.
The amounts authorized to be appropriated are a 1% annual
increase from adjusted FY 22 appropriated amounts.
Section 103: Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes
Experiment (VORTEX)
Amends the Tornado Warning Improvement and Extension
Program as established by the Weather Act of 2017.
Specifically, this section expands the goals of the program to
improve the effectiveness and timeliness of tornado forecasts,
predictions, and warnings by optimizing lead times,
transitioning to warn-on-forecast, and updating the system to
rate the severity of tornadoes in collaboration with local
communities and emergency managers.
Section 104: Hurricane Forecasting Improvement program
Amends the Hurricane Forecast Improvement Project as
established by the Weather Act of 2017. Specifically, this
section builds on the progress made through the project by
establishing it as a long-term program which will incorporate
social, behavioral, risk, and communication science into
probabilistic modeling, forecasting, and response guidance.
Section 105: Tsunami Warning and Education Act reauthorization
Amends the Tsunami Forecasting and Warning Program as
established and modified by the Tsunami Warning, Education, and
Research Act of 2017 within the Weather Act of 2017 by
inserting the text of Rep. Suzanne Bonamici's H.R. 6234.
Specifically, this section directs NOAA to evaluate tsunami
alert levels, maintain fail-safe warning capabilities, and
align the analytic techniques and methodologies of the two
existing tsunami warning centers in Hawaii and Alaska.
Additionally, this section extends authorization of
appropriations which had expired in 2021.
Section 106: Observing system planning
Amends the Weather Act of 2017 to ensure NOAA is focused on
Federal systems when developing the prioritized list of
observation data requirements that are necessary for weather
forecasting capabilities to protect life and property. This
section also requires NOAA to compare costs and schedule of
Federal and private sector supplemental options when meeting
these capabilities.
Additionally, this section directs NOAA to submit a report
to Congress analyzing the technicalities, schedule, and cost
benefits of a polar-orbiting environmental satellite in the
early morning orbit.
Section 107: Observing system simulation experiments
Amends the Weather Act of 2017 to ensure NOAA assesses the
capabilities and costs of current or experimental commercial
systems capabilities when conducting required assessments of
major Government-owned or Government-leased operational
observing systems. Additionally, this section removes the
priority placed on experiments for systems that have already
been completed.
Section 108: Computing resources prioritization
Amends the Weather Act of 2017 by inserting Rep. Max
Miller's H.R. 1715, which establishes a joint research
initiative with the Department of Energy to conduct proof of
concept weather forecasts and models on high performance or
quantum computers and using cloud computing.
Additionally, this section directs NOAA to leverage
artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies, as
well as establish Centers of Excellence for public-private
partnerships to address current and future mission needs,
including workforce development.
This section also removes the requirement for NOAA to
deliver a triennial report on computing infrastructure and
inserts an updated report requirement on estimating the
specific needs, timeline, and strategy for joint NOAA-DOE
activities that advance high-resolution numerical weather
prediction models.
Section 109: Earth Prediction Innovation Center
Amends the Weather Act of 2017 to modernize and improve the
activities and mission of the Earth Prediction Innovation
Center (EPIC). Specifically, this section directs EPIC to
develop a community weather research model that is open source
for testing and incorporates promising improvements from the
weather industry.
Additionally, this section directs NOAA to establish a data
lake that maintains and consolidates an updated collection of
data and metadata that can be used in numerical weather
prediction and EPIC models.
Section 110: Satellite architecture planning
Amends the Weather Act of 2017 to ensure that NOAA
maintains a fleet of space-based observation platforms that
prioritize the development of products or services tailored to
meet NOAA's mission through a mix of government, academic,
commercial section, and international partnerships. This
section also ensures that the existing National Centers for
Environmental Information provide long-term archives and access
to all data and metadata.
Additionally, this section removes the requirement for an
annual report on the Constellation Observing System for
Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate (COSMIC) program and a
completed independent study, while extending until 2030 the
existing requirement for an annual report on the use of
additional transaction authority.
Section 111: Improving uncrewed activities
Amends the Weather Act of 2017 to ensure that uncrewed
aircraft and marine systems are included in weather data
research and development carried out by the United States
Weather Research Program.
Section 112: Interagency Council for Advancing Meteorological Services
Amends the Weather Act of 2017 to update and refine the
focus of the Interagency Council for Advancing Meteorological
Services (ICAMS) that is charted under the authority of the
Office of Science and Technology Policy. Specifically, this
section ensures ICAMS is the formal mechanism by which Federal
departments and agencies coordinate implementation of policies
and practices with the goal of United States global leadership
in meteorological services.
Additionally, this section directs ICAMS to maintain a data
inventory of Federal meteorological observations, as well as
annually solicit updated information from private sector
entities regarding current or near future sources of such data.
This section also allows member departments and agencies of
ICAMS to provide reimbursable financial support to the
coordinating office.
Section 113: Ocean Observations
Amends the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System
Act by directing NOAA to establish a pilot program to contract
with research or commercial ship operators for data collection
in order to assess the viability of a global network to
supplement the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System.
Section 114: Consolidation of reports
Removes the requirement of 9 different out-of-date or
completed reports.
Section 115: National Landslide Hazards Reduction Program
Amends the National Landside Preparedness Act by extending
the authorization of the National Landslide Hazards Reduction
Program through Fiscal Year 2028.
Section 116: Amendments to the Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia
Research and Control Act of 1998
Amends the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and
Control Act by extending the authorization of the National
Harmful Algal Bloom & Hypoxia Program and the associated
comprehensive research plan and action strategy through Fiscal
Year 2028. Additionally, this section directs the establishment
of a national harmful algal bloom observing network, a national
incubator program for control strategies and technologies, and
increases the avenues of assistance NOAA can give to affected
communities during an event of significance.
This section inserts the text of Rep. Suzanne Bonamici &
Rep. Bill Posey's H.R. 6235, Rep. Bryon Donalds' H.R. 325, and
Reps. Josh Harder, Nancy Mace, John Garamendi, and Eric
Swalwell's H.R. 5756.
TITLE II--ENHANCING FEDERAL WEATHER FORECASTING AND INNOVATION
Section 201: Weather innovation for the next generation
Inserts the text of Rep. Randy Feenstra's H.R. 3764, which
establishes a research, development, test, and evaluation
program to ensure the continued performance of weather radar
capabilities. Specifically, this section requires NOAA to
identify, evaluate, and test technologies or solutions that
improve radar coverage and performance, including by mitigating
the impacts of interferences.
Section 202: Next Generation Radar
Inserts the text of Rep. Rick Crawford's H.R. 4575, which
directs NOAA to develop a plan to replace the Next Generation
Weather Radar (NEXRAD) of the National Weather Service. This
section requires NOAA to take action to implement the NEXRAD
replacement plan by the end of Fiscal Year 2040 and give
Congress periodic updates.
Additionally, this section gives NOAA the authority to
utilize and contract with third party entities to fill radar
data voids and supplement weather radar coverage by acquiring
data, services, and technologies.
Section 203: Data voids in highly vulnerable areas of the United States
Inserts part of Rep. Tom Kean's H.R. 4069, which directs
NOAA, in coordination with FEMA, to address weather observation
gaps in under-observed, underserved, or highly vulnerable areas
of the United States. Specifically, this section directs NOAA
and FEMA to establish an interagency partnership to support
pilot projects that accelerate coordination and use of
localized data and communications in infrastructure and
emergency management.
Section 204: Atmospheric Rivers Forecast Improvement Program
Inserts part of Rep. Mike Garcia's & Rep. Jay Obernolte's
H.R. 3966, which establishes an atmospheric river forecast
improvement program to develop tools and improved forecast
products, including quantitative forecast skill metrics, that
advance accurate, effective, and actionable forecasts and
warnings that reduce the loss of life or property from
atmospheric rivers.
Section 205: Coastal Flooding and Storm Surge Forecast Improvement
Program
Inserts part of Rep. Tom Kean's H.R. 4069, which
establishes a coastal flooding and storm surge forecast
improvement program to improve understanding and capacity for
real-time operational prediction of coastal flooding, including
high tide flooding, and storm surge events. Specifically, this
section directs NOAA to use innovative observations and
modeling to develop probabilistic estimates for use in long-
term planning and risk management by States, Tribal
governments, localities, and emergency managers.
Section 206: Aviation Weather and data innovation
Inserts the text of Rep. Rich McCormick's H.R. 3915, which
establishes an airborne observation program for the acquisition
of atmospheric sensor data and the deployment of critical
atmospheric sensors. Specifically, this section directs NOAA to
procure weather data from commercial aircraft and analyze such
data when incorporated into the unified forecast system.
Additionally, this section directs the National Weather
Service to include turbulence events, icing conditions, or
other related phenomena in the forecasting capabilities of the
Aviation Weather Center. In carrying out these activities, the
NWS is authorized to designate an existing or establish a new
interagency working group, identify current or future data gaps
related to turbulence, and update interagency agreements.
Section 207: NESDIS Joint Venture Partnership Transition Program
Authorizes NOAA's National Environmental Satellite, Data,
and Informative Service, in consultation with NASA, to
administer broad agency announcements and contracting
mechanisms to support a joint venture partnership program that
engages with the private sector, academia, and other Federal
departments and agencies to transition awards from research and
study phases into demonstration. This section includes a total
of $20 million in authorization of appropriations for these
activities.
Section 208: Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System
Directs the National Weather Service to develop a strategy
to transition operations of the Advanced Weather Interactive
Processing System--the system required to produce watches,
warnings, and forecasts at every Weather Forecast Office--to an
operational cloud-based environment. This section requires NWS
to take actions to ensure the transition strategy is completed
by the end of Fiscal Year 2030.
Section 209. Reanalysis and reforecasting
Authorizes NOAA to support reanalysis and reforecasting
activities, including through the hazardous weather testbed, to
improve forecasts, predictions, and datasets.
Section 210. National Weather Service workforce
Directs the National Weather Service to annually assess and
submit to Congress the milestones, timelines, and service level
expectations required for expeditious hiring and timely on-
boarding of NWS employees. As part of this assessment, the
Director of the NWS is required to report on the total number
of staff and designated positions at each Weather Forecast
Office. This section also directs the NWS to contract or
continue to partner with an external organization to conduct an
assessment of medical impacts, including stress and mental
health, on NWS employees required to work rotating shifts.
Additionally, this section authorizes the Director of the
NWS to designate at least one service hydrologist at each
Weather Forecast Office. This position can be performed by an
existing employee or in addition to current responsibilities of
another position.
TITLE III--COMMERCIAL WEATHER AND ENVIRONMENTAL OBSERVATIONS
Section 301: Commercial Data Program
Codifies the Commercial Data Program at NOAA to expand on
activities related to obtaining a broad variety of weather and
environmental data and services from the private sector for
operational use. This section directs NOAA to maintain a Data
Governance Committee within its Observing System Council for
the purpose of ensuring coordinated and uniform processes for
commercial data acquisitions. This section also establishes an
Ombudsman position in NOAA's Office of Research, Transition,
and Applications to serve as a liaison between commercial data
providers and NOAA.
Additionally, this section authorizes the appropriation of
$100 million for each Fiscal Year 2024 through 2028 to acquire
surface-based, airborne-based, space-based, and coastal-and
ocean-based data, metadata, and services for operational use.
This section includes a Sense of Congress that NOAA should
enter contracts or agreements with private sector providers to
expend all amounts appropriated in a fiscal year.
Section 302: Commercial Data Pilot Program
Modifies the existing commercial data pilot program to be a
testing program within the Commercial Data Program. Directs the
Pilot Program to engage with external partners and providers to
test and evaluate all sources and types of observation
services, imagery, products, and data. The Pilot Program is
also directed to test, develop, and publish within 180 days
shared standards and methodologies for quality, use, licensing,
and attribution of observation services and data.
Additionally, this section authorizes NOAA to enter into
pilot contracts with private sector entities capable of
providing observation services and data in a manner that allows
NOAA to calibrate and evaluate such services and data for use
in modeling and forecasting activities. This section specifies
that if a pilot contract is assessed to be viable, accurate,
and cost-effective, the Commercial Data Program shall enter
into a contract to acquire such data or services.
This section authorizes appropriations for the Pilot
Program at not less than 15% of the total amount appropriated
to the Commercial Data Program each fiscal year.
Section 303: Contracting authority and avoidance of duplication
Authorizes NOAA to enter into year-long or multiyear
contracts, partner or contract with multiple observation
service or data providers simultaneously and utilize any other
authorities like transaction agreements to enter innovative
partnerships with the private sector.
Additionally, this section directs NOAA to avoid
duplication with NASA and other Federal departments and
agencies by coordinating all contracts and partnership with
private sector data providers and, to the maximum extent
possible, execute all contracts through the Commercial Data
Program. This section directs NOAA to ensure that other Federal
departments and agencies utilizing services or data through the
Program fairly compensate NOAA or the private sector entity
providing such service or data.
Section 304: Data assimilation, management, and sharing practices
Directs NOAA to consider the use of commercial cloud
technologies to host and transmit data and metadata acquired by
the Commercial Data Program. This section gives NOAA the
authority to partner with other Federal departments or agencies
to collocate data with joint utility. This section also directs
NOAA to ensure that the long-term management, maintenance, and
stewardship of acquired data is conducted by the National
Centers for Environmental Information and made available to the
U.S. weather enterprise in accordance with contract permissions
and redistribution terms.
Additionally, this section establishes a program to test,
advance, and implement data assimilation methods, including
through the use of artificial intelligence, machine learning,
and next-generation algorithms. This section also directs NOAA
to establish a consortium of institutions of higher education
to address critical research challenges for data assimilation
and foster a growing data assimilation workforce while
protecting data and models from foreign adversaries.
This section requires NOAA to enter into an agreement with
a non-Federal entity to conduct a study on data practices and
management needs at NOAA, including recommendations on data
infrastructure.
Section 305: Clerical amendment
Updates the table of contents in the Weather Act of 2017 to
reflect the addition of the new sections in this Title.
TITLE IV--COMMUNICATING WEATHER TO THE PUBLIC
Section 401: Definitions
Defines the terms ``hazardous weather or water events,''
``institution of higher education,'' ``NOAA weather radio,''
``public cloud,'' ``watch,'' and ``warning.''
Section 402: Hazardous weather or water event risk communication
Requires NOAA maintain and improve a system by which risks
of hazardous weather or water events are communicated to the
public with the goal of informing response to prevent loss of
life or property. Establishes a program to use social,
behavioral, risk, communication, and economic sciences to
simplify, improve, and develop metrics for the communication of
hazardous events.
Section 403: Hazard communication research and engagement
Requires NOAA to maintain a program to modernize the
development and communication of probabilistic hazard
information. Requires the program to improve the social,
behavioral, economic, risk, and communication sciences used to
communicate hazardous events, including by voluntary collection
of data.
Additionally, this section establishes a pilot program with
one or more eligible institutions to test the effectiveness of
implementing such research into operations with respect to
tornado hazard communications. This section also inserts the
text of Rep. Maxwell Frost's & Rep. Daniel Webster's H.R. 6080,
which authorizes a pilot study and research activities on
improving the communication of hurricanes forecasts and
predictions, including to vulnerable populations.
Section 404: National weather service communications improvement
Inserts the text of Rep. Randy Feenstra's H.R. 1496, which
directs the National Weather Service to replace their instant
messaging service, known as NWSChat, with a public cloud-based
platform.
Section 405: NOAA Weather radio modernization
Inserts the text of Rep. Stephanie Bice's H.R. 1482, which
directs NOAA to maintain, expand, and modernize the NOAA
Weather Radio (NWR) system that broadcasts weather information
across 90% of the United States and its territories. This
section directs NOAA to upgrade telecommunications
infrastructure, accelerate software upgrades, develop backup
options, and consult with relevant stakeholders in order to
ensure NWR meets its maximum performance potential and coverage
remains valuable to the public.
Section 406: Post-storm Surveys and Assessments
Directs NOAA to perform one or more post-storm surveys or
assessments following every hazardous weather or water event
determined to be of sufficient societal importance by the NOAA
Administrator. Requires that post-storm surveys and assessments
include under-observed, underserved, and highly vulnerable
communities and are done in coordination with Federal, State,
local, and Tribal governments, and the data obtained is made
available to the public as soon as practicable.
Additionally, this section exempts post-storm surveys and
assessments from the Paperwork Reduction Act, which will save
NWS an estimated 9 months per each new survey it designs.
Section 407: GAO Report on alert dissemination for hazardous weather or
water events
Requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to
submit to Congress a report examining the information
technology infrastructure of NOAA and the system for public
notification regarding hazardous weather or water events.
Specifically, this section requires the report to identify
secondary and tertiary fail-safe measures, assess
collaborations that could reduce delays in notification, and
analyze the source and extent of public notification delays.
Section 408: Data collection management and protection
Authorizes NOAA to collect social, behavioral, and economic
data, including through purchase or partnership collections,
related to communications and public response to hazardous
weather or water events. Requires that such data is collected
and managed within all legal, regulatory, and contractual
obligations and in accordance with all relevant laws. This
section also directs NOAA to establish a central repository
system for such data.
Additionally, this section directs NOAA to develop methods
that reduce the likelihood of unauthorized tampering with
online public notifications, such as digital watermarks.
TITLE V--IMPROVING WEATHER INFORMATION FOR AGRICULTURE AND WATER
MANAGEMENT
Section 501: Weather and Climate Information in Agriculture and Water
Management
Inserts the text of Rep. Jim Baird's H.R. 3802 and part of
Rep. Mike Garcia's & Rep. Jay Obernolte's H.R. 3966, which
direct NOAA to establish not fewer than 2 pilot projects to
support improved subseasonal to seasonal precipitation
forecasts for agriculture and water management. Specifically,
these pilot projects are directed to improve operational model
resolution and achieve measurable objectives for operational
forecast improvement. This section also removes a completed
report requirement on NOAA's plans and goals for subseasonal
and seasonal forecasts.
Additionally, this section reauthorizes the National
Weather Service's existing involvement in providing
agricultural and silvicultural weather and climate information.
This section authorizes the appropriation of $45 million
derived from amounts appropriated or otherwise made available
to the National Weather Service for each fiscal year through
2028.
Section 502: National Integrated Drought Information System
Inserts part of Rep. Mike Collins' H.R. 4373, which
reauthorizes and updates the National Integrated Drought
Information System (NIDIS). Specifically, this section directs
NIDIS to advance and deploy next generation drought monitoring
technologies and transition existing drought products to
probabilistic forecasts, as well as utilize observations from
State or regional hydrological monitoring projects.
Section 503: National Mesonet Program
Inserts the text of Rep. Stephanie Bice's H.R. 2995, which
codifies and authorizes the National Mesonet Program.
Specifically, the National Mesonet Program is directed to
obtain observations in all geographic environments and increase
the quantities of boundary-layer data to improve numerical
weather prediction performance.
Additionally, this section gives the National Mesonet
Program the authority to provide financial and technical
assistance to State, Tribal, private, and academic entities
seeking to build, expand, or upgrade the equipment or capacity
of a mesonet system. Before financial assistance is provided,
the entity must enter into an agreement to provide data to the
Program and allow the Program to verify the operational value
and cost of such data.
This section also ensures that the Program has an active
advisory committee of subject matter experts to make
recommendations on the identification, implementation,
procurement, and tracking of data needed to supplement the
Program. The advisory committee is required to include
expertise from one or more institutions of higher education and
regularly report to Congress.
Section 504: National coordinated soil moisture monitoring network
Inserts part of Rep. Mike Collins' H.R. 4373, which
requires the development, deployment, and maintenance of a soil
moisture monitoring network within the National Integrated
Drought Information System. Eliminates the requirement for a
completed report on the strategy to develop such a network.
Section 505: National Water Center
Reauthorizes the activities of the National Water Center
and designates the Center as NOAA's primary center in
collaborating and coordinating water research and operational
activities with other Federal centers and networks.
Additionally, this section ensures that the National Water
Center is a component of the National Centers for Environmental
Prediction in line with all of NOAA's other centers.
Section 506: Satellite transfers report
Requires the Department of Commerce to report to Congress
on the Department's authorities and policies, as well as
government-wide policies, related to transferring any portion
of weather satellite systems to another Federal agency or
department. The report is required to include a summary of any
plans the Department of Commerce has to transfer existing or
future weather satellite systems.
Section 507: Precipitation forecast improvement program
Inserts modified text of Rep. Jeff Jackson's H.R. 3802,
which establishes a program to improve precipitation
forecasting across all timescales with the goal of providing
more accurate, reliable, and timely precipitation forecasts and
extremes.
Related Committee Hearings
Pursuant to clause 3(c)(6) of rule XIII, the following
hearings were used to develop or consider H.R. 6093.
On March 28, 2023, the Subcommittee on Environment held a
hearing entitled Reauthorizing the Weather Act: Data and
Innovation for Predictions. Members and witnesses discussed
improvements in the fields of weather modeling and forecasting,
as well as examples of private sector companies in the U.S.
Weather Enterprise that can provide data and services to
benefit the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Witnesses:
Mr. Richard Jenkins, Founder & CEO,
Saildrone, Inc.
Ms. Meredith Bell, Atmospheric Program
Manager, FLYHT Inc.
Dr. Antonio J. Busalacchi Jr., President,
University Corporation for Atmospheric Research.
Mr. Michael Eilts, General Manager, Weather
and Earth Intelligence, Spire Global.
On May 11, 2023, the Subcommittee on Environment held a
hearing entitled An Overview of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration Budget Proposal for Fiscal Year
2024. Members and the witness discussed the President's FY 2024
budget request for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration and NOAA's priorities for research, development,
forecasting, and prediction.
Witness:
Dr. Rick Spinrad, Administrator, National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
On June 6, 2023, the Subcommittee on Environment held a
hearing entitled Reauthorizing the Weather Act: Users of
Weather Data and Areas for Improvement by Sector. Members and
the witnesses discussed the quality and availability of weather
data and how the public understands and utilizes this
information, as well as potential areas of improvement related
to the collection, distribution, and use of weather data
specific to different sectors of the economy.
Witnesses:
Mr. Gary McManus, State Climatologist,
Oklahoma Climatological Survey.
Ms. Jeanine Jones, Interstate Resources
Manager at the California Department of Water Resources
representing Western States Water Council.
Mr. Eric Snodgrass, Senior Fellow Scientist
and Principal Atmospheric Scientist, Nutrien.
Dr. Kathie Dello, State Climatologist of
North Carolina, and Co-Director, NOAA Carolinas Climate
Adaptation Partnership (CAP/RISA).
Committee Consideration
On November 8, 2023, the Committee met in open session and
ordered reported favorably the bill, H.R. 6093, as amended, by
a roll call vote of 31 yeas and 0 nays, a quorum being present.
Roll Call Votes
Clause 3(b) of rule XIII requires the Committee to list the
record votes on the motion to report legislation and amendments
thereto. The following reflects the record votes taken during
the Committee consideration:
[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
Application of Law to the Legislative Branch
The Committee finds that H.R. 6093 does not relate to the
terms and conditions of employment or access to public services
or accommodations within the meaning of section 102(b)(3) of
the Congressional Accountability Act (Public Law 104-1).
Statement of Oversight Findings and Recommendations of the Committee
In compliance with clause 3(c)(1) of rule XIII and clause
(2)(b)(1) of rule X, the Committee's oversight findings and
recommendations are reflected in the descriptive portions of
this report.
Statement of General Performance Goals and Objectives
Pursuant to clause (3)(c)(4) of rule XIII, the goal of H.R.
6093 is to improve the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration's weather research, support improvements in
weather forecasting and prediction, and expand commercial
opportunities for the provision of weather data.
Duplication of Federal Programs
Pursuant to clause 3(c)(5) of rule XIII, the Committee
finds that no provision of H.R. 6093 establishes or
reauthorizes a program of the Federal Government known to be
duplicative of another Federal program, including any program
that was included in a report to Congress pursuant to section
21 of Public Law 111 139 or identified in the most recent
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance.
Federal Advisory Committee Act
The Committee finds that the legislation does not establish
or authorize the establishment of an advisory committee within
the definition of section 5(b) of the Federal Advisory
Committee Act.
Unfunded Mandate Statement
The Committee adopts as its own the estimate of Federal
mandates prepared by the Director of the Congressional Budget
Office pursuant to section 423 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform
Act.
Earmark Identification
Pursuant to clauses 9(e), 9(f), and 9(g) of rule XXI, the
Committee finds that H.R. 6093 does not include any
congressional earmarks, limited tax benefits, or limited tariff
benefits.
Committee Cost Estimate
Pursuant to clause 3(d)(1) of rule XIII, the Committee
adopts as its own the cost estimate prepared by the Director of
the Congressional Budget Office pursuant to section 402 of the
Congressional Budget Act of 1974. At the time this report was
filed, the estimate was not available.
New Budget Authority, Entitlement Authority, And Tax Expenditures
Pursuant to clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII, the Committee
finds that H.R. 6093 would result in no new or increased budget
authority, entitlement authority, or tax expenditures or
revenues.
Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate
Pursuant to clause 3(c)(3) of rule XIII, at the time this
report was filed, the cost estimate prepared by the Director of
the Congressional Budget Office pursuant to section 402 of the
Congressional Budget Act of 1974 was not available.
Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported
In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of
the House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by
the bill, as reported, are shown as follows (existing law
proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new
matter is printed in italics, and existing law in which no
change is proposed is shown in roman):
WEATHER RESEARCH AND FORECASTING INNOVATION ACT OF 2017
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Weather
Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is
as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Definitions.
TITLE I--UNITED STATES WEATHER RESEARCH AND FORECASTING IMPROVEMENT
* * * * * * *
[Sec. 103. Tornado warning improvement and extension program.]
Sec. 103. Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes
Experiment (VORTEX).
* * * * * * *
TITLE III--WEATHER SATELLITE AND DATA INNOVATION
Sec. 301. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration satellite and
data management.
[Sec. 302. Commercial weather data.
[Sec. 303. Unnecessary duplication.]
Sec. 302. Commercial Data Program.
Sec. 303. Commercial Data Pilot Program.
Sec. 304. Contracting authority and avoidance of duplication.
Sec. 305. Data assimilation, management, and sharing practices.
TITLE IV--FEDERAL WEATHER COORDINATION
* * * * * * *
[Sec. 406. Improving National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
communication of hazardous weather and water events.]
Sec. 406. Hazardous Weather or Water Event Risk Communication.
Sec. 407. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Ready
All Hazards Award Program.
[Sec. 408. Department of Defense weather forecasting activities.
[Sec. 409. National Weather Service; operations and workforce analysis.
[Sec. 410. Report on contract positions at National Weather Service.
[Sec. 411. Weather impacts to communities and infrastructure.
[Sec. 412. Weather enterprise outreach.
[Sec. 413. Hurricane hunter aircraft.
[Sec. 414. Study on gaps in NEXRAD coverage and recommendations to
address such gaps.]
Sec. 408. Weather enterprise outreach.
Sec. 409. Hurricane hunter aircraft.
* * * * * * *
TITLE VI--IMPROVING FEDERAL PRECIPITATION INFORMATION
* * * * * * *
[603. Definitions.]
Sec. 603. Precipitation forecast improvement program.
Sec. 604. Definitions.
* * * * * * *
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Seasonal.--The term ``seasonal'' means the time
range between 3 months and 2 years.
(2) State.--The term ``State'' means a State, a
territory, or possession of the United States,
including a Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
(3) Subseasonal.--The term ``subseasonal'' means the
time range between 2 weeks and 3 months.
(4) Under secretary.--The term ``Under Secretary''
means the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and
Atmosphere.
(5) Weather data.--The term ``weather data'' means
information used to track and predict weather
conditions and patterns, including forecasts,
observations, and derivative products from such
information.
[(5)] (6) Weather industry and weather enterprise.--
The terms ``weather industry'' and ``weather
enterprise'' are interchangeable in this Act, and
include individuals and organizations from public,
private, and academic sectors that contribute to the
research, development, and production of weather
forecast products, and primary consumers of these
weather forecast products.
TITLE I--UNITED STATES WEATHER RESEARCH AND FORECASTING IMPROVEMENT
SEC. 101. PUBLIC SAFETY PRIORITY.
In conducting research, the Under Secretary shall prioritize
improving weather data, modeling, computing, forecasting, and
warnings for the protection of life and property and for the
enhancement of the national economy. The Under Secretary shall
ensure the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
remains focused on providing accurate and timely weather
forecasts that protect lives and property and enhance the
national economy by disseminating to the public and core
partners through nimble, flexible, and mobile methods critical
weather information and impact-based decision support services.
SEC. 102. WEATHER RESEARCH AND FORECASTING INNOVATION.
(a) Program.--The Assistant Administrator for the Office of
Oceanic and Atmospheric Research shall conduct a program to
develop improved understanding of and forecast capabilities for
atmospheric events and their impacts, placing priority on
developing more accurate, timely, and effective warnings and
forecasts of high impact weather events that endanger life and
property.
(b) Program Elements.--The program described in subsection
(a) shall focus on the following activities:
(1) Improving the fundamental understanding of
weather consistent with section 101, including the
boundary layer and other processes affecting high
impact weather events.
(2) Improving the understanding of how the public
receives, interprets, and responds to warnings and
forecasts of high impact weather events that endanger
life and property.
(3) Research and development, and transfer of
knowledge, technologies, and applications to the
National Weather Service and other appropriate agencies
and entities, including the United States weather
industry and academic partners, related to--
(A) advanced radar, radar networking
technologies, and other ground-based
technologies, including those emphasizing
rapid, fine-scale sensing of the boundary layer
and lower troposphere, and the use of
innovative, dual-polarization, phased-array
technologies;
(B) aerial weather observing systems;
(C) high performance computing and
information technology and wireless
communication networks;
(D) advanced numerical weather prediction
systems and forecasting tools and techniques
that improve the forecasting of timing, track,
intensity, and severity of high impact weather,
including through--
(i) the development of more effective
mesoscale models;
(ii) more effective use of existing,
and the development of new, regional
and national cloud-resolving models;
(iii) enhanced global weather models;
and
(iv) integrated assessment models;
(E) quantitative assessment tools for
measuring the impact and value of data and
observing systems, including Observing System
Simulation Experiments (as described in section
107), Observing System Experiments, and
Analyses of Alternatives;
(F) aviation weather phenomena, including
atmospheric composition and turbulence, to
improve scientific understanding and forecast
capabilities for the airspace system;
[(F)] (G) atmospheric chemistry and
interactions essential to accurately
characterizing atmospheric composition and
predicting meteorological processes, including
cloud microphysical, precipitation, and
atmospheric electrification processes, to more
effectively understand their role in severe
weather; and
[(G)] (H) additional sources of weather data
and information[, including commercial
observing systems], including stationary and
mobile commercial observing systems, such as
uncrewed aircraft and marine systems, to
provide observations of the atmosphere and
ocean, and other observations, in cooperation
with the Office of Marine and Aviation
Operations.
(4) A technology transfer initiative, carried out
jointly and in coordination with the Director of the
National Weather Service, and in cooperation with the
United States weather industry and academic partners,
to ensure continuous development and transition of the
latest scientific and technological advances into
operations of the National Weather Service and to
establish a process to sunset outdated and expensive
operational methods and tools to enable cost-effective
transfer of new methods and tools into operations.
(5) Advancing weather modeling skill, reclaiming and
maintaining international leadership in the area of
numerical weather prediction, and improving the
transition of research into operations by--
(A) leveraging the weather enterprise to
provide expertise on removing barriers to
improving numerical weather prediction;
(B) enabling scientists and engineers to
effectively collaborate in areas important for
improving operational global numerical weather
prediction skill, including model development,
data assimilation techniques, systems
architecture integration, and computational
efficiencies;
(C) strengthening the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration's ability to
undertake research projects in pursuit of
substantial advancements in weather forecast
skill;
(D) utilizing and leverage existing resources
across the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration enterprise; [and]
[(E) creating a community global weather
research modeling system that--
[(i) is accessible by the public;
[(ii) meets basic end-user
requirements for running on public
computers and networks located outside
of secure National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration information
and technology systems; and
[(iii) utilizes, whenever appropriate
and cost-effective, innovative
strategies and methods, including
cloud-based computing capabilities, for
hosting and management of part or all
of the system described in this
subsection.]
(E) developing community weather research
modeling systems that--
(i) are accessible by the public in
accordance with section 10601 of the
James M. Inhofe National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023
(15 U.S.C. 8512a) and available for
archive and long-term study;
(ii) meet basic end-user requirements
for running on public computers and
networks located outside of secure
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration information and
technology systems;
(iii) utilize, whenever appropriate
and cost-effective, innovative
strategies and methods, including
cloud-based computing capabilities, for
hosting and management of part or all
of the system described in this
subparagraph;
(iv) utilize modeling systems that
allow for interoperability with new
model components, modules, and next-
generation software and coding
languages;
(v) allow for open testing and
integration of promising operational
model improvements from the broader
community;
(vi) access as close to a real-time
basis as possible operational data and
metadata, including commercially
purchased data for use in Earth
Prediction Innovation Center research
and development testing grounds
pursuant to redistribution
restrictions, licensing agreements, and
applicable existing laws and
regulations; and
(vii) provide supported and portable
versions of the unified forecast
system, including applications for
hurricane, space weather, ocean,
cryosphere, air quality, and coastal
models, that can reproduce current
operational global and regional model
prediction; and
(F) establishing a National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration Data Lake, to be
maintained by the Administration, a commercial
partner, or non-profit entity, that
consolidates and maintains a publicly available
and continuously updated collection of data and
metadata used in numerical weather prediction
for use in the Earth Prediction Innovation
Center's model testing, pursuant to
redistribution restrictions, licensing
agreements, and applicable existing laws and
regulations.
(c) Extramural Research.--
(1) In general.--In carrying out the program under
this section, the Assistant Administrator for Oceanic
and Atmospheric Research shall collaborate with and
support the non-Federal weather research community,
which includes institutions of higher education,
private entities, and nongovernmental organizations, by
making funds available through competitive grants,
contracts, and cooperative agreements.
(2) Sense of congress.--It is the sense of Congress
that not less than 30 percent of the funds for weather
research and development at the Office of Oceanic and
Atmospheric Research should be made available for the
purpose described in paragraph (1).
[(d) Annual Report.--Each year, concurrent with the annual
budget request submitted by the President to Congress under
section 1105 of title 31, United States Code, for the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Under Secretary
shall submit to Congress a description of current and planned
activities under this section.]
[SEC. 103. TORNADO WARNING IMPROVEMENT AND EXTENSION PROGRAM.
[(a) In general.--The Under Secretary, in collaboration with
the United States weather industry and academic partners, shall
establish a tornado warning improvement and extension program.
[(b) Goal.--The goal of such program shall be to reduce the
loss of life and economic losses from tornadoes through the
development and extension of accurate, effective, and timely
tornado forecasts, predictions, and warnings, including the
prediction of tornadoes beyond 1 hour in advance.
[(c) Innovative Observations.--The Under Secretary shall
ensure that the program periodically examines the value of
incorporating innovative observations, such as acoustic or
infrasonic measurements, observations from phased array radars,
and observations from mesonets, with respect to the improvement
of tornado forecasts, predictions, and warnings.
[(d) Program Plan.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Assistant Administrator for
Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, in coordination with the
Director of the National Weather Service, shall develop a
program plan that details the specific research, development,
and technology transfer activities, as well as corresponding
resources and timelines, necessary to achieve the program goal.
[(e) Annual Budget for Plan Submittal.--Following completion
of the plan, the Under Secretary, acting through the Assistant
Administrator for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and in
coordination with the Director of the National Weather Service,
shall, not less frequently than once each year, submit to
Congress a proposed budget corresponding with the activities
identified in the plan.
[SEC. 104. HURRICANE FORECAST IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.
[(a) In General.--The Under Secretary, in collaboration with
the United States weather industry and such academic entities
as the Administrator considers appropriate, shall maintain a
project to improve hurricane forecasting.
[(b) Goal.--The goal of the project maintained under
subsection (a) shall be to develop and extend accurate
hurricane forecasts and warnings in order to reduce loss of
life, injury, and damage to the economy, with a focus on--
[(1) improving the prediction of rapid
intensification and track of hurricanes;
[(2) improving the forecast and communication of
storm surges from hurricanes;
[(3) incorporating risk communication research to
create more effective watch and warning products; and
[(4) evaluating and incorporating, as appropriate,
innovative observations, including acoustic or
infrasonic measurements.
[(c) Project Plan.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary, acting through
the Assistant Administrator for Oceanic and Atmospheric
Research and in consultation with the Director of the National
Weather Service, shall develop a plan for the project
maintained under subsection (a) that details the specific
research, development, and technology transfer activities, as
well as corresponding resources and timelines, necessary to
achieve the goal set forth in subsection (b).
[SEC. 105. WEATHER RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PLANNING.
[Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of
this Act, and not less frequently than once each year
thereafter, the Under Secretary, acting through the Assistant
Administrator for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and in
coordination with the Director of the National Weather Service
and the Assistant Administrator for Satellite and Information
Services, shall issue a research and development and research
to operations plan to restore and maintain United States
leadership in numerical weather prediction and forecasting
that--
[(1) describes the forecasting skill and technology
goals, objectives, and progress of the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration in carrying out the
program conducted under section 102;
[(2) identifies and prioritizes specific research and
development activities, and performance metrics,
weighted to meet the operational weather and flood-
event mission of the National Weather Service to
achieve a weather-ready Nation;
[(3) describes how the program will collaborate with
stakeholders, including the United States weather
industry and academic partners; and
[(4) identifies, through consultation with the
National Science Foundation, the United States weather
industry, and academic partners, research necessary to
enhance the integration of social science knowledge
into weather forecast and warning processes, including
to improve the communication of threat information
necessary to enable improved severe weather planning
and decisionmaking on the part of individuals and
communities.]
SEC. 103. VERIFICATION OF THE ORIGINS OF ROTATION IN TORNADOES
EXPERIMENT (VORTEX).
(a) In General.--The Under Secretary, in collaboration with
the United States weather industry and academic partners, shall
maintain a program for rapidly improving tornado forecasts,
predictions, and warnings, including forecaster training in
radar interpretation and information integration from new
sources.
(b) Goal.--The goal of the program under subsection (a) shall
be to develop and extend accurate tornado forecasts,
predictions, and warnings in order to reduce the loss of life
or property related to tornadoes, with a focus on the
following:
(1) Improving the effectiveness and timeliness of
tornado forecasts, predictions, and warnings.
(2) Optimizing lead time and providing actionable
information beyond one hour in advance.
(3) Transitioning from warn-on-detection to warn-on-
forecast.
(c) Innovative Observations.--The Under Secretary shall
ensure the program under subsection (a) periodically examines,
tests, and evaluates the value of incorporating innovative
observations, such as novel sensor technologies, observation
tools or networks, crewed or uncrewed systems, and hosted
instruments on commercial aircrafts, vessels, and satellites,
with respect to the improvement of tornado forecasts,
predictions, and warnings.
(d) Activities.--The Under Secretary shall award grants for
research, including relating to the following:
(1) Implementing key goals and achieving program
milestones to the maximum extent practicable as
outlined by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration's 2019 report, ``Tornado Warning
Improvement and Extension Program Plan''.
(2) In coordination with the National Science and
Technology Council's Social and Behavioral Sciences
Subcommittee, improving the social, behavioral, risk,
communication, and economic sciences regarding
vulnerabilities, risk communication, and delivery of
information critical for reducing the loss of life or
property related to tornadoes.
(3) Improving the physical sciences, computer
modeling, and tools related to tornado formation, the
impacts of tornadoes on the built and natural
environment, and the interaction of tornadoes and
hurricanes.
(e) Warnings.--In carrying out subsection (a), the Under
Secretary, in coordination with the program established under
section 406, shall--
(1) conduct and transition to operations the research
necessary to develop and deploy probabilistic weather
forecast guidance technology for tornadoes and related
weather phenomena;
(2) incorporate into tornado modeling and
forecasting, as appropriate, social, behavioral, risk,
communication, and economic sciences;
(3) enhance workforce training on radar
interpretation and use of tornado warning systems; and
(4) expand computational resources to support higher-
resolution modeling to advance the capability for warn-
on-forecast.
(f) Tornado Rating System.--The Under Secretary, in
collaboration with local communities and emergency managers,
shall--
(1) evaluate the system used as of the date of the
enactment of this section to rate the severity of
tornadoes;
(2) determine whether updates to such system are
required to ensure such ratings accurately reflect the
severity of tornados; and
(3) if determined necessary, update such system.
(g) Annual Budget.--The Under Secretary shall, not less
frequently than annually, submit to Congress a proposed budget
corresponding with carrying out this section.
SEC. 104. HURRICANE FORECAST IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Under Secretary, in collaboration with
the United States weather industry and academic partners, shall
maintain a program to improve hurricane forecasting,
predictions, and warnings.
(b) Goal.--The goal of the program under subsection (a) shall
be to develop and extend accurate hurricane forecasts,
predictions, and warnings in order to reduce the loss of life
or property related to hurricanes, with a focus on the
following:
(1) Improving the understanding and prediction of
rapid intensity change and projected path of
hurricanes, including probabilistic methods for
hurricane hazard mapping.
(2) Improving the forecast and impact-based
communication of inland flooding, compound flooding,
and storm surges from hurricanes, in coordination with
the program established under section 205 of the
Weather Act Reauthorization Act of 2023.
(3) Incorporating social, behavioral, risk,
communication, and economic sciences to clearly inform
response to prevent the loss of life or property, such
as evacuation or shelter in place.
(4) Evaluating and incorporating, as appropriate,
innovative observations, such as novel sensor
technologies, observation tools or networks, crewed or
uncrewed systems, and hosted instruments on commercial
aircrafts, vessels, and satellites.
(c) Activities.--The Under Secretary shall award grants for
research, including relating to the following:
(1) Implementing key strategies and following
priorities and objectives outlined by the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's 2019 report
``Hurricane Forecast Improvement Program''.
(2) In coordination with the National Science and
Technology Council's Social and Behavioral Sciences
Subcommittee and other relevant interagency committees,
improving the social, behavioral, risk, communications,
and economic sciences related to vulnerabilities, risk
communication, and delivery of information critical for
reducing the loss of life or property related to
hurricanes.
(3) Improving the physical sciences, operational
modeling, and tools related to hurricane formation, the
impacts of wind and water-based hurricane hazards on
the built and natural environment, and the interaction
of hurricanes and tornadoes.
(d) Warnings.--In carrying out subsection (a), the Under
Secretary, in coordination with the program established under
section 406, shall--
(1) conduct and transition to operations the research
necessary to develop and deploy probabilistic weather
forecast guidance technology relating to hurricanes and
related weather phenomena;
(2) incorporate into hurricane modeling and
forecasting, as appropriate, social, behavioral, risk,
communication, and economic sciences research; and
(3) expand computational resources to support and
improve higher-resolution operational modeling of
hurricanes and related weather phenomena.
(e) Annual Budget.--The Under Secretary shall, not less
frequently than annually, submit to Congress a proposed budget
corresponding with carrying out this section.
SEC. 105. WEATHER RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PLANNING.
Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of
this section and not less frequently than semiannually
thereafter, the Under Secretary, acting through the Assistant
Administrator for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, and in
coordination with the Director of the National Weather Service
and the Assistant Administrator for Satellite and Information
Services, shall issue a research and development and research
to operations plan to maintain United States leadership in
numerical weather prediction and forecasting that--
(1) describes the forecasting skill and technology
goals, objectives, expected budget, and progress of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in
carrying out the program conducted under section 102;
(2) identifies and prioritizes specific research and
development activities, data collection and analysis,
predictive modeling, demonstration of potential
operational forecast application, education, training,
and performance metrics, weighted to meet the
operational weather and flood-event mission of the
National Weather Service to achieve a weather-ready
Nation;
(3) describes how the program conducted under section
102 will collaborate with Federal agencies and
departments, international partners, and stakeholders,
including the United States weather industry and
academic partners, and the role of each in advancing
weather forecasting and communication;
(4) identifies, through consultation with the
National Science Foundation, the United States weather
industry, and academic partners, research necessary to
advance the scientific understanding of weather
processes and provide information to improve weather
warning and forecast systems in the United States most
effectively; and
(5) describes how the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration is advancing community
weather modeling.
SEC. 106. OBSERVING SYSTEM PLANNING.
The Under Secretary shall--
(1) develop and maintain a prioritized list of
observation data requirements necessary to ensure
weather forecasting capabilities to protect life and
property to the maximum extent practicable;
(2) consistent with section 107, utilize Observing
System Simulation Experiments, Observing System
Experiments, Analyses of Alternatives, and other
appropriate assessment tools to ensure continuous
systemic evaluations of the observing systems, data,
and information needed to meet the requirements of
paragraph (1), including options to maximize
observational capabilities and their cost-
effectiveness;
(3) identify current and potential future data gaps
in Federal observing capabilities related to the
requirements listed under paragraph (1); [and]
(4) determine a range of options, including private
sector partnerships or commercial acquisition, to
address gaps identified under paragraph (3)[.];
(5) compare costs and schedule, including cost-
benefit analysis, of Federal and private sector
supplemental options to fill the observation data
requirements under paragraph (1) and gaps identified
pursuant to paragraph (3); and
(6) not later than one year after the date of the
enactment of this paragraph, submit to Congress a
report that provides an analysis of the technical,
schedule, cost, and cost benefit analyses to place an
operational polar-orbiting environmental satellite
capability in the early morning orbit to support the
weather enterprise and the Administration's mission.
SEC. 107. OBSERVING SYSTEM SIMULATION EXPERIMENTS.
(a) In general.--In support of the requirements of section
106, the Assistant Administrator for Oceanic and Atmospheric
Research shall undertake Observing System Simulation
Experiments, or such other quantitative assessments as the
Assistant Administrator considers appropriate, to
quantitatively assess the relative value and benefits of
observing capabilities and systems. Technical and scientific
Observing System Simulation Experiment evaluations--
(1) may include assessments of the impact of
observing capabilities on--
(A) global weather prediction;
(B) hurricane track and intensity
forecasting;
(C) tornado warning lead times and accuracy;
(D) prediction of mid-latitude severe local
storm outbreaks; and
(E) prediction of storms that have the
potential to cause extreme precipitation and
flooding lasting from 6 hours to 1 week; and
(2) shall be conducted in cooperation with other
appropriate entities within the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, other Federal agencies, the
United States weather industry, and academic partners
to ensure the technical and scientific merit of results
from Observing System Simulation Experiments or other
appropriate quantitative assessment methodologies.
(b) Requirements.--Observing System Simulation Experiments
shall quantitatively--
(1) determine the potential impact of proposed space-
based, suborbital, and in situ observing systems on
analyses and forecasts, including potential impacts on
extreme weather events across all parts of the Nation;
(2) evaluate and compare observing system design
options; and
(3) assess the relative capabilities and costs of
various observing systems and combinations of observing
systems in [providing data] comparison to current or
experimental commercial system capabilities that
provide data necessary to protect life and property.
(c) Implementation.--Observing System Simulation
Experiments--
(1) shall be conducted prior to the acquisition of
major Government-owned or Government-leased operational
observing systems[, including polar-orbiting and
geostationary satellite systems,] with a lifecycle cost
of more than $500,000,000; and
(2) shall be conducted prior to the purchase of any
major new commercially provided data with a lifecycle
cost of more than $500,000,000.
[(d) Priority Observing System Simulation Experiments.--
[(1) Global navigation satellite system radio
occultation.--Not later than 30 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Assistant Administrator
for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research shall complete an
Observing System Simulation Experiment to assess the
value of data from Global Navigation Satellite System
Radio Occultation.
[(2) Geostationary hyperspectral sounder global
constellation.--Not later than 120 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Assistant
Administrator for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research
shall complete an Observing System Simulation
Experiment to assess the value of data from a
geostationary hyperspectral sounder global
constellation.]
[(e)] (d) Results.--Upon completion of all Observing System
Simulation Experiments, the Assistant Administrator shall make
available to the public the results an assessment of related
private and public sector weather data sourcing options,
including their availability, affordability, and cost-
effectiveness. Such assessments shall be developed in
accordance with section 50503 of title 51, United States Code.
SEC. 108. COMPUTING RESOURCE EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENT AND ANNUAL REPORT.
(a) Computing Resources.--
(1) In general.--In acquiring computing capabilities,
including high performance computing technologies and
supercomputing technologies, that enable the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to meet its
mission requirements, the Under Secretary shall, when
appropriate and cost-effective, assess and prioritize
options for entering into multi-year lease agreements
for computing capabilities over options for purchasing
computing hardware outright.
(2) Acquisition.--In carrying out the requirements of
paragraph (1), the Under Secretary shall structure
multi-year lease agreements in such a manner that the
expiration of the lease is set for a date on or
around--
(A) the expected degradation point of the
computing resources; or
(B) the point at which significantly
increased computing capabilities are expected
to be available for lease.
(3) Pilot programs.--
(A) In general.--In order to more efficiently
and effectively meet the mission requirements
of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, the Under Secretary may create
1 or more pilot programs for assessing new or
innovative information and technology
capabilities and services.
(B) Program requirements.--Any program
created under paragraph (3) shall assess only
those capabilities and services that--
(i) meet or exceed the standards and
requirements of the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration,
including for processing speed,
cybersecurity, and overall reliability;
or
(ii) meet or exceed, or are expected
to meet or exceed, the performance of
similar, in-house information and
technology capabilities and services
that are owned and operated by the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration prior to the
establishment of the pilot program.
[(C) Authorization of appropriations.--There
is authorized to be appropriated, out of funds
appropriated to the National Environmental
Satellite, Data, and Information Service, to
carry out this paragraph $5,000,000 for fiscal
year 2019, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2020,
and $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2021
through 2023, to remain available until
expended.]
[(b) Reports.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of the National Integrated Drought Information System
Reauthorization Act of 2018, and triennially thereafter until
the date that is 6 years after the date on which the first
report is submitted, the Under Secretary, acting through the
Chief Information Officer of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration and in coordination with the
Assistant Administrator for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research
and the Director of the National Weather Service, shall produce
and make publicly available a report that explains how the
Under Secretary intends--
[(1) to continually support upgrades to pursue the
fastest, most powerful, and cost-effective high
performance computing technologies in support of its
weather prediction mission;
[(2) to ensure a balance between the research to
operations requirements to develop the next generation
of regional and global models as well as highly
reliable operational models;
[(3) to take advantage of advanced development
concepts to, as appropriate, make next generation
weather prediction models available in beta-test mode
to operational forecasters, the United States weather
industry, and partners in academic and Government
research;
[(4) to use existing computing resources to improve
advanced research and operational weather prediction;
[(5) to utilize non-Federal contracts to obtain the
necessary expertise for advanced weather computing, if
appropriate;
[(6) to utilize cloud computing; and
[(7) to create a long-term strategy to transition the
programming language of weather model code to current
and broadly-used coding language.]
(b) Computing Research Initiative.--
(1) In general.--The Under Secretary, in
collaboration with the Secretary of Energy, shall carry
out an initiative, which may leverage Department of
Energy high performance computers, cloud computing, or
expertise, to run advanced coupled models in order to
conduct proof of concept scenarios in comparison with
current issued forecasts and models. The Under
Secretary and Secretary of Energy shall carry out the
initiative through a competitive, merit-reviewed
process, and consider applications from Federal
agencies, National Laboratories, institutions of higher
education (as such term is defined in section 101 of
the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)),
nonprofit institutions, and other appropriate entities
(or a consortia thereof).
(2) Components.--In carrying out the initiative under
paragraph (1), the Under Secretary shall prevent
duplication and coordinate research efforts in
artificial intelligence, high performance computing,
cloud computing, quantum computing, modeling and
simulation, machine learning, data assimilation, large
scale data analytics, and predictive analysis across
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
and may--
(A) conduct research to compare National
Weather Service forecast and model outputs to
predictions and model outputs developed through
such initiative;
(B) share relevant modeling system and
applications innovations developed through such
initiative, including Unified Forecast System-
based applications, through community-based
activities, in accordance with section 10601 of
the James M. Inhofe National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (15
U.S.C. 8512a);
(C) leverage coordinating activities managed
by the National Science and Technology Council,
the Interagency Council for Advancing
Meteorological Services, and other relevant
interagency entities;
(D) provide sufficient capacity for long-term
archive and access of model output to support
research and long-term study;
(E) determine computing decisions based on an
agile requirements framework; and
(F) support the training, recruitment, and
retention of the next generation weather,
water, and climate computing workforce through
incentives and pathways for career development
and employment opportunities.
(3) Research security.--The activities authorized
under this section shall be applied in a manner
consistent with subtitle D of title VI of the Research
and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act
(enacted as division B of Public Law 117-167; 42 U.S.C.
19231 et seq.).
(4) Termination.--The authority under this subsection
shall terminate five years after the date of the
enactment of this subsection.
(c) Artificial Intelligence Investments.--The Under Secretary
shall leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning
technologies to facilitate, optimize, and further leverage
advanced computing to accomplish critical missions of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration by enhancing
existing and forthcoming high-performance and cloud computing
infrastructure or systems.
(d) Centers of Excellence.--The Under Secretary may expand,
and where applicable establish, centers of excellence to aid
the adoption of next-generation artificial intelligence and
machine learning enabled advanced computing capabilities. Each
such center may carry out activities that include the
following:
(1) Leveraging robust public-private partnership
models to provide access to training, experience, and
long-term development of workforce and infrastructure.
(2) Developing and optimizing tools, libraries,
algorithms, data structures, and other supporting
software necessary for specific applications on high
performance computing systems.
(3) Applying modern artificial intelligence, deep
machine-learning, and advanced data analysis
technologies to address current and future mission
challenges.
(4) To the maximum extent practicable, explore
quantum computing and related application partnerships
with public, private, and academic entities to improve
the accuracy and resolution of weather predictions.
(e) Multi-year Contracts.--The Under Secretary may enter into
multi-year contracts in accordance with section 3903 of title
41, United States Code, and shall ensure compliance with all
clauses provided in such section to support operations,
research, and development related to high performance and cloud
computing infrastructure or systems with an unfunded contingent
liability in the event of cancellation.
(f) Report.--Not later than two years after the date of the
enactment of this subsection, the Under Secretary shall submit
to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House
of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation and the Committee on Energy and Natural
Resources of the Senate a report evaluating the following:
(1) The effectiveness of the initiative required
under subsection (b), including applied research
discoveries and advanced modeling improvements
achieved.
(2) A best estimate of the overall value of high-
resolution probabilistic forecast guidance for
hazardous weather or water events (as such term is
defined in section 406) using a next-generation weather
forecast and warning framework.
(3) The needs for cloud computing, quantum computing,
or high-performance computing, visualization, and
dissemination collaboration between the Department of
Energy and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration.
(4) A timeline and guidance for implementation of the
following:
(A) High-resolution numerical weather
prediction models.
(B) Methods for meeting the cloud computing,
quantum computing, or high-performance
computing, visualization, and dissemination
needs identified under paragraph (3).
* * * * * * *
[SEC. 110. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
[(a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated to
the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research to carry out
this title--
[(1) $136,516,000 for fiscal year 2019, of which--
[(A) $85,758,000 is authorized for weather
laboratories and cooperative institutes;
[(B) $30,758,000 is authorized for weather
and air chemistry research programs; and
[(C) $20,000,000 is authorized for the joint
technology transfer initiative described in
section 102(b)(4);
[(2) $148,154,000 for fiscal year 2020, of which--
[(A) $87,258,000 is authorized for weather
laboratories and cooperative institutes;
[(B) $40,896,000 is authorized for weather
and air chemistry research programs; and
[(C) $20,000,000 is authorized for the joint
technology transfer initiative described in
section 102(b)(4);
[(3) $150,154,000 for fiscal year 2021, of which--
[(A) $88,758,000 is authorized for weather
laboratories and cooperative institutes;
[(B) $41,396,000 is authorized for weather
and air chemistry research programs; and
[(C) $20,000,000 is authorized for the joint
technology transfer initiative described in
section 102(b)(4);
[(4) $152,154,000 for fiscal year 2022, of which--
[(A) $90,258,000 is authorized for weather
laboratories and cooperative institutes;
[(B) $41,896,000 is authorized for weather
and air chemistry research programs; and
[(C) $20,000,000 is authorized for the joint
technology transfer initiative described in
section 102(b)(4); and
[(5) $154,154,000 for fiscal year 2023, of which--
[(A) $91,758,000 is authorized for weather
laboratories and cooperative institutes;
[(B) $42,396,000 is authorized for weather
and air chemistry research programs; and
[(C) $20,000,000 is authorized for the joint
technology transfer initiative described in
section 102(b)(4).
[(b) Limitation.--No additional funds are authorized to carry
out this title and the amendments made by this title.]
SEC. 110. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to
be appropriated to the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric
Research to carry out this title the following:
(1) $155,000,000 for fiscal year 2024, of which--
(A) $90,000,000 is authorized for weather
laboratories and cooperative institutes;
(B) $30,000,000 is authorized for the United
States Weather Research Program;
(C) $20,000,000 is authorized for tornado,
severe storm, and next generation radar
research; and
(D) $15,000,000 is authorized for the joint
technology transfer initiative described in
section 102(b)(4) of this title.
(2) $156,550,000 for fiscal year 2025, of which--
(A) $90,900,000 is authorized for weather
laboratories and cooperative institutes;
(B) $30,300,000 is authorized for the United
States Weather Research Program;
(C) $20,200,000 is authorized for tornado,
severe storm, and next generation radar
research; and
(D) $15,150,000 is authorized for the joint
technology transfer initiative described in
section 102(b)(4) of this title.
(3) $158,116,000 for fiscal year 2026, of which--
(A) $91,809,000 is authorized for weather
laboratories and cooperative institutes;
(B) $30,603,000 is authorized for the United
States Weather Research Program;
(C) $20,402,000 is authorized for tornado,
severe storm, and next generation radar
research; and
(D) $15,302,000 is authorized for the joint
technology transfer initiative described in
section 102(b)(4) of this title.
(4) $159,697,000 for fiscal year 2027, of which--
(A) $92,727,000 is authorized for weather
laboratories and cooperative institutes;
(B) $30,909,000 is authorized for the United
States Weather Research Program;
(C) $20,606,000 is authorized for tornado,
severe storm, and next generation radar
research; and
(D) $15,455,000 is authorized for the joint
technology transfer initiative described in
section 102(b)(4) of this title.
(5) $161,294,000 for fiscal year 2028, of which--
(A) $93,654,000 is authorized for weather
laboratories and cooperative institutes;
(B) $31,218,000 is authorized for the United
States Weather Research Program;
(C) $20,812,000 is authorized for tornado,
severe storm, and next generation radar
research; and
(D) $15,609,000 is authorized for the joint
technology transfer initiative described in
section 8512(b)(4) of this title.
(b) Limitation.--No additional funds are authorized to carry
out this title or the amendments made by this title.
* * * * * * *
TITLE III--WEATHER SATELLITE AND DATA INNOVATION
SEC. 301. NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION SATELLITE AND
DATA MANAGEMENT.
(a) Short-Term Management of Environmental Observations.--
[(1) Microsatellite constellations.--
[(A) In general.--The Under Secretary shall
complete and operationalize the Constellation
Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere,
and Climate-1 and Climate-2 (COSMIC) in effect
on the day before the date of the enactment of
this Act--
[(i) by deploying constellations of
microsatellites in both the equatorial
and polar orbits;
[(ii) by integrating the resulting
data and research into all national
operational and research weather
forecast models; and
[(iii) by ensuring that the resulting
data of National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration's COSMIC-1
and COSMIC-2 programs are free and open
to all communities.
[(B) Annual reports.--Not less frequently
than once each year until the Under Secretary
has completed and operationalized the program
described in subparagraph (A) pursuant to such
subparagraph, the Under Secretary shall submit
to Congress a report on the status of the
efforts of the Under Secretary to carry out
such subparagraph.]
[(2)] (1) Integration of ocean and coastal data from
the integrated ocean observing system.--In National
Weather Service Regions where the Director of the
National Weather Service determines that ocean and
coastal data would improve forecasts, the Director, in
consultation with the Assistant Administrator for
Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and the Assistant
Administrator of the National Ocean Service, shall--
(A) integrate additional coastal and ocean
observations, and other data and research, from
the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS)
into regional weather forecasts to improve
weather forecasts and forecasting decision
support systems;
(B) support the development of real-time data
sharing products and forecast products in
collaboration with the regional associations of
such system, including contributions from the
private sector, academia, and research
institutions to ensure timely and accurate use
of ocean and coastal data in regional
forecasts; and
(C) support increasing use of autonomous,
mobile surface, sub-surface, and submarine
vehicle ocean and fresh water sensor systems
and the infrastructure necessary to share and
analyze these data in real-time and feed them
into predictive early warning systems.
[(3)] (2) Existing monitoring and observation-
capability.--The Under Secretary shall identify
degradation of existing monitoring and observation
capabilities that could lead to a reduction in forecast
quality.
[(4)] (3) Specifications for new satellite systems or
data determined by operational needs.--In developing
specifications for any satellite systems or data to
follow the Joint Polar Satellite System, Geostationary
Operational Environmental Satellites, and any other
satellites, in effect on the day before the date of
enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary shall ensure
the specifications are determined to the extent
practicable by the recommendations of the reports under
subsection (b) of this section.
[(b) Independent Study on Future of National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration Satellite Systems and Data.--
[(1) Agreement.--
[(A) In general.--The Under Secretary shall
seek to enter into an agreement with the
National Academy of Sciences to perform the
services covered by this subsection.
[(B) Timing.--The Under Secretary shall seek
to enter into the agreement described in
subparagraph (A) before September 30, 2018.
[(2) Study.--
[(A) In general.--Under an agreement between
the Under Secretary and the National Academy of
Sciences under this subsection, the National
Academy of Sciences shall conduct a study on
matters concerning future satellite data needs.
[(B) Elements.--In conducting the study under
subparagraph (A), the National Academy of
Sciences shall--
[(i) develop recommendations on how
to make the data portfolio of the
Administration more robust and cost-
effective;
[(ii) assess the costs and benefits
of moving toward a constellation of
many small satellites, standardizing
satellite bus design, relying more on
the purchasing of data, or acquiring
data from other sources or methods;
[(iii) identify the environmental
observations that are essential to the
performance of weather models, based on
an assessment of Federal, academic, and
private sector weather research, and
the cost of obtaining the environmental
data;
[(iv) identify environmental
observations that improve the quality
of operational and research weather
models in effect on the day before the
date of enactment of this Act;
[(v) identify and prioritize new
environmental observations that could
contribute to existing and future
weather models; and
[(vi) develop recommendations on a
portfolio of environmental observations
that balances essential, quality-
improving, and new data, private and
nonprivate sources, and space-based and
Earth-based sources.
[(C) Deadline and report.--In carrying out
the study under subparagraph (A), the National
Academy of Sciences shall complete and transmit
to the Under Secretary a report containing the
findings of the National Academy of Sciences
with respect to the study not later than 2
years after the date on which the Administrator
enters into an agreement with the National
Academy of Sciences under paragraph (1)(A).
[(3) Alternate organization.--
[(A) In general.--If the Under Secretary is
unable within the period prescribed in
subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) to enter into
an agreement described in subparagraph (A) of
such paragraph with the National Academy of
Sciences on terms acceptable to the Under
Secretary, the Under Secretary shall seek to
enter into such an agreement with another
appropriate organization that--
[(i) is not part of the Federal
Government;
[(ii) operates as a not-for-profit
entity; and
[(iii) has expertise and objectivity
comparable to that of the National
Academy of Sciences.
[(B) Treatment.--If the Under Secretary
enters into an agreement with another
organization as described in subparagraph (A),
any reference in this subsection to the
National Academy of Sciences shall be treated
as a reference to the other organization.
[(4) Authorization of appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated, out of funds
appropriated to National Environmental Satellite, Data,
and Information Service, to carry out this subsection
$1,000,000 for the period encompassing fiscal years
2018 through 2019.]
(b) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Satellite
Systems and Data.--
(1) In general.--The Under Secretary shall maintain a
fleet of Administration space-based observation
platforms that provide critical operations-focused data
and information to support the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration's mission to monitor the
global environment in order to protect lives and
property from extreme weather and other natural
phenomena.
(2) Collaboration.--The Under Secretary shall
implement recommendations from the NOAA Observing
Systems Council to ensure an appropriate mix of
government, academic, commercial sector, and
international partnerships in the provision of data and
information, including a broadened effort on data
acquisition through the Commercial Data Program under
section 302 when cost effective and beneficial to the
Administration.
(3) Priority.--The Under Secretary shall ensure that
Administration platforms maintained under paragraph (1)
prioritize the development of products and services
that are tailored to meet the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration's mission.
(4) National centers for environmental information.--
The Under Secretary shall maintain the National Centers
for Environmental Information to provide a long-term
archive and access to the Administration's national and
global data and metadata.
(c) Next Generation Satellite Architecture.--
(1) In general.--The Under Secretary shall analyze,
test, and plan the procurement of future data sources
and satellite architectures, including respective
ground system elements, identified in the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Satellite
Observing System Architecture Study that--
(A) lower the cost of observations used to
meet the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration's mission requirements;
(B) disaggregate current satellite systems,
where appropriate;
(C) include new, value-adding technological
advancements; and
(D) improve--
(i) weather and climate forecasting
and predictions; and
(ii) the understanding, management,
and exploration of the ocean.
(2) Quantitative assessments and partnership
authority.--In meeting the requirements described in
paragraph (1), the Under Secretary--
(A) may partner with the commercial and
academic sectors, non-governmental and not-for-
profit organizations, and other Federal
agencies; and
(B) shall, consistent with section 107 of
this Act, undertake quantitative assessments
for objective analyses, as the Under Secretary
considers appropriate, to evaluate relative
value and benefits of future data sources and
satellite architectures described in paragraph
(1).
(d) Additional Forms of Transaction Authorized.--
(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), in order
to enhance the effectiveness of data, satellite, and
other observing systems used by the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration to meet its missions,
the Under Secretary may enter into and perform such
transaction agreements on such terms as the Under
Secretary considers appropriate to carry out--
(A) basic, applied, and advanced research
projects and ocean exploration missions to meet
the objectives described in subparagraphs (A)
through (D) of subsection (c)(1); or
(B) any other type of project to meet other
mission objectives, as determined by the Under
Secretary.
(2) Method and scope.--
(A) In general.--A transaction agreement
under paragraph (1) shall be limited to
research and development activities.
(B) Permissible uses.--A transaction
agreement under paragraph (1) may be used--
(i) for the construction, use,
operation, or procurement of new,
improved, innovative, or value-adding
systems, including satellites,
instrumentation, ground stations, data,
and data processing;
(ii) to make determinations on how to
best use existing or planned data,
systems, and assets of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration;
and
(iii) only when the objectives of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration cannot be met using a
cooperative research and development
agreement, grants procurement contract,
or cooperative agreement.
(3) Termination of effectiveness.--The authority
provided in this subsection terminates effective
September 30, 2030.
(e) Transparency.--Not later than 60 days after the date that
a transaction agreement is made under subsection (d), the Under
Secretary shall make publicly available, in a searchable
format, on the website of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration all uses of the authority under subsection (d),
including an estimate of committed National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration resources and the expected benefits
to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration objectives
for the transaction agreement, with appropriate redactions for
proprietary, sensitive, or classified information.
(f) Reports.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after
September 30 of each fiscal year through September 30,
[2023] 2030, the Under Secretary shall submit to the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of
the Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology of the House of Representatives a report on
the use of additional transaction authority by the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration during
the previous fiscal year.
(2) Contents.--Each report shall include--
(A) for each transaction agreement in effect
during the fiscal year covered by the report--
(i) an indication of whether the
transaction agreement is a
reimbursable, non-reimbursable, or
funded agreement;
(ii) a description of--
(I) the subject and terms;
(II) the parties;
(III) the responsible
National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration line
office;
(IV) the value;
(V) the extent of the cost
sharing among Federal
Government and non-Federal
sources;
(VI) the duration or
schedule; and
(VII) all milestones;
(iii) an indication of whether the
transaction agreement was renewed
during the previous fiscal year;
(iv) the technology areas in which
research projects were conducted under
that agreement;
(v) the extent to which the use of
that agreement--
(I) has contributed to a
broadening of the technology
and industrial base available
for meeting National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration
needs; and
(II) has fostered within the
technology and industrial base
new relationships and practices
that support the United States;
and
(vi) the total value received by the
Federal Government under that agreement
for that fiscal year; and
(B) a list of all anticipated reimbursable,
non-reimbursable, and funded transaction
agreements for the upcoming fiscal year.
(g) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section may be
construed as limiting the authority of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration to use cooperative research and
development agreements, grants, procurement contracts, or
cooperative agreements.
[SEC. 302. COMMERCIAL WEATHER DATA.
[(a) Data and Hosted Satellite Payloads.--Notwithstanding any
other provision of law, the Secretary of Commerce may enter
into agreements for--
[(1) the purchase of weather data through contracts
with commercial providers; and
[(2) the placement of weather satellite instruments
on cohosted government or private payloads.
[(b) Strategy.--
[(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of
Commerce, in consultation with the Under Secretary,
shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on
Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives a strategy to enable the procurement of
quality commercial weather data. The strategy shall
assess the range of commercial opportunities, including
public-private partnerships, for obtaining surface-
based, aviation-based, and space-based weather
observations. The strategy shall include the expected
cost-effectiveness of these opportunities as well as
provide a plan for procuring data, including an
expected implementation timeline, from these
nongovernmental sources, as appropriate.
[(2) Requirements.--The strategy shall include--
[(A) an analysis of financial or other
benefits to, and risks associated with,
acquiring commercial weather data or services,
including through multiyear acquisition
approaches;
[(B) an identification of methods to address
planning, programming, budgeting, and execution
challenges to such approaches, including--
[(i) how standards will be set to
ensure that data is reliable and
effective;
[(ii) how data may be acquired
through commercial experimental or
innovative techniques and then
evaluated for integration into
operational use;
[(iii) how to guarantee public access
to all forecast-critical data to ensure
that the United States weather industry
and the public continue to have access
to information critical to their work;
and
[(iv) in accordance with section
50503 of title 51, United States Code,
methods to address potential
termination liability or cancellation
costs associated with weather data or
service contracts; and
[(C) an identification of any changes needed
in the requirements development and approval
processes of the Department of Commerce to
facilitate effective and efficient
implementation of such strategy.
[(3) Authority for agreements.--The Assistant
Administrator for National Environmental Satellite,
Data, and Information Service may enter into multiyear
agreements necessary to carry out the strategy
developed under this subsection.
[(c) Pilot Program.--
[(1) Criteria.--Not later than 30 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary shall
publish data and metadata standards and specifications
for space-based commercial weather data, including
radio occultation data, and, as soon as possible,
geostationary hyperspectral sounder data.
[(2) Pilot contracts.--
[(A) Contracts.--Not later than 90 days after
the date of enactment of this Act, the Under
Secretary shall, through an open competition,
enter into at least one pilot contract with one
or more private sector entities capable of
providing data that meet the standards and
specifications set by the Under Secretary for
providing commercial weather data in a manner
that allows the Under Secretary to calibrate
and evaluate the data for its use in National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
meteorological models.
[(B) Assessment of data viability.--Not later
than the date that is 3 years after the date on
which the Under Secretary enters into a
contract under subparagraph (A), the Under
Secretary shall assess and submit to the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate and the Committee
on Science, Space, and Technology of the House
of Representatives the results of a
determination of the extent to which data
provided under the contract entered into under
subparagraph (A) meet the criteria published
under paragraph (1) and the extent to which the
pilot program has demonstrated--
[(i) the viability of assimilating
the commercially provided data into
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration meteorological models;
[(ii) whether, and by how much, the
data add value to weather forecasts;
and
[(iii) the accuracy, quality,
timeliness, validity, reliability,
usability, information technology
security, and cost-effectiveness of
obtaining commercial weather data from
private sector providers.
[(3) Authorization of appropriations.--For each of
fiscal years 2019 through 2023, there are authorized to
be appropriated for procurement, acquisition, and
construction at the National Environmental Satellite,
Data, and Information Service, $6,000,000 to carry out
this subsection.
[(d) Obtaining Future Data.--If an assessment under
subsection (c)(2)(B) demonstrates the ability of commercial
weather data to meet data and metadata standards and
specifications published under subsection (c)(1), the Under
Secretary shall--
[(1) where appropriate, cost-effective, and feasible,
obtain commercial weather data from private sector
providers;
[(2) as early as possible in the acquisition process
for any future National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration meteorological space system, consider
whether there is a suitable, cost-effective, commercial
capability available or that will be available to meet
any or all of the observational requirements by the
planned operational date of the system;
[(3) if a suitable, cost-effective, commercial
capability is or will be available as described in
paragraph (2), determine whether it is in the national
interest to develop a governmental meteorological space
system; and
[(4) submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science,
and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on
Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives a report detailing any determination
made under paragraphs (2) and (3).
[(e) Data Sharing Practices.--The Under Secretary shall
continue to meet the international meteorological agreements
into which the Under Secretary has entered, including practices
set forth through World Meteorological Organization Resolution
40.
[SEC. 303. UNNECESSARY DUPLICATION.
[In meeting the requirements under this title, the Under
Secretary shall avoid unnecessary duplication between public
and private sources of data and the corresponding expenditure
of funds and employment of personnel.]
SEC. 302. COMMERCIAL DATA PROGRAM.
(a) Program Establishment.--The Under Secretary, in
coordination with the heads of appropriate offices of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, shall maintain
a Commercial Data Program to coordinate and execute acquisition
of weather and environmental data and services from private
sector entities for operational use.
(b) Program Elements.--The Under Secretary shall acquire
satellite, ground-based, airborne, or marine-based in situ,
remote sensing, or crowd-sourced data and services for
operational use relating to weather and environmental
forecasting and modeling. The Under Secretary shall ensure the
Commercial Data Program coordinates, collaborates, and ensures
access to data across the Administration, including among the
following:
(1) The National Mesonet Program.
(2) The Aircraft Based Observation Program.
(3) The U.S. Integrated Ocean Observation Program,
including existing regional associations.
(4) The National Integrated Drought Information
System, including the National Coordinated Soil
Moisture Monitoring Network.
(5) The Global Ocean Monitoring and Observing
Program.
(6) The National Data Buoy Center.
(7) The Uncrewed Systems Operation Center.
(8) The Ocean Exploration Program.
(9) Any other program or office the Under Secretary
determines appropriate.
(c) Standards and Specifications.--Not later than 180 days
after the date of the enactment of this section and on a
continuous basis thereafter, the Under Secretary shall publish
data, metadata, and service standards and specifications
required for acquired observation services and data for use,
licensing, and attribution to ensure quality, impact, and
compatibility of such services and data with National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration modeling capabilities,
meteorological situational awareness, and forecasting.
(d) Prioritization.--In acquiring commercial data and
services, the Under Secretary shall prioritize obtaining
surface-based, airborne-based, space-based, and coastal- and
ocean-based data, metadata, and services for operational use
that participate in the Commercial Data Pilot Program or other
programs of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
that acquire commercial data or observations.
(e) NOAA Observing Systems and Fleet Councils.--
(1) In general.--The Under Secretary shall maintain
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Observing Systems Council and the NOAA Fleet Council
(in this subsection referred to as the ``Councils'') to
provide strategic recommendations and guidance
regarding the prioritization, design, development,
acquisition, upgrading, lifecycle, performance
monitoring, and retiring of major observing systems
portfolio components, including related to the
acquisition of commercial weather and environmental
data and services.
(2) Line office coordination.--The Councils shall
ensure coordination and adherence to uniform policies
by providing guidance to all line offices of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration engaged
in observing systems portfolio design, technology,
development, execution, and operation.
(3) Committee.--The Under Secretary shall maintain a
Committee within the Councils to develop and approve
procedural directives, guides, or handbooks relevant to
management of data and information, including
commercial data, and coordinate data governance and
management practices across the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration to promote consistent
processes.
(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--
(1) In general.--There are authorized to be
appropriated $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024
through 2028 to carry out this section.
(2) Sense of congress.--It is the sense of Congress
that the Under Secretary should seek to enter into
contracts or other appropriate agreements that enable
the expenditure, to the maximum extent practicable, of
amounts authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made
available in a fiscal year to carry out this section.
(g) Data and Hosted Payloads.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, the Secretary of Commerce may enter into
agreements relating to the following:
(1) The purchase of weather and environmental data
and services through contracts with commercial data and
service providers.
(2) The placement of weather instruments on co-hosted
Federal, international, or private space, airborne,
maritime, or ground platforms.
(h) Ombudsman.--The Under Secretary shall establish or
designate at least one Ombudsman position within the Commercial
Data Program to implement the recommendations of the Observing
System Council under subsection (e) related to commercial
weather and environmental data and services acquisitions. Such
an Ombudsman shall act as the liaison between commercial data
and service providers and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration with respect to receiving recommendations and
resolving issues related to engagement, testing, contracting,
or other areas related to the Administration's efforts to
acquire commercial weather and environmental data and services.
(i) Report.--Not later than two years after the date of the
enactment of this section, the Under Secretary shall submit to
the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate a report evaluating the activities
and needed authorities related to data governance and
management practices, including acquisition, collection,
documentation, quality control, validation, reprocessing,
storage, retrieval, dissemination, and long-term preservation
activities across all National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration line, staff, and corporate offices.
SEC. 303. COMMERCIAL DATA PILOT PROGRAM.
(a) Program Establishment.--Within the Commercial Data
Program under section 302, there shall be a Commercial Data
Pilot Program to engage with external partners and providers to
test and develop shared standards and methodologies for
quality, use, licensing, and attribution of observation
services and data, and to ensure quality, impact, and
compatibility of such services and data with National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration modeling capabilities,
meteorological situational awareness, and forecasting. The
Program is authorized to test and evaluate all sources and
types of observation services, imagery, products, and data from
private sector entities, including new and innovative surface-
based, airborne-based, space-based, and coastal- and ocean-
based data, metadata, and model components.
(b) Criteria.--The Under Secretary shall ensure that data
acquired through the Commercial Data Pilot Program described in
subsection (a) meets the most recent standards and
specifications required for observation services and data as
published pursuant to section 302(c).
(c) Pilot Contracts.--The Under Secretary shall, through an
open competition, regularly enter into pilot contracts with
private sector entities capable of providing observation
services and data referred to in subsection (a) that meet the
standards and specifications published pursuant to section
302(c) for so providing such services and data in a manner that
allows the Under Secretary to calibrate and evaluate such
services and data for use in National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration activities.
(d) Assessment of Viability.--The Under Secretary shall
annually assess and submit to the Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on
Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives
a summary of the pilot contracts entered into pursuant to
subsection (c), the extent to which such contracts meet the
standards and specifications published pursuant to section
302(c), and any additional information determined necessary
related to the following:
(1) The viability of assimilating observation
services and data from private sector entities into
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
forecasts and models.
(2) The expected value added or improvements from
such services and data so assimilated into National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasts and
models.
(3) The accuracy, quality, timeliness, validity,
reliability, usability, information technology
security, and cost-effectiveness of obtaining
observation services and data from private sector
entities.
(4) Steps to integrate within one year such services
and data into operational use by the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration or any associated
challenges in doing so.
(e) Obtaining Future Data.--If an assessment under subsection
(d) demonstrates the ability of commercial services and data to
meet the standards and specifications published pursuant to
section 302(c), the Under Secretary shall--
(1) when cost-effective and feasible, obtain
observation services and data from private sector
entities through the Commercial Data Program under
section 302;
(2) as early as possible in the acquisition process
for any future National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration satellite system, determine whether
there is a suitable, cost-effective, commercial
capability available or that will be available to meet
applicable instrument, spacecraft, or system
requirements before completion of the critical design
phase of such planned satellite system;
(3) if a suitable, cost-effective, commercial
capability is or will be available as described in
paragraph (2), determine whether and how such
capability is in the national interest if developed as
a solely governmental system; and
(4) submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on
Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives a report detailing any determinations
made under paragraphs (2) and (3).
(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--From amounts authorized
to be appropriated pursuant to section 302 to carry out such
section, not less than 15 percent of such amounts each fiscal
year are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this
section.
SEC. 304. CONTRACTING AUTHORITY AND AVOIDANCE OF DUPLICATION.
(a) In General.--Consistent with other Federal agencies that
contract and partner with private sector entities, the Under
Secretary is authorized to use contracting mechanisms and enter
into agreements that utilize multiyear contract options. In
carrying out sections 302 and 303, the Under Secretary shall,
to the greatest extent possible--
(1) enter into year-long or multiyear contract
options using contracting mechanisms that foster
resiliency of datatypes purchased;
(2) partner and contract with multiple observation
service and data providers simultaneously to reduce
risks of data gaps and improve mission robustness; and
(3) utilize authorities, such as additional forms of
transaction agreements under section 301, that allow
for innovative partnerships with private sector
entities.
(b) Savings Clause.--Nothing in this title may be construed
as infringing on the acquisition authority or strategy of
Federal entities authorized under title 10, United States Code.
(c) Unnecessary Duplication.--In meeting the requirements
under this title, the Under Secretary shall avoid unnecessary
duplication between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration, other Federal departments and agencies, and
private sector entities, including relating to corresponding
expenditures of funds and employment of personnel by--
(1) coordinating existing activities with other
civilian Federal departments and agencies which
provide, contract, or partner with private sector
entities to acquire, weather and environmental
observations and data; and
(2) coordinating and soliciting weather and
environmental observations and data requirements and
needs from other civilian Federal departments and
agencies to be acquired by the Commercial Data Program
under section 302.
(d) Fair Compensation for Interagency Needs.--The Under
Secretary, to the maximum extent practicable, shall ensure that
Federal departments and agencies utilizing services and data
under sections 302 and 303 fairly compensate the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or the non-Federal
entities providing such services or data, as appropriate, for
use.
SEC. 305. DATA ASSIMILATION, MANAGEMENT, AND SHARING PRACTICES.
(a) Data Standards.--The Under Secretary, in collaboration
with the weather enterprise, shall seek to establish consistent
and open data and metadata standards to support open science,
including simple cloud-optimized data formats and application
programming interfaces that support findability, accessibility,
usability, and preservability.
(b) Data Infrastructure.--
(1) In general.--The Under Secretary, in consultation
with the Chief Information Officer and appropriate
program heads, shall consolidate and arrange data
infrastructure needs to ensure efficient and effective
data transfer between National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration offices by considering the use of
commercial cloud technologies, or similar hybrid
structures, to host and transmit data and metadata.
(2) Federal partnerships.--In carrying out paragraph
(1), the Under Secretary may partner with the heads of
other Federal departments and agencies, including the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the
Department of Energy, the United States Space Force,
the United States Coast Guard, the United States Navy,
the Federal Aviation Administration, the United States
Forest Service, the Environmental Protection Agency,
the National Science Foundation, and the United States
Geological Survey, to collocate data with joint utility
and support a transition to cloud architectures,
including commercial cloud networks.
(3) Long term data archive.--The Under Secretary
shall ensure the long-term management, maintenance, and
stewardship of archival data and metadata acquired
through the Commercial Data Program under section 302
is conducted within the National Centers for
Environmental Information.
(c) Data Sharing With the Weather Enterprise.--To the
greatest extent practicable, the Under Secretary shall make
accessible to members of the weather enterprise that are United
States persons data not subject to redistribution contract
permissions and purchased through the Commercial Data Program
under section 302 or shared through international government
partners. If purchased data must be assimilated into numerical
weather prediction models or automated forecast guidance to
satisfy redistribution contract permissions, the Under
Secretary shall make accessible without delay to members of the
weather enterprise that are United States persons the numerical
weather prediction model or automated forecast guidance output,
as the case may be.
(d) Data Assimilation.--
(1) In general.--The Under Secretary, in coordination
with the Commercial Data Program under section 302, the
National Centers for Environmental Information, and any
other offices within the Administration, shall
establish a program to test, advance, and implement
data assimilation methods, which may include artificial
intelligence, machine learning, data pre- and post-
processing, efficient input and output, and next-
generation algorithms.
(2) Data assimilation university consortium.--Through
the program established pursuant to paragraph (1), the
Under Secretary shall establish a consortium consisting
of institutions of higher education (as such term is
defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)) to address critical research
challenges for data assimilation and foster a growing
data assimilation workforce. The consortium shall seek
to--
(A) solve critical research issues for data
assimilation through innovative research;
(B) increase significantly the number of
students, including graduate level and Ph.D.
candidates, in data assimilation;
(C) utilize modern software and frameworks,
such as the Joint Effort for Data Assimilation
Integration, to conduct data assimilation
research and development and facilitate
research to operations efforts;
(D) identify and prioritize critical research
areas in data assimilation and facilitate
operations to research efforts;
(E) establish and enable an effective
collaboration infrastructure between National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
facilities, such as labs, centers, or joint
agency institutes, and the research community,
including a mechanism for external partners to
host Administration employees; and
(F) establish mechanisms to enable all
members of the consortium to archive and access
data required to support the work under this
subsection.
(3) Coordination.--In carrying out this subsection,
the Under Secretary shall ensure the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration and its associated
activities focus on research to operations and
operations to research, including by coordinating and
collaborating with the Joint Center for Satellite Data
Assimilation.
(4) Data assimilation, management, and sharing
practices security.--The activities authorized under
this subsection shall be applied in a manner consistent
with subtitle D of title VI of the Research and
Development, Competition, and Innovation Act (enacted
as division B of Public Law 117-167; 42 U.S.C. 19231 et
seq.).
(e) Study on Data Management.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the
data of the enactment of this section, the Under
Secretary shall seek to enter into an agreement with a
non-Federal entity to conduct a study on matters
concerning data practices and management needs at the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. In
conducting the study, the outside entity shall--
(A) assess the costs and benefits of current
data management needs for observational and
operational mission requirements;
(B) develop recommendations regarding how to
make more robust and cost-effective the data
portfolio of the Administration;
(C) identify data infrastructure technologies
and needs that are essential to the performance
of modeling systems of the Administration;
(D) assess the sharing needs and practices of
the Administration for both internal and
external sharing dissemination; and
(E) develop recommendations for methods of
data infrastructure sharing, including data
purchased from the commercial sector.
(2) Authorization of appropriations.--From amounts
authorized to be appropriated to the Commercial Data
Program under section 302, there are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out the study under paragraph (1)
$1,000,000, to remain available until expended.
TITLE IV--FEDERAL WEATHER COORDINATION
* * * * * * *
SEC. 402. INTERAGENCY WEATHER RESEARCH AND FORECAST INNOVATION
COORDINATION.
(a) Establishment.--The Director of the Office of Science and
Technology Policy shall establish an Interagency [Committee]
Council for [Advancing Weather Services] Advancing
Meteorological Services (in this section referred to as the
``Interagency Council'') to improve coordination of relevant
weather research and forecast innovation activities across the
Federal Government. The Interagency [Committee] Council shall--
(1) include participation by the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration, the Federal Aviation
Administration, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration and its constituent elements, the
National Science Foundation, and such other agencies
involved in weather forecasting research as the
President determines are appropriate;
(2) identify and prioritize top forecast needs and
coordinate those needs against budget requests and
program initiatives across participating offices and
agencies; and
(3) share information regarding operational needs and
forecasting improvements across relevant agencies.
[(b) Co-Chair.--The Federal Coordinator for Meteorology shall
serve as a co-chair of this panel.
[(c) Further Coordination.--The Director of the Office of
Science and Technology Policy shall take such other steps as
are necessary to coordinate the activities of the Federal
Government with those of the United States weather industry,
State governments, emergency managers, and academic
researchers.]
(b) Co-Chairs.--The Director of the Office of Science and
Technology Policy and the Under Secretary shall serve as co-
chairs of the Interagency Council. The Under Secretary shall
serve as the Federal Coordinator for Meteorology.
(c) Further Coordination.--The Director of the Office of
Science and Technology Policy shall take such steps as are
necessary to coordinate the activities of the Federal
Government with stakeholders in the United States weather
industry, academic partners, State governments, and emergency
managers, including by implementing mechanisms to encourage and
enable the participation of non-Federal employees in the
functions of the Interagency Council.
(d) Functions.--The Interagency Council shall be the formal
mechanism by which all relevant Federal departments and
agencies coordinate implementation of policy and practices to
ensure United States global leadership in meteorological
services. In doing so, the Interagency Council shall review
programs and support relevant weather research and forecast
innovation activities, as well as other related implementation
activities, related to Federal meteorological services,
including by carrying out the following:
(1) Identifying and helping prioritize meteorological
research and service delivery needs, including relating
to observations, operational systems, communications,
and infrastructure.
(2) Providing recommendations to streamline or
consolidate activities and develop greater efficiencies
in cross-agency activities.
(3) Leveraging Earth system science research outcomes
of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and
other relevant Federal departments and agencies,
including research outcomes related to the relevant
recommended key science and applications questions and
priorities in the National Academies of Sciences,
Engineering, and Medicine's 2018 report ``Thriving on
Our Changing Planet: A Decadal Strategy for Earth
Observation from Space'', to understand and predict
high-impact weather phenomena.
(4) Facilitating the expansion and strengthening of
partnerships with private sector entities to advance
meteorological research, communications, and computing
in collaboration with the Earth system science,
service, and stakeholder communities.
(5) Sharing information regarding meteorological
research improvement needs and science opportunities
across relevant Federal departments and agencies.
(6) Providing advice to all relevant Federal
departments and agencies regarding potential
collaborations and expected level of resources needed
to maintain and operate the Interagency Council.
(7) Enhancing communication and coordination and
promoting sharing within relevant Federal departments
and agencies and across the Interagency Council.
(8) Developing, recruiting, and sustaining a
professional and diverse workforce for meteorological
research and services.
(e) Data Inventory.--The Interagency Council, in coordination
and avoidance of duplication with the United States Group on
Earth Observations, shall promote data and metadata access and
archive activities to increase accessibility, interoperability,
and reusability by maintaining a data inventory of
meteorological observations. Not less frequently than annually
for a period of five years beginning on the date of the
enactment of this subsection, the Interagency Council shall
solicit updated information from private sector entities
identifying current and near future sources of such data. Such
data shall be made available to member departments and agencies
under subsection (a).
(f) Coordination Office.--The Interagency Meteorological
Coordination Office shall provide to the Interagency Council
such administrative and logistical support as the Interagency
Council may require, as determined by the co-chairs.
(g) Cost Share.--Member departments and agencies of the
Interagency Council under subsection (a) may provide
reimbursable financial support to the Interagency
Meteorological Coordinating Office to enhance cost-sharing and
collaboration related to weather research and forecast
innovation activities.
(h) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the
enactment of this subsection and annually thereafter, the
Interagency Council shall publish a report which identifies
among member agencies the following:
(1) Federal programs that use meteorological
observations, data sources, and capabilities.
(2) Federal programs that acquire such data from
private sector entities.
(3) Advancements in meteorological data collection,
assimilation, and forecasting that could improve
Federal programmatic operational capabilities.
(4) Barriers to acquiring meteorological
observations, data sources, and capabilities that could
be used to better meet Federal programmatic needs.
SEC. 403. OFFICE OF OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH AND NATIONAL
WEATHER SERVICE EXCHANGE PROGRAM.
(a) In general.--The Assistant Administrator for Oceanic and
Atmospheric Research and the Director of the National Weather
Service may establish a program to detail Office of Oceanic and
Atmospheric Research personnel to the National Weather Service
and National Weather Service personnel to the Office of Oceanic
and Atmospheric Research.
(b) Goal.--The goal of this program is to enhance forecasting
innovation through regular, direct interaction between the
Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research's world-class
scientists and the National Weather Service's operational
staff.
(c) Elements.--The program shall allow up to 10 Office of
Oceanic and Atmospheric Research staff and National Weather
Service staff to spend up to 1 year on detail. Candidates shall
be jointly selected by the Assistant Administrator for Oceanic
and Atmospheric Research and the Director of the National
Weather Service.
[(d) Annual Report.--Not less frequently than once each year,
the Under Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on
Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives
a report on participation in such program and shall highlight
any innovations that come from this interaction.]
(d) Annual Briefing.--Not less frequently than once each
year, the Under Secretary shall brief the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives on participation in the program under
subsection (a) and shall highlight any innovations that come
from the interaction described in subsection (b).
* * * * * * *
[SEC. 406. IMPROVING NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION
COMMUNICATION OF HAZARDOUS WEATHER AND WATER
EVENTS.
[(a) Purpose of System.--For purposes of the assessment
required by subsection (b)(1)(A), the purpose of National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration system for issuing
watches and warnings regarding hazardous weather and water
events shall be risk communication to the general public that
informs action to prevent loss of life and property.
[(b) Assessment of System.--
[(1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary
shall--
[(A) assess the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration system for issuing
watches and warnings regarding hazardous
weather and water events; and
[(B) submit to Congress a report on the
findings of the Under Secretary with respect to
the assessment conducted under subparagraph
(A).
[(2) Elements.--The assessment required by paragraph
(1)(A) shall include the following:
[(A) An evaluation of whether the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration system
for issuing watches and warnings regarding
hazardous weather and water events meets the
purpose described in subsection (a).
[(B) Development of recommendations for--
[(i) legislative and administrative
action to improve the system described
in paragraph (1)(A); and
[(ii) such research as the Under
Secretary considers necessary to
address the focus areas described in
paragraph (3).
[(3) Focus areas.--The assessment required by
paragraph (1)(A) shall focus on the following:
[(A) Ways to communicate the risks posed by
hazardous weather or water events to the public
that are most likely to result in action to
mitigate the risk.
[(B) Ways to communicate the risks posed by
hazardous weather or water events to the public
as broadly and rapidly as practicable.
[(C) Ways to preserve the benefits of the
existing watches and warnings system.
[(D) Ways to maintain the utility of the
watches and warnings system for Government and
commercial users of the system.
[(4) Consultation.--In conducting the assessment
required by paragraph (1)(A), the Under Secretary
shall--
[(A) consult with such line offices within
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration as the Under Secretary considers
relevant, including the National Ocean Service,
the National Weather Service, and the Office of
Oceanic and Atmospheric Research;
[(B) consult with individuals in the academic
sector, including individuals in the field of
social and behavioral sciences, and other
weather services;
[(C) consult with media outlets that will be
distributing the watches and warnings;
[(D) consult with non-Federal forecasters
that produce alternate severe weather risk
communication products;
[(E) consult with emergency planners and
responders, including State and local emergency
management agencies, and other government users
of the watches and warnings system, including
the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the
Office of Personnel Management, the Coast
Guard, and such other Federal agencies as the
Under Secretary determines rely on watches and
warnings for operational decisions; and
[(F) make use of the services of the National
Academy of Sciences, as the Under Secretary
considers necessary and practicable, including
contracting with the National Research Council
to review the scientific and technical
soundness of the assessment required by
paragraph (1)(A), including the recommendations
developed under paragraph (2)(B).
[(5) Methodologies.--In conducting the assessment
required by paragraph (1)(A), the Under Secretary shall
use such methodologies as the Under Secretary considers
are generally accepted by the weather enterprise,
including social and behavioral sciences.
[(c) Improvements to System.--
[(1) In general.--The Under Secretary shall, based on
the assessment required by subsection (b)(1)(A), make
such recommendations to Congress to improve the system
as the Under Secretary considers necessary--
[(A) to improve the system for issuing
watches and warnings regarding hazardous
weather and water events; and
[(B) to support efforts to satisfy research
needs to enable future improvements to such
system.
[(2) Requirements regarding recommendations.--In
carrying out paragraph (1)(A), the Under Secretary
shall ensure that any recommendation that the Under
Secretary considers a major change--
[(A) is validated by social and behavioral
science using a generalizable sample;
[(B) accounts for the needs of various
demographics, vulnerable populations, and
geographic regions;
[(C) accounts for the differences between
types of weather and water hazards;
[(D) responds to the needs of Federal, State,
and local government partners and media
partners; and
[(E) accounts for necessary changes to
Federally operated watch and warning
propagation and dissemination infrastructure
and protocols.
[(d) Watches and Warnings Defined.--
[(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph
(2), in this section, the terms ``watch'' and
``warning'', with respect to a hazardous weather and
water event, mean products issued by the
Administration, intended for consumption by the general
public, to alert the general public to the potential
for or presence of the event and to inform action to
prevent loss of life and property.
[(2) Exception.--ln this section, the terms ``watch''
and ``warning'' do not include technical or specialized
meteorological and hydrological forecasts, outlooks, or
model guidance products.]
SEC. 406. HAZARDOUS WEATHER OR WATER EVENT RISK COMMUNICATION.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Hazardous weather or water events.--The term
``hazardous weather or water events'' means weather or
water events that have a high risk of loss of life or
property, including the following:
(A) Severe storms, such as hurricanes and
short-fused, small-scale hazardous weather or
hydrologic events produced by thunderstorms,
including large hail, damaging winds,
tornadoes, and flash floods.
(B) Winter storms, such as freezing or frozen
precipitation (including freezing rain, sleet,
and snow), or combined effects of freezing or
frozen precipitation and strong winds.
(C) Other weather hazards, such as extreme
heat or cold, wildfire, drought, dense fog,
high winds, and river, coastal, or lakeshore
flooding.
(2) Institution of higher education.--The term
``institution of higher education'' has the meaning
given such term in section 101 of the Higher Education
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001).
(3) Watch; warning.--
(A) In general.--The terms ``watch'' and
``warning'', with respect to a hazardous
weather or water event, mean products issued by
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, intended for consumption by the
general public, to alert the general public to
the potential for or presence of such event and
to inform action to prevent loss of life or
property.
(B) Exception.--The terms ``watch'' and
``warning'' do not include technical or
specialized meteorological or hydrological
forecasts, outlooks, or model guidance
products.
(b) System Communications.--The Under Secretary shall
maintain and improve the system of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration by which the risks of hazardous
weather or water events are communicated to the general public,
with the goal of informing response to prevent loss of life or
property.
(c) Hazard Risk Communication Improvement and
Simplification.--
(1) In general.--To carry out subsection (b), the
Under Secretary shall maintain a social, behavioral,
risk, communication, and economic sciences program (in
this section referred to as the ``Program''), for the
purpose of simplifying and improving the communication
of hazardous weather or water events.
(2) Terminology.--The Program, in coordination with
social, behavioral, risk, communication, and economic
science community and user feedback, shall identify,
eliminate, or modify unnecessary, redundant, or
confusing terms for communications regarding hazardous
weather or water events and add new terminology, as
appropriate.
(3) Communications improvement.--The Program shall
improve the form, content, and methods of
communications regarding hazardous weather or water
events and associated risks to more clearly inform
response to prevent the loss of life or property.
(4) Evaluations.--The Program, in coordination with
the performance and evaluation branches of the National
Weather Service and Oceanic and Atmospheric Research,
shall develop metrics for such branches to track and
evaluate the degree to which communications regarding
hazardous weather or water events inform response.
(5) Support plan.--The Program shall develop a plan
for the purpose of carrying out paragraph (3). Such
plan shall be periodically updated and informed by
internal and extramural research and the results of the
evaluation of communications regarding hazardous
weather or water events and associated risks under
paragraph (4).
(6) Methods.--In carrying out this section, the
Program shall develop and implement recommendations
that--
(A) are based on the best and most recent
understanding from social, behavioral,
economic, risk, and communications science
research;
(B) are validated by social, behavioral,
risk, and communications science, taking into
account the importance of methods that support
reproduction and replication of scientific
studies, use of rigorous statistical analyses,
and, as applicable, data analysis supported by
artificial intelligence and machine learning
technologies;
(C) account for the needs of various
demographics, vulnerable populations, and
geographic regions;
(D) account for the differences between
various types of hazardous weather or water
events;
(E) respond to the needs of Federal, State,
and local government partners and media
partners; and
(F) account for necessary changes in the
infrastructure, technology, and protocols for
developing and disseminating watches and
warnings.
(7) Coordination.--In carrying out this section, the
Program shall coordinate with the following:
(A) Federal partners, including National
Laboratories, cooperative institutes, and
regional integrated sciences and assessments
programs.
(B) State and local government partners.
(C) Tribal governments.
(D) Institutions of higher education or a
consortia thereof.
(E) Media partners.
(8) Timeliness and consistency.--The Program shall
develop best practices and guidance for ensuring timely
and consistent communications across public facing
platforms that disseminate information related to
hazardous weather or water events.
(d) Hazard Communication Research and Engagement.--
(1) In general.--The Under Secretary shall maintain,
as appropriate, a program to--
(A) modernize the development and
communication of risk-based, statistically
reliable, probabilistic hazard information,
with the goal of informing appropriate
responses to hazardous weather or water events;
and
(B) improve the fundamental social,
behavioral, economic, risk, and communication
science relating to communications, including
by means of collecting voluntary data,
regarding hazardous weather or water events.
(2) Coordination.--In carrying out the program under
paragraph (1), the Under Secretary shall coordinate and
communicate with States, Tribal governments,
localities, and emergency managers regarding research
priorities and results.
(3) Pilot program for tornado hazard communication
required.--To further research into communications
regarding hazardous weather or water events, the Under
Secretary, in coordination with the VORTEX program
under section 103 and in collaboration with one or more
eligible institutions (or a consortia thereof), shall
establish a pilot program for tornado hazard
communication to test the effectiveness of implementing
research into operations with respect to tornadoes.
(4) Pilot study for hurricane hazard communication.--
(A) In general.--To further research into
communications regarding hazardous weather or
water events, the Under Secretary, in
coordination with the hurricane forecast
improvement program under section 104, shall
seek to enter into an agreement with an
appropriate entity, as determined by the Under
Secretary, to conduct a pilot study using a
mixed methods approach, such as surveys, focus
groups, and interviews, to gather information
from hurricane prone population areas regarding
the levels of preparedness of such areas for
hurricanes or in response to the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's early
forecasts and warnings. Such study shall
evaluate the following:
(i) Possession of disaster supplies.
(ii) Evacuation decisions.
(iii) Levels of trust of tropical
cyclone information and hurricane path
prediction from various sources.
(iv) Access to tropical cyclone and
hurricane warnings in such study
participant's first language.
(v) Determination regarding such
study participant's reasoning that may
hinder the ability of such a
participant to evacuate or willingness
to evacuate.
(B) Additional criteria.--The pilot study
described in subparagraph (A) shall define its
methodology and be made publicly available on a
website of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration.
(5) Eligible institution defined.--In this
subsection, the term ``eligible institution'' means any
of the following:
(A) An institution of higher education,
nonprofit organization, or other institution
located in a jurisdiction eligible to
participate in the program under section 113 of
the National Science Foundation Authorization
Act of 1988 (42 U.S.C. 1862g).
(B) An institution of higher education,
nonprofit organization, or other institution
located in proximity to a Weather Forecast
Office of the National Weather Service.
(e) Hurricane Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences.--As
part of the program carried out under subsection (d), the Under
Secretary shall carry out research and development activities
to improve how the public receives, interprets, responds to,
and values hurricane forecasts and warnings. In conducting such
activities, the Under Secretary shall--
(1) conduct a comprehensive review of what is known
about how the public receives, interprets, responds to,
and makes decisions regarding hurricane forecasts and
warnings, including--
(A) how the connections between weather
observations, downstream models, and processes
affect the decision tools or products derived
from such hurricane forecasts and warnings;
(B) how such hurricane forecasts and warnings
generated by decision tools and products are
used by emergency managers, governments, and
other users to benefit the public and
stakeholder groups;
(C) how past experiences with hurricanes
impacts decision making;
(D) how the source of such hurricane
forecasts and warnings affects interpretation;
(E) how tropical cyclone warnings and watches
are received and interpreted;
(F) how understanding of and response to such
hurricane forecasts and warnings vary across
demographic groups, including the elderly,
people with disabilities, and other vulnerable
populations;
(G) language barriers; and
(H) how understanding and response to such
hurricane forecasts and warnings varies across
geographic areas, including rural, urban, and
suburban areas;
(2) identify communication data gaps based on the
review conducted pursuant to paragraph (1);
(3) carry out research, including data collection and
baseline assessments, in coordination with the
hurricane forecast improvement program under section
104 to evaluate and quantify the economic value of
extending lead times of tropical cyclone and hurricane
warnings and watches, including identifying the most
effected or vulnerable populations and potential
impacts to those populations;
(4) as part of post-storm surveys and assessments
conducted under section 406 of the Weather Act
Reauthorization Act of 2023, conduct retrospective or
ex ante assessments of previous hurricane forecasts and
warnings with improvements to better understand the key
components, including expected actions or behavior
changes, of the value of the forecasts and warnings
provided;
(5) conduct cost benefit analysis of forecasts and
warnings improvement alternatives developed through the
hurricane forecast improvement program under section
104; and
(6) conduct risk assessments for pre-, during, and
post-storm periods in regions and communities with
significant elderly populations, including retirement
communities.
* * * * * * *
[SEC. 408. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE WEATHER FORECASTING ACTIVITIES.
[Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of
this Act, the Under Secretary shall submit to the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives a report analyzing the impacts of the proposed
Air Force divestiture in the United States Weather Research and
Forecasting Model, including--
[(1) the impact on--
[(A) the United States weather forecasting
capabilities;
[(B) the accuracy of civilian regional
forecasts;
[(C) the civilian readiness for traditional
weather and extreme weather events in the
United States; and
[(D) the research necessary to develop the
United States Weather Research and Forecasting
Model; and
[(2) such other analysis relating to the divestiture
as the Under Secretary considers appropriate.
[SEC. 409. NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE; OPERATIONS AND WORKFORCE ANALYSIS.
[The Under Secretary shall contract or continue to partner
with an external organization to conduct a baseline analysis of
National Weather Service operations and workforce.
[SEC. 410. REPORT ON CONTRACT POSITIONS AT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE.
[(a) Report Required.--Not later than 180 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary shall submit
to Congress a report on the use of contractors at the National
Weather Service for the most recently completed fiscal year.
[(b) Contents.--The report required by subsection (a) shall
include, with respect to the most recently completed fiscal
year, the following:
[(1) The total number of full-time equivalent
employees at the National Weather Service,
disaggregated by each equivalent level of the General
Schedule.
[(2) The total number of full-time equivalent
contractors at the National Weather Service,
disaggregated by each equivalent level of the General
Schedule that most closely approximates their duties.
[(3) The total number of vacant positions at the
National Weather Service on the day before the date of
enactment of this Act, disaggregated by each equivalent
level of the General Schedule.
[(4) The five most common positions filled by full-
time equivalent contractors at the National Weather
Service and the equivalent level of the General
Schedule that most closely approximates the duties of
such positions.
[(5) Of the positions identified under paragraph (4),
the percentage of full-time equivalent contractors in
those positions that have held a prior position at the
National Weather Service or another entity in National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
[(6) The average full-time equivalent salary for
Federal employees at the National Weather Service for
each equivalent level of the General Schedule.
[(7) The average salary for full-time equivalent
contractors performing at each equivalent level of the
General Schedule at the National Weather Service.
[(8) A description of any actions taken by the Under
Secretary to respond to the issues raised by the
Inspector General of the Department of Commerce
regarding the hiring of former National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration employees as contractors at
the National Weather Service such as the issues raised
in the Investigative Report dated June 2, 2015 (OIG-12-
0447).
[(c) Annual Publication.--For each fiscal year after the
fiscal year covered by the report required by subsection (a),
the Under Secretary shall, not later than 180 days after the
completion of the fiscal year, publish on a publicly accessible
Internet website the information described in paragraphs (1)
through (8) of subsection (b) for such fiscal year.
[SEC. 411. WEATHER IMPACTS TO COMMUNITIES AND INFRASTRUCTURE.
[(a) Review.--
[(1) In general.--The Director of the National
Weather Service shall review existing research,
products, and services that meet the specific needs of
the urban environment, given its unique physical
characteristics and forecasting challenges.
[(2) Elements.--The review required by paragraph (1)
shall include research, products, and services with the
potential to improve modeling and forecasting
capabilities, taking into account factors including
varying building heights, impermeable surfaces, lack of
tree canopy, traffic, pollution, and inter-building
wind effects.
[(b) Report and Assessment.--Upon completion of the review
required by subsection (a), the Under Secretary shall submit to
Congress a report on the research, products, and services of
the National Weather Service, including an assessment of such
research, products, and services that is based on the review,
public comment, and recent publications by the National Academy
of Sciences.]
SEC. [412.] 408. WEATHER ENTERPRISE OUTREACH.
(a) In general.--The Under Secretary may establish mechanisms
for outreach to the weather enterprise--
(1) to assess the weather forecasts and forecast
products provided by the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration; and
(2) to determine the highest priority weather
forecast needs of the community described in subsection
(b).
(b) Outreach Community.--In conducting outreach under
subsection (a), the Under Secretary shall contact leading
experts and innovators from relevant stakeholders, including
the representatives from the following:
(1) State or local emergency management agencies.
(2) State agriculture agencies.
(3) Indian tribes (as defined in section 4 of the
Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act
(25 U.S.C. 5304)) and Native Hawaiians (as defined in
section 6207 of the Elementary and Secondary Education
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7517)).
(4) The private aerospace industry.
(5) The private earth observing industry.
(6) The operational forecasting community.
(7) The academic community.
(8) Professional societies that focus on meteorology.
(9) Such other stakeholder groups as the Under
Secretary considers appropriate.
SEC. [413.] 409. HURRICANE HUNTER AIRCRAFT.
(a) Backup Capability.--The Under Secretary shall acquire
backup for the capabilities of the WP-3D Orion and G-IV
hurricane aircraft of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration that is sufficient to prevent a single point of
failure.
(b) Authority to Enter Agreements.--In order to carry out
subsection (a), the Under Secretary shall negotiate and enter
into 1 or more agreements or contracts, to the extent
practicable and necessary, with governmental and non-
governmental entities.
(c) Future Technology.--The Under Secretary shall continue
the development of Airborne Phased Array Radar under the United
States Weather Research Program.
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--For each of fiscal
years 2017 through 2020, support for implementing subsections
(a) and (b) is authorized out of funds appropriated to the
Office of Marine and Aviation Operations.
[SEC. 414. STUDY ON GAPS IN NEXRAD COVERAGE AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO
ADDRESS SUCH GAPS.
[(a) Study on Gaps in NEXRAD Coverage.--
[(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of
Commerce shall complete a study on gaps in the coverage
of the Next Generation Weather Radar of the National
Weather Service (``NEXRAD'').
[(2) Elements.--In conducting the study required
under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall--
[(A) identify areas in the United States
where limited or no NEXRAD coverage has
resulted in--
[(i) instances in which no or
insufficient warnings were given for
hazardous weather events, including
tornadoes; or
[(ii) degraded forecasts for
hazardous weather events that resulted
in fatalities, significant injuries, or
substantial property damage; and
[(B) for the areas identified under
subparagraph (A)--
[(i) identify the key weather effects
for which prediction would improve with
improved radar detection;
[(ii) identify additional sources of
observations for high impact weather
that were available and operational for
such areas on the day before the date
of the enactment of this Act, including
dense networks of x-band radars,
Terminal Doppler Weather Radar
(commonly known as ``TDWR''), air
surveillance radars of the Federal
Aviation Administration, and
cooperative network observers;
[(iii) assess the feasibility and
advisability of efforts to integrate
and upgrade Federal radar capabilities
that are not owned or controlled by the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, including radar
capabilities of the Federal Aviation
Administration and the Department of
Defense;
[(iv) assess the feasibility and
advisability of incorporating State-
operated and other non-Federal radars
into the operations of the National
Weather Service;
[(v) identify options to improve
hazardous weather detection and
forecasting coverage; and
[(vi) provide the estimated cost of,
and timeline for, each of the options
identified under clause (v).
[(3) Report.--Upon the completion of the study
required under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall
submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on
Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives a report that includes the findings of
the Secretary with respect to the study.
[(b) Recommendations to Improve Radar Coverage.--Not later
than 90 days after the completion of the study under subsection
(a)(1), the Secretary of Commerce shall submit to the
congressional committees referred to in subsection (a)(3)
recommendations for improving hazardous weather detection and
forecasting coverage in the areas identified under subsection
(a)(2)(A) by integrating additional observation solutions to
the extent practicable and meteorologically justified and
necessary to protect public safety.
[(c) Third-party Consultation Regarding Recommendations to
Improve Radar Coverage.--The Secretary of Commerce may seek
reviews by, or consult with, appropriate third parties
regarding the scientific methodology relating to, and the
feasibility and advisability of implementing, the
recommendations submitted under subsection (b), including the
extent to which warning and forecast services of the National
Weather Service would be improved by additional observations.]
* * * * * * *
TITLE VI--IMPROVING FEDERAL PRECIPITATION INFORMATION
* * * * * * *
SEC. 603. PRECIPITATION FORECAST IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Under Secretary, in collaboration with
the United States weather industry, other Federal agencies, and
academic partners, shall maintain a program to improve
precipitation forecasting across timescales.
(b) Goal.--The goal of the program under subsection (a) shall
be to provide more accurate, reliable, and timely precipitation
forecasts across timescales through the development and
application of a fully coupled Earth system prediction model in
order to reduce the loss of life or property related to
precipitation extremes, with a focus on the following:
(1) Improving the understanding and prediction of
precipitation extremes from a variety of weather
systems, including atmospheric rivers.
(2) Evaluating and incorporating, as appropriate,
innovative observations into operational monitoring and
forecast systems to improve precipitation forecasts.
(3) Improving earth system model predictions of
precipitation extremes from atmospheric rivers,
tropical cyclones, summer-time thunderstorms, winter
storms, and other phenomena, in coordination with
relevant programs.
(4) Enhancing research transition to operations
through testbeds, including the evaluation of physical
and social science, technology, and other research to
develop products and services for implementation and
use by relevant stakeholders.
(5) Incorporating social, behavioral, and economic
sciences best practices into operations for more
effective and actionable watch and warning products
that help drive public safety and damage mitigation
decisions in coordination with the programs established
in accordance with this Act.
(6) Ensuring data and metadata management processes
are in place to support data access and archive for
long term research and operations among multiple
partners.
(c) Activities.--In carrying out the program under subsection
(a), the Under Secretary shall support research-to-operations
work, including relating to the following:
(1) Implementing key strategies and following
priorities and objectives outlined by the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's
``Precipitation Prediction Grand Challenge Strategy''.
(2) Improving the physical science, operational
modeling and tools, and technology related to better
forecasting precipitation extremes across timescales.
(3) Improving the social, behavioral, risk,
communications, and economic sciences related to
vulnerabilities, risk communication, and delivery of
information critical for reducing the loss of life or
property related to extreme precipitation.
(4) Conducting the research necessary to develop and
deploy probabilistic weather forecast guidance
technology relating to precipitation extremes in
operational practice.
(5) Enhancing the operational capacity of the
National Weather Service to deliver decision support
for increasing precipitation extremes.
(6) Expanding computational resources to improve
precipitation modeling.
(d) Annual Budget.--The Under Secretary shall, not less
frequently than annually, submit to Congress a proposed budget
corresponding with carrying out this section.
SEC. [603.] 604. DEFINITIONS.
In this title:
(1) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means
the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and
Atmosphere and Administrator of the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration.
(2) National academies.--The term ``National
Academies'' means the National Academies of Sciences,
Engineering, and Medicine.
(3) United states.--The term ``United States'' means,
collectively, each State of the United States, the
District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico,
American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern
Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands of the United
States, and any other territory or possession of the
United States.
----------
TSUNAMI WARNING AND EDUCATION ACT
TITLE VIII--[TSUNAMI WARNING, AND EDUCATION]--TSUNAMI WARNING,
RESEARCH, AND EDUCATION
* * * * * * *
SEC. 803. PURPOSES.
The purposes of this title are--
(1) to improve tsunami detection, forecasting,
warnings, research, notification, outreach, and
mitigation to protect life and property in the United
States;
(2) to enhance and modernize the existing United
States Tsunami Warning System to increase the
timeliness and accuracy of forecasts and warnings, to
ensure full coverage of tsunami threats to the United
States with a network of detection assets, and to
reduce false alarms;
(3) to improve and develop standards and guidelines
for mapping, modeling, and assessment efforts to
improve tsunami detection, forecasting, warnings,
notification, mitigation, resiliency, response,
outreach, and recovery;
(4) to improve research efforts related to improving
tsunami detection, forecasting, warnings, notification,
mitigation, resiliency, response, outreach, and
recovery;
(5) to improve, increase, and develop uniform
standards and guidelines for education and outreach
activities and ensure that those receiving tsunami
warnings and the at-risk public know what to do when a
tsunami is approaching, including the warning signs of
locally generated tsunami;
(6) to provide technical and other assistance to
speed international efforts to establish regional
tsunami warning systems in vulnerable areas worldwide;
(7) to foster resilient communities in the face of
tsunami and other similar coastal hazards; [and]
(8) to improve Federal, State, and international
coordination for detection, warnings, and outreach for
tsunami and other coastal impacts[.]; and
(9) to ensure data and metadata are managed,
archived, and made available for operations, research,
education, and mitigation activities in accordance with
section 305 of the Weather Research and Forecasting
Innovation Act of 2017.
SEC. 804. TSUNAMI FORECASTING AND WARNING PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Administrator, through the National
Weather Service and in consultation with other relevant
Administration offices, shall operate a program to provide
tsunami detection, forecasting, and warnings for the Pacific
and Arctic Ocean regions and for the Atlantic Ocean region,
including the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico.
(b) Components.--The program under this section shall--
(1) include the tsunami warning centers supported or
maintained under subsection (d);
(2) to the degree practicable, maintain not less than
80 percent of the Deep-ocean Assessment and Reporting
of Tsunamis buoy array at operational capacity to
optimize data reliability;
(3) utilize and maintain an array of robust tsunami
detection technologies;
(4) maintain detection equipment in operational
condition, using industry and scientific best
practices, to fulfill the detection, forecasting, and
warning requirements of this title;
(5) provide tsunami forecasting capability based on
models and measurements, including tsunami inundation
models and maps for use in increasing the preparedness
of communities and safeguarding port and harbor
operations, that incorporate inputs, including--
(A) the United States and global ocean and
coastal observing system;
(B) the global Earth observing system;
(C) the [global seismic network] Global
Seismic Network;
(D) the global navigation satellite system
(GNSS) network;
[(D)] (E) the Advanced National Seismic
system;
[(E)] (F) tsunami model validation using
historical and paleotsunami data;
[(F)] (G) digital elevation models and
bathymetry; and
[(G)] (H) newly developing tsunami detection
methodologies using satellites and airborne
remote sensing;
[(6) maintain data quality and management systems to
support the requirements of the program;]
(6) ensure data quality and management systems,
support data and metadata access and archiving, and
support the requirements of the program pursuant to the
Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018
(Public Law 115-435) and chapter 31 of title 44, United
States Code;
(7) [include a cooperative effort among the
Administration, the United States Geological Survey,
and the National Science Foundation under which the
Director of the United States Geological Survey and the
Director of the National Science Foundation shall--]
include a cooperative effort among the Administration,
the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA),
and the National Science Foundation (NSF) under which
the Director of USGS, the Director of the NSF, and the
Administrator of NASA shall--
(A) provide rapid and reliable seismic
information to the Administrator from
international and domestic seismic networks;
[and]
(B) support seismic stations installed before
the date of the enactment of the Tsunami
Warning, Education, and Research Act of 2017 to
supplement coverage in areas of sparse
instrumentation;
(C) provide reliable and real-time support
for the GNSS network data streams from NSF,
NASA, and USGS maintained networks, and
supplement instrumentation coverage for rapid
earthquake assessment;
(D) assess the data and information relating
to warning systems of collaborating agencies
for potential utilization in NOAA's warning
system, taking into consideration advancement
in research and technology;
(E) incorporate, as practicable, tsunami
notifications and warnings in the USGS
Earthquake Early Warning System; and
(F) incorporate, as practicable, preliminary
analysis or data from the National Earthquake
Information Center regarding the source and
magnitude of an offshore earthquake within five
minutes of detection;
(8) provide a capability for the dissemination of
warnings, including graphical warning products, and
decision support aides to at-risk States, territories,
and tsunami-prone communities through rapid and
reliable notification to government officials and the
public, including utilization of and coordination with
existing Federal warning systems, including the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather
Radio All Hazards Program and Wireless Emergency
Alerts;
(9) provide and allow, as practicable, for
integration of tsunami detection technologies with
other environmental observing technologies and
commercial and Federal undersea communications cables;
[and]
(10) include any technology the Administrator
considers appropriate to fulfill the objectives of the
program under this section[.]; and
(11) update tsunami inundation maps, models, or other
geographic products, in order to best support, as
appropriate, relevant agencies with tsunami mitigation
and recovery activities.
(c) Tsunami Warning System.--The program under this section
shall operate a tsunami warning system that--
[(1) is capable of forecasting tsunami, including
forecasting tsunami arrival time and inundation
estimates, anywhere in the Pacific and Arctic Ocean
regions and providing adequate warnings;]
[(2)] (1) is capable of forecasting and providing
adequate warnings, including tsunami arrival time and
inundation models where applicable, in areas of [the
Atlantic Ocean, including the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of
Mexico, that are determined--] the Pacific, Arctic, and
Atlantic Oceans, including the Caribbean Sea and Gulf
of Mexico, that are determined to pose significant
risks of tsunami for States and United States
territories along the coastal areas of such regions;
and
[(A) to be geologically active, or to have
significant potential for geological activity;
and
[(B) to pose significant risks of tsunami for
States along the coastal areas of the Atlantic
Ocean, Caribbean Sea, or Gulf of Mexico; and]
[(3)] (2) supports other international tsunami
forecasting and warning efforts.
(d) Tsunami Warning Alert Level Evaluation.--The
Administrator, in collaboration with social scientists,
emergency personnel, and high-risk communities, shall--
(1) evaluate tsunami alert levels terminology,
timing, and effectiveness;
(2) determine if such alerts produce the desired
response and understanding from possible tsunami-prone
communities; and
(3) if necessary, update the alert level system for
increased effectiveness.
[(d)] (e) Tsunami Warning Centers.--
(1) In general.--The Administrator shall support or
maintain centers to support the tsunami warning system
required by subsection (c) responsible for Alaska, the
continental United States, Hawaii, United States
territories, and international entities the
Administrator determines appropriate. The Centers shall
include--
(A) the National Tsunami Warning Center,
located in Alaska, which is primarily
responsible for Alaska and the continental
United States;
(B) the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center,
located in Hawaii[, which is primarily
responsible for Hawaii, the Caribbean, and
other areas of the Pacific not covered by the
National Center]; and
(C) any additional forecast and warning
centers determined by the National Weather
Service to be necessary.
(2) Responsibilities.--The responsibilities of the
centers supported or maintained under paragraph (1)
shall include the following:
(A) Continuously monitoring data from
seismological, deep ocean, coastal sea level,
current, and tidal monitoring stations and
other data sources as may be developed and
deployed.
(B) Evaluating earthquakes, landslides, [and
volcanic eruptions] volcanic eruptions, or
other sources that have the potential to
generate tsunami.
(C) Evaluating deep ocean [buoy data and
tidal] and coastal monitoring stations for
indications of tsunami resulting from
earthquakes and other sources.
(D) To the extent practicable, utilizing a
range of models, including ensemble models, to
predict tsunami, including arrival times,
flooding estimates, coastal and harbor
currents, and duration.
(E) Using data from the [Integrated Ocean
Observing System of the Administration] United
States and global ocean and coastal observing
system in coordination with regional
associations to calculate new inundation
estimates and periodically update existing
inundation estimates.
(F) Disseminating forecasts and tsunami
warning bulletins to Federal, State, tribal,
and local government officials and the public.
(G) Coordinating with the tsunami hazard
mitigation program conducted under section 805
to ensure ongoing sharing of information
between forecasters and emergency management
officials.
(H) In coordination with the Commandant of
the Coast Guard and the Administrator of the
Federal Emergency Management Agency, evaluating
and recommending procedures for ports and
harbors at risk of tsunami inundation,
including review of readiness, response,
monitoring needs, and communication strategies,
and data sharing policies, to the maximum
extent practicable.
[(I) Making data gathered under this Act and
post-warning analyses conducted by the National
Weather Service or other relevant
Administration offices available to the
public.]
(I) Providing a Tsunami Warning Coordinator
to coordinate with partners and stakeholders
products and services of the centers supported
or maintained under paragraph (1).
(J) Integrating and modernizing the program
operated under this section with advances in
tsunami science to improve performance without
compromising service.
[(3) Fail-safe warning capability.--The tsunami
warning centers supported or maintained under paragraph
(1) shall maintain a fail-safe warning capability and
perform back-up duties for each other.]
(3) Fail-safe warning capability.--The Administrator
shall support and maintain fail-safe warning capability
for the tsunami warning centers supported or maintained
under paragraph (1), and such centers shall conduct at
least one service back up drill biannually.
(4) Coordination with national weather service.--[The
Administrator shall coordinate with the forecast
offices of the National Weather Service, the centers
supported or maintained under paragraph (1), and such
program offices of the Administration as the
Administrator or the coordinating committee, as
established in section 805(d), consider appropriate to
ensure that regional and local forecast offices--] The
Administrator shall coordinate with the weather
forecast offices of the National Weather Service, the
centers supported or maintained under paragraph (1),
and such national and regional program offices of the
Administration as the Administrator or the coordinating
committee, as established in section 805(b), consider
appropriate to ensure that regional and local weather
forecast offices--
(A) have the technical knowledge and
capability to disseminate tsunami warnings for
the communities they serve;
(B) leverage connections with local emergency
management officials for optimally
disseminating tsunami warnings and forecasts;
[and]
(C) implement mass communication tools in
effect on the day before the date of the
enactment of the Tsunami Warning, Education,
and Research Act of 2017 used by the National
Weather Service on such date and newer mass
communication technologies as they are
developed as a part of the Weather-Ready Nation
program of the Administration, or otherwise,
for the purpose of timely and effective
delivery of tsunami warnings[.]; and
(D) conduct education and outreach efforts to
help prepare coastal communities for tsunami
hazards.
(5) [Uniform] Standardized operating procedures.--The
Administrator shall--
(A) develop [uniform] standardized
operational procedures for the centers
supported or maintained under paragraph (1),
including the use of software applications,
checklists, decision support tools, and tsunami
warning products that have been standardized
across the program supported under this
section;
(B) ensure that processes and products of the
warning system operated under subsection (c)--
(i) reflect industry best practices
when practicable;
(ii) conform to the maximum extent
practicable with internationally
recognized standards for information
technology; and
(iii) conform to the maximum extent
practicable with other warning products
and practices of the National Weather
Service;
(C) ensure that future adjustments to
operational protocols, processes, and warning
products--
(i) are made consistently across the
warning system operated under
subsection (c); and
(ii) are applied in a [uniform]
standardized manner across such warning
system;
(D) establish a systematic method for
information technology product development to
improve long-term technology planning efforts;
[and]
(E) disseminate guidelines and metrics for
evaluating and improving tsunami forecast
models[.]; and
(F) align the analytic techniques and
methodologies of the existing tsunami warning
centers supported or maintained under paragraph
(1) to ensure seamless continuity of operations
and mitigate risk of operational failure by
prioritizing investments that include--
(i) replacing end of life equipment;
(ii) ensuring product consistency;
(iii) enabling consistent operational
process for backup capabilities;
(iv) mitigating existing operational
security risks; and
(v) meeting information security
requirements specified in chapter 35 of
title 44, United States Code.
(6) Available resources.--The Administrator, through
the National Weather Service, shall ensure that
resources are available to fulfill the obligations of
this Act. This includes ensuring supercomputing
resources are available to run, as rapidly as possible,
such computer models as are needed for purposes of the
tsunami warning system operated under subsection (c).
(7) Reporting.--Not later than 180 days after the
date of the enactment of this paragraph and annually
thereafter until such time as all relevant requirements
have been satisfied, the Administrator shall provide to
the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the
House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation of the Senate an update
briefing on the progress of the following:
(A) Standardizing products and procedures
under paragraph (5), including tsunami
assessments, forecast guidance, and related
products.
(B) Migrating the message generation systems
of the centers supported or maintained under
paragraph (1) to the Advanced Weather
Information Processing Systems, or successor
systems.
(C) The structural reorganization effort, if
necessary, to align such centers'
organizational charts.
(D) The expected timeline for the full
completion of standardizing such centers'
products and procedures.
[(e)] (f) Transfer of Technology; Maintenance and Upgrades.--
In carrying out this section, the Administrator shall--
(1) develop requirements for the equipment used to
detect, measure, and forecast tsunami, including--
(A) provisions for multipurpose detection
platforms;
(B) reliability and performance metrics;
[and]
(C) to the maximum extent practicable,
requirements for the integration of equipment
with other United States and global ocean and
coastal observation systems, the global Earth
observing system of systems, the global seismic
networks, [and the Advanced National Seismic
System] the Advanced National Seismic System,
and the global navigation satellite system
(GNSS); and;
(D) ensure research is coordinated with
tsunami warning operations;
(2) develop and execute a plan for the transfer of
technology from ongoing research conducted as part of
the program supported or maintained under section 6
into the program under this section; and
(3) ensure that the Administration's operational
tsunami detection equipment is properly maintained
according to industry best practices.
[(f)] (g) Federal Cooperation.--When deploying and
maintaining tsunami detection technologies under the program
under this section, the Administrator shall--
(1) identify which assets of other Federal agencies
are necessary to support such program; and
(2) work with each agency identified under paragraph
(1)--
(A) to acquire the agency's assistance; and
(B) to prioritize the necessary assets in
support of the tsunami forecast and warning
program.
[(g)] (h) Congressional Notifications.--
(1) In general.--The Administrator shall notify the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of
the Senate and the Committee on Science of the House of
Representatives within 30 days of--
(A) impaired regional forecasting
capabilities due to equipment or system
failures;
(B) significant contractor failures or delays
in completing work associated with the tsunami
forecasting and warning system; and
(C) the occurrence of a significant tsunami
warning.
(2) Contents.--In a case in which notice is submitted
under paragraph (1) within 30 days of a significant
tsunami warning described in subparagraph (C) of such
paragraph, such notice shall include, as appropriate,
brief information and analysis of--
(A) the [accuracy of the tsunami model used]
timeliness and accuracy of the forecast used to
issue the warning;
(B) the specific deep ocean or other
monitoring equipment that detected the
incident, as well as the deep ocean or other
monitoring equipment that did not detect the
incident due to malfunction or other reasons;
(C) the effectiveness of the warning
communication, including the dissemination of
warnings with State, territory, local, and
tribal partners in the affected area under the
jurisdiction of the National Weather Service;
and
(D) such other findings as the Administrator
considers appropriate.
SEC. 805. NATIONAL TSUNAMI HAZARD MITIGATION PROGRAM.
(a) Program Required.--The Administrator, in coordination
with the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management
Agency and the heads of such other agencies as the
Administrator considers relevant, shall conduct a community-
based tsunami hazard mitigation program to improve tsunami
preparedness and resiliency of at-risk areas in the United
States and the territories of the United States.
(b) Coordinating Committee.--In conducting the program under
this section, the Administrator shall establish a coordinating
committee comprising representatives of Federal, State, local,
and tribal government officials. The Administrator may
establish subcommittees to address region-specific issues. The
committee shall--
(1) recommend how funds appropriated for carrying out
the program under this section will be allocated;
(2) ensure that areas described in section 804(c) in
the United States and its territories can have the
opportunity to participate in the program;
(3) provide recommendations to the National Weather
Service on how to improve the TsunamiReady program,
particularly on ways to make communities more tsunami
resilient through the use of inundation maps and other
mitigation practices; and
(4) ensure that all components of the program are
integrated with ongoing hazard warning and risk
management activities, emergency response plans, and
mitigation programs in affected areas, including
integrating information to assist in tsunami evacuation
route planning.
(c) Program Components.--The Program conducted under
subsection (a) shall include the following:
(1) Technical and financial assistance to coastal
States, territories, tribes, and local governments to
develop and implement activities under this section.
(2) Integration of tsunami preparedness and
mitigation programs into ongoing State-based hazard
warning, resilience planning, and risk management
activities, including predisaster planning, emergency
response, evacuation planning, disaster recovery,
hazard mitigation, and community development and
redevelopment planning programs in affected areas.
(3) Coordination with other Federal preparedness and
mitigation programs to leverage Federal investment,
avoid duplication, and maximize effort.
(4) Activities to promote the adoption of tsunami
resilience, preparedness, warning, and mitigation
measures by Federal, State, territorial, tribal, and
local governments and nongovernmental entities,
including educational and risk communication programs
to discourage development in high-risk areas.
(5) Activities to support the development of regional
tsunami hazard and risk assessments. Such regional risk
assessments may include the following:
(A) The sources, sizes, and other relevant
historical data of tsunami in the region,
including paleotsunami data.
(B) Coastal digital elevation models (DEMs)
to support the development of inundation maps.
[(B)] (C) Inundation models and maps of
critical infrastructure and socioeconomic
vulnerability in areas subject to tsunami
inundation.
[(C)] (D) Maps of evacuation areas and
evacuation routes, including, when appropriate,
traffic studies that evaluate the viability of
evacuation routes.
[(D)] (E) Evaluations of the size of
populations that will require evacuation,
including populations with special evacuation
needs.
[(E)] (F) Evaluations and technical
assistance for vertical evacuation structure
planning for communities where models indicate
limited or no ability for timely evacuation,
especially in areas at risk of near shore
generated tsunami.
[(F)] (G) Evaluation of at-risk ports and
harbors.
[(G)] (H) Evaluation of the effect of tsunami
currents on the foundations of closely-spaced,
coastal high-rise structures.
(I) Evaluation of the variation of inundation
impact resulting from tsunami-driven sediment
transport.
(J) Evaluation of tsunami debris impact on
critical infrastructure (as such term is
defined in section 1016(e) of Public Law 107-56
(42 U.S.C. 5195c(e))) and lifelines.
(K) High-resolution and high-quality digital
elevation models needed for at-risk coastlines,
ports, and harbors, particularly for regions
not covered by existing inundation maps.
(6) Activities to promote preparedness in at-risk
ports and harbors, including the following:
(A) Evaluation and recommendation of
procedures for ports and harbors in the event
of a distant or near-field tsunami.
(B) A review of readiness, response, and
communication strategies to ensure coordination
and data sharing with the Coast Guard.
(7) Activities to support the development of
community-based outreach and education programs to
ensure community readiness and resilience, including
the following:
(A) The development, implementation, and
assessment of technical training and public
education programs, including education
programs that address unique characteristics of
distant and near-field tsunami.
(B) The development of decision support
tools.
(C) The incorporation of social and
behavioral science research into community
readiness and resilience efforts.
(D) The development of evidence-based
education guidelines.
(8) Dissemination of guidelines and standards for
community planning, education, and training products,
programs, and tools, including--
(A) standards for--
(i) mapping products;
(ii) inundation models; and
(iii) effective emergency exercises;
and
(B) recommended guidance for at-risk port and
harbor tsunami warning, evacuation, and
response procedures in coordination with the
Coast Guard and the Federal Emergency
Management Agency.
(d) Authorized Activities.--In addition to activities
conducted under subsection (c), the program conducted under
subsection (a) may include the following:
(1) Multidisciplinary vulnerability assessment
research, education, and training to help integrate
risk management and resilience objectives with
community development planning and policies.
(2) Risk management training for local officials and
community organizations to enhance understanding and
preparedness.
(3) In coordination with the Federal Emergency
Management Agency, interagency, Federal, State, tribal,
and territorial intergovernmental tsunami response
exercise planning and implementation in high risk
areas.
(4) Development of practical applications for
existing or emerging technologies, such as modeling,
remote sensing, geospatial technology, engineering, and
observing systems, including the integration of tsunami
sensors into Federal and commercial submarine
telecommunication cables if practicable.
(5) Risk management, risk assessment, and resilience
data and information services, including--
(A) access to data and products derived from
observing and detection systems; and
(B) development and maintenance of new
integrated data products to support risk
management, risk assessment, and resilience
programs.
(6) Risk notification systems that coordinate with
and build upon existing systems and actively engage
decisionmakers, State, local, tribal, and territorial
governments and agencies, business communities,
nongovernmental organizations, and the media.
(e) No Preemption With Respect to Designation of At-risk
Areas.--The establishment of national standards for inundation
models under this section shall not prevent States,
territories, tribes, and local governments from designating
additional areas as being at risk based on knowledge of local
conditions.
(f) No New Regulatory Authority.--Nothing in this Act may be
construed as establishing new regulatory authority for any
Federal agency.
SEC. 806. TSUNAMI RESEARCH PROGRAM.
(a) In general.--The Administrator shall, in consultation
with such other Federal agencies, State, tribal, and
territorial governments, and academic institutions as the
Administrator considers appropriate, the coordinating committee
under section [805(d)] 805(b), and the panel under section
808(a), support or maintain a tsunami research program to
develop detection, forecast, communication, and mitigation
science and technology, including advanced sensing techniques,
information and communication technology, data collection and
management, analysis, assessment for tsunami tracking and
numerical forecast modeling, and standards development.
(b) Responsibilities.--The research program supported or
maintained under subsection (a) shall--
(1) consider other appropriate and cost effective
solutions to mitigate the impact of tsunami, including
the improvement of near-field and distant tsunami
detection and forecasting capabilities, which may
include deployment and use of a new generation of the
Deep-ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunamis array,
integration of tsunami sensors into commercial and
Federal telecommunications cables, and other real-time
tsunami monitoring systems and supercomputer capacity
of the Administration to develop a rapid tsunami
forecast for all United States coastlines;
(2) coordinate with the National Weather Service on
technology to be transferred to operations;
(3) conduct [social science research] social and
behavioral science research, including data collection,
to develop and assess community warning, education, and
evacuation materials;
(4) develop the technical basis for validation of
tsunami maps, numerical tsunami models, digital
elevation models, and forecasts; [and]
(5) develop decision support tools;
(6) leverage and prioritize research opportunities;
and
[(5)] (7) ensure that research and findings are
available to the public and the scientific community.
(c) Research and Development Plan.--Not later than 12 months
after the date of the enactment of this subsection and not less
frequently than every 36 months thereafter, the Administrator,
in consultation with the Interagency Council for Advancing
Meteorological Services, shall develop a research and
development and research to operations plan to improve tsunami
detection and forecasting capabilities that--
(1) identifies and prioritizes research and
development priorities to satisfy section 804;
(2) identifies key research needs for better
detecting tsunamis that may occur in open ocean and
along the coastlines of the United States and its
territories, improve forecasting of tsunamis that are
not seismically driven, and other opportunities
determined appropriate;
(3) develops plans for transitioning research to
operations; and
(4) identifies collaboration opportunities that may
further and align tsunami research, development,
warnings, and operations between the centers supported
or maintained under section 804, the National Tsunami
Hazard Mitigation Program, the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration Center for Tsunami Research,
the National Science Foundation, the United States
Geological Survey, the Federal Emergency Management
Agency, institutions of higher education, private
entities, stakeholders, and others determined
appropriate.
SEC. 807. GLOBAL TSUNAMI WARNING AND MITIGATION NETWORK.
(a) Support for Development of an International Tsunami
Warning System.--The Administrator shall, in coordination with
the Secretary of State and in consultation with such other
agencies as the Administrator considers relevant, provide
technical assistance, operational support, and training to the
Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of the United
Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, the
World Meteorological Organization of the United Nations, and
such other international entities as the Administrator
considers appropriate, as part of the international efforts to
develop a fully functional global tsunami forecast and warning
system comprised of regional tsunami warning networks.
(b) International Tsunami Information Center.--The
Administrator, through the National Weather Service and in
consultation with other relevant Administration offices, in
cooperation with the Intergovernmental Oceanographic
Commission, may operate an International Tsunami Information
Center to improve tsunami preparedness for all Pacific Ocean
nations participating in the International Tsunami Warning
System of the Pacific, and may also provide such assistance to
other nations participating in a global tsunami warning system
established through the Intergovernmental Oceanographic
Commission. As part of its responsibilities around the world,
the Center may--
(1) monitor international tsunami warning activities
around the world;
(2) assist member states in establishing national
warning systems, and make information available on
current technologies for tsunami warning systems;
(3) maintain a library of materials to promulgate
knowledge about tsunami in general and for use by the
scientific community; and
(4) disseminate information, including educational
materials and research reports.
(c) Detection Equipment; Technical Advice and Training.--In
carrying out this section, the National Weather Service--
(1) shall give priority to assisting nations in
identifying vulnerable coastal areas, creating
inundation maps, obtaining or designing real-time
detection and reporting equipment, and supporting
communication and warning networks and contact points
in each vulnerable nation;
(2) may support a process for transfer of detection
and communication technology to affected nations for
the purposes of supporting the international tsunami
warning system; and
(3) shall provide technical and other assistance to
support international tsunami programs.
(d) Data-Sharing Requirement.--The National Weather Service,
when deciding to provide assistance under this section, may
take into consideration the data sharing and management
policies and practices of nations proposed to receive such
assistance, with a goal to encourage all nations to support
full and open exchange of data.
SEC. 808. TSUNAMI SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ADVISORY PANEL
(a) Designation.--The Administrator shall designate an
existing working group within the Science Advisory Board of the
Administration to serve as the Tsunami Science and Technology
Advisory Panel to provide advice to the Administrator on
matters regarding tsunami science, technology, and regional
preparedness.
(b) Membership.--
(1) Composition.--The Panel shall be composed of no
fewer than 7 members selected by the Administrator from
among individuals from academia or State agencies who
have academic or practical expertise in physical
sciences, social and behavioral sciences, information
technology, coastal resilience, emergency management,
or such other disciplines as the Administrator
considers appropriate.
(2) Federal employment.--No member of the Panel may
be a Federal employee.
(c) Responsibilities.--Not less frequently than once every 4
years, the Panel shall--
(1) review the activities of the Administration, and
other Federal activities as appropriate, relating to
tsunami research, detection, forecasting, warning,
mitigation, resiliency, and preparation; and
(2) submit to the Administrator and such others as
the Administrator considers appropriate--
(A) the findings of the working group with
respect to the most recent review conducted
under paragraph (1); and
(B) such recommendations for legislative or
administrative action as the working group
considers appropriate to improve Federal
tsunami research, detection, forecasting,
warning, mitigation, resiliency, and
preparation.
(d) Reports to Congress.--Not less frequently than once every
4 years, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, and the
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives a report on the findings and recommendations
received by the Administrator under subsection (c)(2).
[SEC. 809. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS
[There are authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator
to carry out this title--
[(1) $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2008, of which--
[(A) not less than 27 percent of the amount
appropriated shall be for the tsunami hazard
mitigation program under section 805; and
[(B) not less than 8 percent of the amount
appropriated shall be for the tsunami research
program under section 806;
[(2) $26,000,000 for fiscal year 2009, of which--
[(A) not less than 27 percent of the amount
appropriated shall be for the tsunami hazard
mitigation program under section 805; and
[(B) not less than 8 percent of the amount
appropriated shall be for the tsunami research
program under section 806;
[(3) $27,000,000 for fiscal year 2010, of which--
[(A) not less than 27 percent of the amount
appropriated shall be for the tsunami hazard
mitigation program under section 805; and
[(B) not less than 8 percent of the amount
appropriated shall be for the tsunami research
program under section 806;
[(4) $28,000,000 for fiscal year 2011, of which--
[(A) not less than 27 percent of the amount
appropriated shall be for the tsunami hazard
mitigation program under section 805; and
[(B) not less than 8 percent of the amount
appropriated shall be for the tsunami research
program under section 806;
[(5) $29,000,000 for fiscal year 2012, of which--
[(A) not less than 27 percent of the amount
appropriated shall be for the tsunami hazard
mitigation program under section 805; and
[(B) not less than 8 percent of the amount
appropriated shall be for the tsunami research
program under section 806; and
[(6) $25,800,000 for each of fiscal years 2016
through 2021, of which--
[(A) not less than 27 percent of the amount
appropriated for each fiscal year shall be for
activities conducted at the State level under
the tsunami hazard mitigation program under
section 805; and
[(B) not less than 8 percent of the amount
appropriated shall be for the tsunami research
program under section 806.]
SEC. 809. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator
to carry out this title $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years
2024 through 2028, of which--
(1) not less than 27 percent of the amount
appropriated for each fiscal year shall be for
activities conducted at the State level under the
national tsunami hazard mitigation program under
section 805; and
(2) not less than 8 percent of the amount
appropriated shall be for the tsunami research program
under section 806.
* * * * * * *
----------
INTEGRATED COASTAL AND OCEAN OBSERVATION SYSTEM ACT OF 2009
* * * * * * *
TITLE XII--NOAA UNDERSEA RESEARCH PROGRAM ACT OF 2009
* * * * * * *
Subtitle C--Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009
* * * * * * *
SEC. 12304. INTEGRATED COASTAL AND OCEAN OBSERVING SYSTEM.
(a) Establishment.--The President, acting through the
Council, shall establish a National Integrated Coastal and
Ocean Observation System to fulfill the purposes set forth in
section 12302 of this subtitle and the System Plan and to
fulfill the Nation's international obligations to contribute to
the Global Earth Observation System of Systems and the Global
Ocean Observing System.
(b) System Elements.--
(1) In general.--In order to fulfill the purposes of
this subtitle, the System shall be national in scope
and consist of--
(A) Federal assets to fulfill national and
international observation missions and
priorities;
(B) non-Federal assets, including a network
of regional coastal observing systems
identified under subsection (c)(4), to fulfill
regional and national observation missions and
priorities;
(C) observing, modeling, data management, and
communication systems for the timely
integration and dissemination of data and
information products from the System, including
reviews of data collection procedures across
regions and programs to make recommendations
for data collection standards across the System
to meet national ocean, coastal, and Great
Lakes observation, applied research, and
weather forecasting needs;
(D) a product development system to transform
observations into products in a format that may
be readily used and understood; and
(E) a research and development program
conducted under the guidance of the Council,
consisting of--
(i) basic and applied research and
technology development--
(I) to improve understanding
of coastal and ocean systems
and their relationships to
human activities; and
(II) to ensure improvement of
operational assets and
products, including related
infrastructure, observing
technologies such as unmanned
maritime systems, and
information and data processing
and management technologies;
(ii) an advanced observing technology
development program to fill gaps in
technology;
(iii) large scale computing resources
and research to advance modeling of
ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes
processes;
(iv) models to improve regional
weather forecasting capabilities and
regional weather forecasting products;
and
(v) reviews of data collection
procedures across regions and programs
to make recommendations for data
collection standards across the System
to meet national ocean, coastal, and
Great Lakes observation, applied
research, and weather forecasting
needs.
(2) Enhancing administration and management.--The
head of each Federal agency that has administrative
jurisdiction over a Federal asset shall support the
purposes of this subtitle and may take appropriate
actions to enhance internal agency administration and
management to better support, integrate, finance, and
utilize observation data, products, and services
developed under this section to further its own agency
mission and responsibilities.
(3) Availability of data.--The head of each Federal
agency that has administrative jurisdiction over a
Federal asset shall make available data that are
produced by that asset and that are not otherwise
restricted for integration, management, and
dissemination by the System for research and for use in
the development of products to address societal needs.
(4) Non-federal assets.--Non-Federal assets shall be
coordinated, as appropriate, by the Interagency Ocean
Observing Committee or by regional coastal observing
systems.
(5) Ships of opportunity pilot program.--
(A) In general.--The Administrator, in
coordination with the heads of relevant Federal
departments and agencies, shall, subject to
relevant regulations and certifications,
maintain pilot programs or projects to contract
with research or commercial ship operators for
data collection and assess the potential costs,
benefits, and viability of a global network of
ocean and atmospheric observing instruments
operating on research or commercial ocean
vessels, including in the Arctic, in order to
supplement the Integrated Coastal, Great Lakes,
and Ocean Observation System in improving
understanding of coastal and ocean systems and
their relationships to human activities.
(B) Standards and specifications.--The
Administrator shall ensure that data acquired
through the pilot program established pursuant
to subparagraph (A) meets the most recent
standards and specifications required for
observation services and data as published
pursuant to subsection (c) of section 302 of
the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation
Act of 2017.
(C) Report.--Not later than five years after
the date of the enactment of this paragraph,
the Administrator, in consultation with the
Secretary of Transportation, shall submit to
Congress a report on the requirements for a
global network of ocean and atmospheric
instruments operating on research or commercial
ocean vessels for measurement and data
transmission.
(D) Sunset.--This paragraph shall terminate
on the earlier of--
(i) September 30, 2029; or
(ii) one year after the date on which
the report required under subparagraph
(B) is submitted by the Administrator.
(c) Policy Oversight, Administration, and Regional
Coordination.--
(1) Council functions.--The Council shall serve as
the policy and coordination oversight body for all
aspects of the System. In carrying out its
responsibilities under this subtitle, the Council
shall--
(A) approve and adopt comprehensive System
budgets developed and maintained by the
Interagency Ocean Observation Committee to
support System operations, including operations
of both Federal and non-Federal assets;
(B) ensure coordination of the System with
other domestic and international earth
observing activities including the Global Ocean
Observing System and the Global Earth Observing
System of Systems, and provide, as appropriate,
support for and representation on United States
delegations to international meetings on
coastal and ocean observing programs; and
(C) encourage coordinated intramural and
extramural research and technology development,
and a process to transition developing
technology and methods into operations of the
System.
(2) Interagency ocean observation committee.--
(A) Establishment.--The Council shall
establish or designate a committee, which shall
be known as the ``Interagency Ocean Observation
Committee''.
(B) Duties.--The Interagency Ocean
Observation Committee shall--
(i) prepare annual and long-term
plans for consideration and approval by
the Council for the integrated design,
operation, maintenance, enhancement,
and expansion of the System to meet the
objectives of this subtitle and the
System Plan;
(ii) develop and transmit to
Congress, along with the budget
submitted by the President to Congress
pursuant to section 1105(a) of title
31, United States Code, an annual
coordinated, comprehensive budget--
(I) to operate all elements
of the System identified in
subsection (b); and
(II) to ensure continuity of
data streams from Federal and
non-Federal assets;
(iii) establish requirements for
observation data variables to be
gathered by both Federal and non-
Federal assets and identify, in
consultation with regional coastal
observing systems, priorities for
System observations;
(iv) establish and define protocols
and standards for System data
processing, management, collection,
configuration standards, formats, and
communication for new and existing
assets throughout the System network;
(v) develop contract requirements for
each regional coastal observing
system--
(I) to establish eligibility
for integration into the
System;
(II) to ensure compliance
with all applicable standards
and protocols established by
the Council; and
(III) to ensure that regional
observations are integrated
into the System on a sustained
basis;
(vi) identify gaps in observation
coverage or needs for capital
improvements of both Federal assets and
non-Federal assets;
(vii) subject to the availability of
appropriations, establish through 1 or
more Federal agencies participating in
the Interagency Ocean Observation
Committee, in consultation with the
System advisory committee established
under subsection (d), a competitive
matching grant or other programs--
(I) to promote intramural and
extramural research and
development of new, innovative,
and emerging observation
technologies including testing
and field trials; and
(II) to facilitate the
migration of new, innovative,
and emerging scientific and
technological advances from
research and development to
operational deployment;
(viii) periodically--
(I) review the System Plan;
and
(II) submit to the Council
such recommendations as the
Interagency Ocean Observation
Committee may have for
improvements to the System
Plan;
(ix) ensure collaboration among
Federal agencies participating in the
Interagency Ocean Observation
Committee; and
(x) perform such additional duties as
the Council may delegate.
(3) Lead federal agency.--
(A) In general.--The National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration shall function as
the lead Federal agency for the implementation
and administration of the System.
(B) Consultation required.--In carrying out
this paragraph, the Administrator shall consult
with the Council, the Interagency Ocean
Observation Committee, other Federal agencies
that maintain portions of the System, and the
regional coastal observing systems.
(C) Requirements.--In carrying out this
paragraph, the Administrator shall--
(i) establish and operate an
Integrated Ocean Observing System
Program Office within the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
that--
(I) utilizes, to the extent
necessary, personnel from
Federal agencies participating
in the Interagency Ocean
Observation Committee; and
(II) oversees daily
operations and coordination of
the System;
(ii) implement policies, protocols,
and standards approved by the Council
and delegated by the Interagency Ocean
Observation Committee;
(iii) promulgate program guidelines--
(I) to certify and integrate
regional associations into the
System; and
(II) to provide regional
coastal and ocean observation
data that meet the needs of
user groups from the respective
regions;
(iv) have the authority to enter into
and oversee contracts, leases, grants,
or cooperative agreements with non-
Federal assets, including regional
coastal observing systems, to support
the purposes of this subtitle on such
terms as the Administrator deems
appropriate;
(v) implement and maintain a merit-
based, competitive funding process to
support non-Federal assets, including
the development and maintenance of a
national network of regional coastal
observing systems, and develop and
implement a process for the periodic
review and evaluation of the regional
associations;
(vi) provide opportunities for
competitive contracts and grants for
demonstration projects to design,
develop, integrate, deploy, maintain,
and support components of the System;
(vii) establish and maintain
efficient and effective administrative
procedures for the timely allocation of
funds among contractors, grantees, and
non-Federal assets, including regional
coastal observing systems;
(viii) develop and implement a
process for the periodic review and
evaluation of the regional coastal
observing systems;
(ix) formulate an annual process by
which gaps in observation coverage or
needs for capital improvements of
Federal assets and non-Federal assets
of the System are--
(I) identified by the
regional associations described
in the System Plan, the
Administrator, or other members
of the System; and
(II) submitted to the
Interagency Ocean Observation
Committee;
(x) develop and be responsible for a
data management and communication
system, in accordance with standards
and protocols established by the
Interagency Ocean Observation
Committee, by which all data collected
by the System regarding ocean and
coastal waters of the United States
including the Great Lakes, are
processed, stored, integrated, and made
available to all end-user communities;
(xi) not less frequently than once
each year, submit to the Interagency
Ocean Observation Committee a report on
the accomplishments, operational needs,
and performance of the System to
contribute to the annual and long-term
plans prepared pursuant to paragraph
(2)(B)(i);
(xii) develop and periodically update
a plan to efficiently integrate into
the System new, innovative, or emerging
technologies that have been
demonstrated to be useful to the System
and which will fulfill the purposes of
this subtitle and the System Plan; and
(xiii) work with users and regional
associations to develop products to
enable real-time data sharing for
decision makers, including with respect
to weather forecasting and modeling,
search and rescue operations, corrosive
seawater forecasts, water quality
monitoring and communication, and
harmful algal bloom forecasting.
(4) Regional coastal observing systems.--
(A) In general.--A regional coastal observing
system described in the System Plan as a
regional association may not be certified or
established under this subtitle unless it--
(i) has been or shall be certified or
established by contract or agreement by
the Administrator;
(ii) meets--
(I) the certification
standards and compliance
procedure guidelines issued by
the Administrator; and
(II) the information needs of
user groups in the region while
adhering to national standards;
(iii) demonstrates an organizational
structure, that under funding
limitations is capable of--
(I) gathering required System
observation data;
(II) supporting and
integrating all aspects of
coastal and ocean observing and
information programs within a
region; and
(III) reflecting the needs of
State, local, and tribal
governments, commercial
interests, and other users and
beneficiaries of the System and
other requirements specified
under this subtitle and the
System Plan;
(iv) identifies--
(I) gaps in observation
coverage needs for capital
improvements of Federal assets
and non-Federal assets of the
System; and
(II) other recommendations to
assist in the development of
the annual and long-term plans
prepared pursuant to paragraph
(2)(B)(i) and transmits such
information to the Interagency
Ocean Observation Committee
through the Program Office
established under paragraph
(3)(C)(i);
(v) develops and operates under a
strategic plan that will ensure the
efficient and effective administration
of programs and assets to support daily
data observations for integration into
the System, pursuant to the standards
approved by the Council;
(vi) works cooperatively with
governmental and nongovernmental
entities at all levels to identify and
provide information products of the
System for multiple users within the
service area of the regional coastal
observing system; and
(vii) complies with all financial
oversight requirements established by
the Administrator, including
requirements relating to audits.
(B) Participation.--For the purposes of this
subtitle, employees of Federal agencies are
permitted to be members of the governing body
for the regional coastal observing systems and
may participate in the functions of the
regional coastal observing systems.
(d) System Advisory Committee.--
(1) In general.--The Administrator shall establish or
designate a System advisory committee, which shall
provide advice as may be requested by the Administrator
or the Council under this subtitle
(2) Purpose.--The purpose of the System advisory
committee is to advise the Administrator and the
Interagency Ocean Observing Committee on--
(A) administration, operation, management,
and maintenance of the System, including
integration of Federal and non-Federal assets
and data management, data sharing, and
communication aspects of the System, and
fulfillment of the purposes set forth in
section 12302;
(B) expansion and periodic modernization and
upgrade of technology components of the System;
(C) identification of end-user communities,
their needs for information provided by the
System, and the System's effectiveness in
disseminating information to end-user
communities and the general public;
(D) additional priorities, including--
(i) a national surface current
mapping network designed to improve
fine scale sea surface mapping using
high frequency radar technology and
other emerging technologies to address
national priorities, including Coast
Guard search and rescue operation
planning and harmful algal bloom
forecasting and detection that--
(I) is comprised of existing
high frequency radar and other
sea surface current mapping
infrastructure operated by
national programs and regional
coastal observing systems;
(II) incorporates new high
frequency radar assets or other
fine scale sea surface mapping
technology assets, and other
assets needed to fill gaps in
coverage on United States
coastlines; and
(III) follows a deployment
plan that prioritizes closing
gaps in high frequency radar
infrastructure in the United
States, starting with areas
demonstrating significant sea
surface current data needs,
especially in areas where
additional data will improve
Coast Guard search and rescue
models;
(ii) fleet acquisition for unmanned
maritime systems for deployment and
data integration to fulfill the
purposes of this subtitle;
(iii) an integrative survey program
for application of unmanned maritime
systems to the real-time or near real-
time collection and transmission of sea
floor, water column, and sea surface
data on biology, chemistry, geology,
physics, and hydrography;
(iv) remote sensing and data
assimilation to develop new analytical
methodologies to assimilate data from
the System into hydrodynamic models;
(v) integrated, multi-State
monitoring to assess sources, movement,
and fate of sediments in coastal
regions;
(vi) a multi-region marine sound
monitoring system to be--
(I) planned in consultation
with the Interagency Ocean
Observation Committee, the
National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, the
Department of the Navy, and
academic research institutions;
and
(II) developed, installed,
and operated in coordination
with the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, the
Department of the Navy, and
academic research institutions;
and
(E) any other purpose identified by the
Administrator or the Council.
(3) Members.--
(A) In general.--The System advisory
committee shall be composed of members
appointed by the Administrator. Members shall
be qualified by education, training, and
experience to evaluate scientific and technical
information related to the design, operation,
maintenance, or use of the System, or use of
data products provided through the System.
(B) Terms of service.--The Administrator may
stagger the terms of the System advisory
committee members. Members shall be appointed
for 3-year terms, renewable once. A vacancy
appointment shall be for the remainder of the
unexpired term of the vacancy, and an
individual so appointed may subsequently be
appointed for 2 full 3-year terms if the
remainder of the unexpired term is less than 1
year.
(C) Chairperson.--The Administrator shall
designate a chairperson from among the members
of the System advisory committee.
(D) Appointment.--Members of the System
advisory committee shall be appointed as
special Government employees for purposes of
section 202(a) of title 18, United States Code.
(4) Administrative Provisions.--
(A) Reporting.--The System advisory committee
shall report to the Administrator, as
appropriate.
(B) Administrative support.--The
Administrator shall provide administrative
support to the System advisory committee.
(C) Meetings.--The System advisory committee
shall meet at least once each year, and at
other times at the call of the Administrator,
the Interagency Ocean Observation Committee, or
the chairperson.
(D) Compensation and expenses.--Members of
the System advisory committee shall not be
compensated for service on that Committee, but
may be allowed travel expenses, including per
diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with
subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United
States Code.
(E) Expiration.--Section 1013 of title 5,
United States Code, shall not apply to the
System advisory committee.
(e) Civil Liability.--For purposes of determining liability
arising from the dissemination and use of observation data
gathered pursuant to this section, any non-Federal asset or
regional coastal observing system incorporated into the System
by a memorandum of agreement of certification under subsection
(c)(3)(C)(iii) that is participating in the System shall be
considered to be part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration. Any employee of such a non-Federal asset or
regional coastal observing system, while operating within the
scope of his or her employment in carrying out the purposes of
this subtitle, with respect to tort liability, is deemed to be
an employee of the Federal Government.
(f) Limitation.--Nothing in this subtitle shall be construed
to invalidate existing certifications, contracts, or agreements
between regional coastal observing systems and other elements
of the System.
* * * * * * *
----------
NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION AUTHORIZATION ACT OF
1992
* * * * * * *
TITLE I--NOAA ATMOSPHERIC AND SATELLITE PROGRAMS
* * * * * * *
SEC. 106. DATA AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS.
(a)
* * * * * * *
[(c) Needs Assessment for Data Management, Archival, and
Distribution.--(1) Not later than 12 months after the date of
enactment of this Act and at least biennially thereafter, the
Secretary of Commerce shall complete an assessment of the
adequacy of the environmental data and information systems of
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. In
conducting such an assessment, the Secretary shall take into
consideration the need to--
[(A) provide adequate capacity to manage, archive,
and disseminate environmental data and information
collected and processed, or expected to be collected
and processed, by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration and other appropriate departments and
agencies;
[(B) establish, develop, and maintain information
bases, including necessary management systems, which
will promote consistent, efficient, and compatible
transfer and use of data;
[(C) develop effective interfaces among the
environmental data and information systems of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and
other appropriate departments and agencies;
[(D) develop and use nationally accepted formats and
standards for data collected by various national and
international sources; and
[(E) integrate and interpret data from different
sources to produce information that can be used by
decisionmakers in developing policies that effectively
respond to national and global environmental concerns.
[(2) Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of
this Act and biennially thereafter, the Secretary of Commerce
shall develop and submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science,
and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science,
Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives a
comprehensive plan, based on the assessment under paragraph
(1), to modernize and improve the environmental data and
information systems of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration. The report shall--
[(A) set forth modernization and improvement
objectives for the 10-year period beginning with the
year in which the plan is submitted, including facility
requirements and critical new technological components
that would be necessary to meet the objectives set
forth;
[(B) propose specific agency programs and activities
for implementing the plan;
[(C) identify the data and information management,
archival, and distribution responsibilities of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration with
respect to other Federal departments and agencies and
international organizations, including the role of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration with
respect to large data systems like the Earth Observing
System Data and Information System; and
[(D) provide an implementation schedule and estimate
funding levels necessary to achieve modernization and
improvement objectives.]
* * * * * * *
SEC. 108. UNITED STATES WEATHER RESEARCH PROGRAM.
(a) Establishment.--The Secretary of Commerce, in cooperation
with the Federal Coordinating Council for Science, Engineering,
and Technology through the Committee on Earth and Environmental
Sciences, shall establish a United States Weather Research
Program to--
(1) increase benefits to the Nation from the
substantial investment in modernizing the public
weather warning and forecast system in the United
States;
(2) improve local and regional weather forecasts and
warnings;
(3) address critical weather-related scientific
issues;
(4) coordinate governmental, university, and private-
sector efforts;
(5) submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on
Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives, not less frequently than once each
year, a report, including--
(A) a list of ongoing research projects;
(B) project goals and a point of contact for
each project;
(C) the five projects related to weather
observations, short-term weather, or
subseasonal forecasts within Office of Oceanic
and Atmospheric Research that are closest to
operationalization;
(D) for each project referred to in
subparagraph (C)--
(i) the potential benefit;
(ii) any barrier to
operationalization; and
(iii) the plan for
operationalization, including which
line office will financially support
the project and how much the line
office intends to spend;
(6) establish teams with staff from the Office of
Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and the National
Weather Service to oversee the operationalization of
research products developed by the Office of Oceanic
and Atmospheric Research;
(7) develop mechanisms for research priorities of the
Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research to be
informed by the relevant line offices within the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the
relevant user community, and the weather enterprise;
(8) develop an internal mechanism to track the
progress of each research project within the Office of
Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and mechanisms to
terminate a project that is not adequately progressing;
(9) develop and implement a system to track whether
extramural research grant goals were accomplished;
(10) provide facilities for products developed by the
Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research to be tested
in operational simulations, such as test beds;
(11) encourage academic collaboration with the Office
of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and the National
Weather Service by facilitating visiting scholars; and
(12) carry out the activities of the Earth Prediction
Innovation Center as described in section 102(b)(2) of
the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of
2017 (15 U.S.C. 8512(b)(2)).
[(b) Implementation Plan.--The Secretary of Commerce, in
cooperation with the Committee on Earth and Environmental
Sciences, shall prepare and submit to the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives a plan for implementation of the United States
Weather Research Program which shall--
[(1) establish, for the 10-year period beginning in
the year the plan is submitted, the goals and
priorities for Federal weather research which most
effectively advance the scientific understanding of
weather processes and provide information to improve
weather warning and forecast systems in the United
States;
[(2) describe specific activities, including research
activities, data collection and data analysis
requirements, predictive modeling, participation in
international research efforts, demonstration of
potential operational forecast applications, and
education and training required to achieve such goals
and priorities; and
[(3) set forth the role of each Federal agency and
department to be involved in the United States Weather
Research Program, identifying and addressing, as
appropriate, relevant programs and activities of the
Federal agencies and departments that would contribute
to such Program.]
[(c)] (b) Subseasonal Defined.--In this section, the term
``subseasonal'' means the time range between 2 weeks and 3
months.
* * * * * * *
----------
NATIONAL LANDSLIDE PREPAREDNESS ACT
* * * * * * *
SEC. 3. NATIONAL LANDSLIDE HAZARDS REDUCTION PROGRAM.
(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a program,
to be known as the ``National Landslide Hazards Reduction
Program'' (referred to in this section as the ``program'')--
(1) to identify and understand landslide hazards and
risks;
(2) to reduce losses from landslides;
(3) to protect communities at risk of landslide
hazards; and
(4) to help improve communication and emergency
preparedness, including by coordinating with
communities and entities responsible for infrastructure
that are at risk of landslide hazards.
(b) Description of Program.--
(1) Program activities.--The Secretary, in
coordination with the Interagency Coordinating
Committee on Landslide Hazards established by
subsection (c)(1) (referred to in this section as the
``Committee'') and in coordination with existing
activities of the United States Geological Survey and
other Federal agencies, shall--
(A) identify, map, assess, and research
landslide hazards;
(B) respond to landslide events; and
(C) in coordination with State offices, units
of local government, territories, and Indian
tribes--
(i) establish working groups with
State offices, units of local
government, territories, and Indian
tribes to identify regional and local
priorities for researching,
identifying, mapping, and assessing
landslide hazards; and
(ii) develop and implement landslide
hazard guidelines for--
(I) geologists;
(II) geological and
geotechnical engineers;
(III) emergency management
personnel; and
(IV) land use and other
decisionmakers.
(2) National strategy.--Not later than 1 year after
the date of enactment of this Act, and every 5 years
thereafter, the Secretary, in coordination with the
Committee, shall develop and publish a national
strategy for landslide hazards, risk reduction, and
response in the United States (including territories),
which shall include--
(A) goals and priorities for the program;
(B) priorities for data acquisition,
research, communications, and risk management
on landslides and landslide hazards across
relevant Federal agencies; and
(C) a detailed interagency plan, which shall
take into consideration national disaster
preparedness, response, and recovery
frameworks, to carry out the national strategy,
including details about the programs, projects,
and budgets that will be used to implement the
national strategy.
(3) National landslide hazards database.--In carrying
out the program, the Secretary, in coordination with
State offices, units of local government, territories,
and Indian tribes, shall develop and maintain a
publicly accessible national landslide hazard and risk
inventory database to compile, maintain, standardize,
and evaluate data regarding--
(A) landslide hazards and risks;
(B) the impact of landslides on--
(i) health and safety;
(ii) the economy and infrastructure;
and
(iii) the environment;
(C) landslide hazard stabilization; and
(D) reduction of losses from landslides.
(4) Landslide hazard and risk preparedness for
communities.--In carrying out the program, the
Secretary, in coordination with the Secretary of the
Army, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of
Homeland Security, the Secretary of Transportation, and
the heads of other relevant Federal agencies, and in
consultation with State offices, units of local
government, territories, and Indian tribes, shall
develop and disseminate--
(A) landslide planning and risk reduction
guidance, guidelines, maps, tools, and training
materials to help inform State, territorial,
local, and Tribal governments and
decisionmakers with respect to--
(i) the use and implementation of
landslide hazard assessments;
(ii) the applied use of the database
developed under paragraph (3);
(iii) reducing losses from
landslides; and
(iv) resources available for
communities working to improve
landslide hazard preparedness; and
(B) landslide preparedness curricula and
training modules for--
(i) State, territorial, local, and
Tribal officials;
(ii) Federal, State, territorial,
local, and Tribal emergency managers;
and
(iii) the National Guard.
(5) Debris flow early warning system.--In carrying
out the program, the Secretary, in coordination with
the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of Homeland
Security, shall expand the early warning system for
debris flow by--
(A) expanding the early warning system for
post-wildfire debris flow to include recently
burned areas across the western United States;
(B) developing procedures with State,
territorial, local, and Tribal governments to
monitor stormwater drainage in areas with high
debris flow risk; and
(C) identifying high-risk debris flow areas,
such as recently burned land and potential
lahar hazard areas.
(6) Emergency response activities.--In carrying out
the program, the Secretary, in coordination with the
Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Homeland
Security, the heads of other relevant Federal agencies,
States offices, units of local government, territories,
and Indian tribes, shall establish and support
emergency response procedures for the rapid deployment
of Federal scientists, equipment, and services to areas
impacted by a significant landslide event--
(A) to support emergency response efforts and
improve the safety of emergency responders;
(B) to improve data collection; and
(C) to conduct research to advance the
understanding of the causes, impacts, and
reduction of landslide hazards and risks.
(c) Interagency Coordinating Committee on Landslide
Hazards.--
(1) In general.--There is established a committee, to
be known as the ``Interagency Coordinating Committee on
Landslide Hazards''.
(2) Membership.--The Committee shall be composed of
the following members (or their designees):
(A) The Secretary, who shall serve as
Chairperson of the Committee.
(B) The Secretary of Agriculture.
(C) The Secretary of the Army.
(D) The Secretary of Commerce.
(E) The Secretary of Homeland Security.
(F) The Secretary of Transportation.
(G) The Director of the National Science
Foundation.
(H) The Director of the Office of Science and
Technology Policy.
(I) The Director of the Office of Management
and Budget.
(3) Meetings.--The Committee shall meet at the call
of the Chairperson.
(4) Purpose and duties.--The Committee shall--
(A) advise and oversee the program;
(B) facilitate communication and coordination
across Federal agencies in the planning,
management, budgeting, and execution of
landslide activities; and
(C) support the development and execution of
the national strategy under subsection (b)(2),
including by--
(i) supporting the development of
national goals and priorities for the
national strategy;
(ii) articulating Federal agency
roles, responsibilities, and resources
for carrying out the national strategy;
and
(iii) overseeing the implementation
of the national strategy.
(d) Advisory Committee.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish an
advisory committee, to be known as the ``Advisory
Committee on Landslides'' (referred to in this
subsection as the ``Advisory Committee'').
(2) Membership.--The Advisory Committee shall be
composed of not fewer than 11 members--
(A) of whom none may be an individual
described in any of subparagraphs (A) through
(F) of section 7342(a)(1) of title 5, United
States Code; and
(B) who shall be representatives of--
(i) States, including State
geological organizations;
(ii) territories, including
territorial geological organizations;
(iii) Indian tribes, including Tribal
geological organizations;
(iv) research institutions and
institutions of higher education that
are qualified--
(I) to provide advice
regarding landslide hazard and
risk reduction; and
(II) to represent related
scientific, architectural,
engineering, and planning
disciplines;
(v) industry standards development
organizations; and
(vi) State, territorial, local, and
Tribal emergency management agencies.
(3) Recommendations.--
(A) In general.--The Advisory Committee shall
submit to the Committee recommendations for the
implementation of the program, including
recommendations regarding--
(i) landslide hazard and risk
reduction and planning;
(ii) tools for communities;
(iii) research; and
(iv) such other topics as the
Advisory Committee determines
appropriate.
(B) Consideration.--The Secretary and the
agency heads described in subparagraphs (B)
through (I) of subsection (c)(2) shall take
into consideration any recommendation of the
Advisory Committee submitted under subparagraph
(A).
(e) Grant Programs.--
(1) Cooperative landslide hazard mapping and
assessment program.--
(A) In general.--Subject to appropriations,
the Secretary may--
(i) provide grants, on a competitive
basis, to State, territorial, local,
and Tribal governments to research,
map, assess, and collect data on
landslide hazards within the
jurisdictions of those governments; and
(ii) accept and use funds received
from other Federal and non-Federal
partners to advance the purposes of the
program.
(B) Priority.--
(i) In general.--The Secretary shall
consult annually with the Committee,
States, units of local government,
territories, and Indian tribes to
establish priorities for the grant
program under this paragraph.
(ii) Funding prioritization.--In
providing grants under this paragraph,
the Secretary shall give priority to
projects--
(I) that will achieve the
greatest landslide hazard and
risk reduction;
(II) that reflect the goals
and priorities of the national
strategy established under
subsection (b)(2)(A);
(III) not less than 50
percent of the total cost of
which is matched by non-Federal
sources; and
(IV) that include acquisition
of enhanced elevation data
consistent with the 3D
Elevation Program.
(C) Requirement.--If the Secretary elects to
provide grants under subparagraph (A)(i), the
Secretary shall publish on a publicly available
website a description of--
(i) the grants; and
(ii) the findings made from those
grants.
(2) National landslide research grants.--
(A) In general.--To advance the goals and
priorities of the national strategy established
under subsection (b)(2)(A), subject to
appropriations, the Director of the National
Science Foundation (referred to in this
paragraph as the ``Director'') may provide
grants to eligible entities for landslide
research, including research on--
(i) the causes, mechanisms, triggers,
hydrology, and geology of landslides;
(ii) ways to reduce landslide hazards
and risks to minimize loss of life and
property, including landslide hazard
and risk communication, perception,
decisionmaking, tools, and
technologies; and
(iii) other goals and priorities of
the national strategy established under
subsection (b)(2)(A).
(B) Eligible entities.--The Director shall
determine whether an entity is eligible to
receive a grant under this paragraph.
(C) Requirements.--In providing grants under
this paragraph, the Director shall--
(i) ensure that the grants are
provided on a competitive basis;
(ii) consider grant applications
submitted by eligible entities that
have developed the application in
partnership with 1 or more State
geological surveys; and
(iii) publish on a publicly available
website a description of--
(I) the grants; and
(II) the findings made from
those grants.
(f) Biennial Report.--Through calendar year 2030, the
Secretary shall submit to Congress a biennial report, including
a description of, with respect to the 2-calendar-year period
preceding the date of the report--
(1) the goals and accomplishments of the Committee in
carrying out the national strategy developed under
subsection (b)(2);
(2) the results of the activities of the Committee
under this section; and
(3) the extent to which any recommendations of the
Advisory Committee under subsection (d)(3)(A) have been
implemented.
(g) Significant Events.--Not later than 1 year after a
significant landslide event in the United States (including
territories) occurs, the Secretary shall publish on a publicly
available website--
(1) a description of the landslide event and the
implications of the event on communities, including
life and property;
(2) recommendations on how the identification of the
landslide risk could have been improved prior to the
event;
(3) a description of the effectiveness of any warning
and risk communication, including the dissemination of
warnings by State, territorial, local, and Tribal
partners in the affected area;
(4) recommendations to improve risk identification,
reduction, and communication to landowners and units of
local government;
(5) recommendations to improve landslide hazard
preparedness and emergency response activities under
this section; and
(6) such other findings as the Secretary determines
appropriate.
(h) Funding.--For each of fiscal years [2021 through 2024]
2024 through 2028--
(1) there is authorized to be appropriated to the
United States Geological Survey, $25,000,000 to carry
out this section;
(2) there is authorized to be appropriated to the
National Science Foundation, $11,000,000 to carry out
this section; and
(3) there is authorized to be appropriated to the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
$1,000,000 to carry out this section.
(i) Derivation of Funds.--Funds to carry out the activities
under this section shall be derived from amounts authorized to
be appropriated that are enacted after the date of the
enactment of this section.
* * * * * * *
----------
HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM AND HYPOXIA RESEARCH AND CONTROL ACT OF 1998
TITLE VI--HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS AND HYPOXIA
* * * * * * *
SEC. 603. ASSESSMENTS.
(a) Establishment of Inter-Agency Task Force.--The
President, through the Committee on Environment and Natural
Resources of the National Science and Technology Council, shall
establish an Inter-Agency Task Force on Harmful Algal Blooms
and Hypoxia. The Task Force shall consist of a representative
from--
(1) the Department of Commerce (who shall serve as
Chairman of the Task Force);
(2) the Environmental Protection Agency;
(3) the Department of Agriculture;
(4) the Department of the Interior;
(5) the Department of the Navy;
(6) the Department of Health and Human Services;
(7) the National Science Foundation;
(8) the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration;
(9) the Food and Drug Administration;
(10) the Office of Science and Technology Policy;
(11) the Council on Environmental Quality;
(12) the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention;
(13) the Department of Energy;
[(13)] (14) the Army Corps of Engineers; and
[(14)] (15) other Federal agencies as the President
considers appropriate.
[(b) Assessment of Harmful Algal Blooms.--
[(1) Not later than 12 months after the date of the
enactment of this title, the Task Force, in cooperation
with the coastal States, Indian tribes, and local
governments, industry (including agricultural
organizations), academic institutions, and non-
governmental organizations with expertise in coastal
zone management, shall complete and submit to the
Congress an assessment which examines the ecological
and economic consequences of harmful algal blooms,
alternatives for reducing, mitigating, and controlling
harmful algal blooms, and the social and economic costs
and benefits of such alternatives.
[(2) The assessment shall--
[(A) identify alternatives for preventing
unnecessary duplication of effort among Federal
agencies and departments with respect to
harmful algal blooms; and
[(B) provide for Federal cooperation and
coordination with and assistance to the coastal
States, Indian tribes, and local governments in
the prevention, reduction, management,
mitigation, and control of harmful algal blooms
and their environmental and public health
impacts.
[(c) Assessment of Hypoxia.--
[(1) Not later than 12 months after the date of the
enactment of this title, the Task Force, in cooperation
with the States, Indian tribes, local governments,
industry, agricultural, academic institutions, and non-
governmental organizations with expertise in watershed
and coastal zone management, shall complete and submit
to the Congress an assessment which examines the
ecological and economic consequences of hypoxia in
United States coastal waters, alternatives for
reducing, mitigating, and controlling hypoxia, and the
social and economic costs and benefits of such
alternatives.
[(2) The assessment shall--
[(A) establish needs, priorities, and
guidelines for a peer-reviewed, inter-agency
research program on the causes,
characteristics, and impacts of hypoxia;
[(B) identify alternatives for preventing
unnecessary duplication of effort among Federal
agencies and departments with respect to
hypoxia; and
[(C) provide for Federal cooperation and
coordination with and assistance to the States,
Indian tribes, and local governments in the
prevention, reduction, management, mitigation,
and control of hypoxia and its environmental
impacts.
[(d) Report to Congress on Harmful Algal Bloom Impacts.--
[(1) Development.--Not later than 12 months after the
date of enactment of the Harmful Algal Bloom and
Hypoxia Amendments Act of 2004, the President, in
consultation with the chief executive officers of the
States, shall develop and submit to the Congress a
report that describes and evaluates the effectiveness
of measures described in paragraph (2) that may be
utilized to protect environmental and public health
from impacts of harmful algal blooms. In developing the
report, the President shall consult with the Task
Force, the coastal States, Indian tribes, local
governments, appropriate industries (including
fisheries, agriculture, and fertilizer), academic
institutions, and nongovernmental organizations with
expertise in coastal zone science and management, and
also consider the scientific assessments developed
under this Act.
[(2) Requirements.--The report shall--
[(A) review techniques for prediction of the
onset, course, and impacts of harmful algal
blooms including evaluation of their accuracy
and utility in protecting environmental and
public health and provisions for their
development;
[(B) identify innovative research and
development methods for the prevention,
control, and mitigation of harmful algal blooms
and provisions for their development; and
[(C) include incentive-based partnership
approaches regarding subparagraphs (A) and (B)
where practicable.
[(3) Publication and opportunity for comment.--At
least 90 days before submitting the report to the
Congress, the President shall cause a summary of the
proposed plan to be published in the Federal Register
for a public comment period of not less than 60 days.
[(4) Federal assistance.--The Secretary of Commerce,
in coordination with the Task Force and to the extent
of funds available, shall provide for Federal
cooperation with and assistance to the coastal States,
Indian tribes, and local governments regarding the
measures described in paragraph (2), as requested.
[(e) Local and Regional Scientific Assessments.--
[(1) In general.--The Secretary of Commerce, in
coordination with the Task Force and appropriate State,
Indian tribe, and local governments, to the extent of
funds available, shall provide for local and regional
scientific assessments of hypoxia and harmful algal
blooms, as requested by States, Indian tribes, and
local governments, or for affected areas as identified
by the Secretary. If the Secretary receives multiple
requests, the Secretary shall ensure, to the extent
practicable, that assessments under this subsection
cover geographically and ecologically diverse locations
with significant ecological and economic impacts from
hypoxia or harmful algal blooms. The Secretary shall
establish a procedure for reviewing requests for local
and regional assessments. The Secretary shall ensure,
through consultation with Sea Grant Programs, that the
findings of the assessments are communicated to the
appropriate State, Indian tribe, and local governments,
and to the general public.
[(2) Purpose.--Local and regional assessments shall
examine--
[(A) the causes and ecological consequences,
and the economic cost, of hypoxia or harmful
algal blooms in that area;
[(B) potential methods to prevent, control,
and mitigate hypoxia or harmful algal blooms in
that area and the potential ecological and
economic costs and benefits of such methods;
and
[(C) other topics the Task Force considers
appropriate.]
[(f)] (b) Scientific Assessments of Hypoxia.--(1) Not less
than once every 5 years the Task Force shall complete and
submit to the Congress a scientific assessment of hypoxia in
United States [coastal waters including the Great Lakes]
marine, estuarine, and freshwater systems. The first such
assessment shall be completed not less than 24 months after the
date of enactment of the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia
Amendments Act of 2004.
(2) The assessments under this subsection shall--
[(A) examine the causes and ecological consequences,
and the economic costs, of hypoxia;]
(A) examine the causes and ecological consequences of
hypoxia on marine and aquatic species in their natural
environments, and socio-cultural or economic costs of
hypoxia, including impacts on food safety and security;
(B) examine the effect of other environmental
stressors on hypoxia;
(C) evaluate alternatives for reducing, mitigating,
and controlling hypoxia and its environmental impacts;
[(B)] (D) describe the potential ecological, social,
and economic costs and benefits of possible policy and
management actions for preventing, controlling, and
mitigating hypoxia;
[(C)] (E) evaluate progress made by, and the needs
of, Federal research programs on the causes,
characteristics, and impacts of hypoxia, including
recommendations of how to eliminate significant gaps in
[hypoxia modeling and monitoring data] hypoxia
modeling, forecasting, and monitoring and observation
data; and
[(D)] (F) identify ways to improve coordination and
to prevent unnecessary duplication of effort among
Federal agencies and departments with respect to
research on hypoxia.
[(g) Scientific Assessments of Marine and Freshwater Harmful
Algal Blooms.--Not less than once every 5 years the Task Force
shall complete and submit to Congress a scientific assessment
of harmful algal blooms in United States coastal waters and
freshwater systems. Each assessment shall examine both marine
and freshwater harmful algal blooms, including those in the
Great Lakes and upper reaches of estuaries, those in freshwater
lakes and rivers, and those that originate in freshwater lakes
or rivers and migrate to coastal waters.
[(h) National Scientific Research, Development,
Demonstration, and Technology Transfer Plan on Reducing Impacts
From Harmful Algal Blooms.--(1) Not later than 12 months after
the date of enactment of the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia
Amendments Act of 2004, the Task Force shall develop and submit
to Congress a plan providing for a comprehensive and
coordinated national research program to develop and
demonstrate prevention, control, and mitigation methods to
reduce the impacts of harmful algal blooms on coastal
ecosystems (including the Great Lakes), public health, and the
economy.
[(2) The plan shall--
[(A) establish priorities and guidelines for a
competitive, peer reviewed, merit based interagency
research, development, demonstration, and technology
transfer program on methods for the prevention,
control, and mitigation of harmful algal blooms;
[(B) identify ways to improve coordination and to
prevent unnecessary duplication of effort among Federal
agencies and departments with respect to the actions
described in paragraph (1); and
[(C) include to the maximum extent practicable
diverse institutions, including Historically Black
Colleges and Universities and those serving large
proportions of Hispanics, Native Americans, Asian
Pacific Americans, and other underrepresented
populations.
[(3) The Secretary of Commerce, in conjunction with other
appropriate Federal agencies, shall establish a research,
development, demonstration, and technology transfer program
that meets the priorities and guidelines established under
paragraph (2)(A). The Secretary shall ensure, through
consultation with Sea Grant Programs, that the results and
findings of the program are communicated to State, Indian
tribe, and local governments, and to the general public.
[(i) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date the
Action Strategy is submitted under section 603B, the Under
Secretary shall submit a report to Congress that describes--
[(1) the proceedings of the annual Task Force
meetings;
[(2) the activities carried out under the Program,
including the regional and subregional parts of the
Action Strategy;
[(3) the budget related to the activities under
paragraph (2);
[(4) the progress made on implementing the Action
Strategy; and
[(5) any need to revise or terminate research and
activities under the Program.]
(c) Action Strategy and Scientific Assessment for Marine and
Freshwater Harmful Algal Blooms.--
(1) Not less often than once every five years, the
Task Force shall complete and submit to Congress an
action strategy, including a scientific assessment, of
harmful algal blooms in the United States (in this Act
referred to as the ``Action Strategy''). Each such
Action Strategy, including scientific assessment, shall
examine both marine and freshwater harmful algal
blooms, including those in the Great Lakes and upper
reaches of estuaries, those in freshwater lakes and
rivers, and those that originate in freshwater lakes or
rivers and migrate to coastal waters.
(2) Each Action Strategy under this subsection
shall--
(A) examine the causes and ecological
consequences, and the socio-cultural or
economic costs, including impacts on food
safety and security, of harmful algal blooms;
(B) examine the effect of other environmental
stressors on harmful algal blooms;
(C) examine potential methods to prevent,
control, and mitigate harmful algal blooms and
the potential ecological, social, cultural, and
economic costs and benefits of such methods;
(D) identify priorities for research needed
to advance techniques and technologies to
detect, predict, monitor, respond to, and
minimize the occurrence, duration, and severity
of harmful algal blooms, including
recommendations to eliminate significant gaps
in harmful algal bloom forecasting, monitoring,
and observation data;
(E) evaluate progress made by, and the needs
of, Task Force activities and actions to
prevent, control, and mitigate harmful algal
blooms;
(F) identify ways to improve coordination and
prevent unnecessary duplication of effort among
Federal departments and agencies with respect
to research on harmful algal blooms; and
(G) include regional chapters relating to the
requirements described in this paragraph in
order to highlight geographically and
ecologically diverse locations with significant
ecological, social, cultural, and economic
impacts from harmful algal blooms.
SEC. 603A. NATIONAL HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM AND HYPOXIA PROGRAM.
(a) Establishment.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and
Control Amendments Act of 2014, the Under Secretary, acting
through the Task Force, shall maintain and enhance a national
harmful algal bloom and hypoxia program, including--
(1) a statement of objectives, including
understanding, detecting, [predicting,] monitoring,
observing, forecasting, controlling, mitigating, and
responding to marine and freshwater harmful algal bloom
and hypoxia events; [and]
(2) the [comprehensive research plan and action
strategy under section 603B.] the Action Strategy,
including scientific assessment, under section 603(c);
and
(3) the scientific assessment under section 603(b).
(b) Periodic Revision.--The Task Force shall periodically
review and revise the Program, as necessary.
(c) Task Force Functions.--The Task Force shall--
(1) coordinate interagency review of the objectives
and activities of the Program;
(2) expedite the interagency review process by
ensuring timely review and dispersal of required
reports and assessments under this title;
(3) support the implementation of the Action
Strategy, including the coordination and integration of
the research of all Federal programs, including [ocean
and Great Lakes] marine, estuarine, and freshwater
systems science and management programs and centers,
that address the chemical, biological, and physical
components of marine and freshwater harmful algal
blooms and hypoxia;
(4) support the development of institutional
mechanisms and financial instruments to further the
objectives and activities of the Program;
(5) review the Program's distribution of Federal
funding to address the objectives and activities of the
Program while recognizing each agency is acting under
its own independent mission and authority;
(6) promote the development of new technologies for
predicting, monitoring, and mitigating harmful algal
bloom and hypoxia conditions; and
(7) establish such interagency working groups as it
considers necessary.
(d) Lead Federal Agency.--[Except as provided in subsection
(h), the] The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
shall have primary responsibility for administering the
Program.
(e) Program Duties.--In administering the Program, the Under
Secretary shall--
(1) promote the Program, including to local and
regional stakeholders through the establishment and
maintenance of a publicly accessible Internet website
that provides information as to Program activities
completed under this section;
[(2) prepare work and spending plans for implementing
the research and activities identified under the Action
Strategy;
[(3) administer peer-reviewed, merit-based,
competitive grant funding--
[(A) to maintain and enhance baseline
monitoring programs established by the Program;
[(B) to support the projects maintained and
established by the Program;
[(C) to address the research and management
needs and priorities identified in the Action
Strategy; and
[(D) to accelerate the utilization of
effective methods of intervention and
mitigation to reduce the frequency, severity,
and impacts of harmful algal bloom and hypoxia
events;]
(2) examine, in collaboration with State and local
entities and Indian Tribes, including island
communities, low-population rural communities,
Indigenous communities, subsistence communities,
fisheries, and recreation industries that are most
dependent on coastal and water resources that may be
impacted by marine and freshwater harmful algal blooms
and hypoxia, the causes, ecological consequences,
cultural impacts, and social and economic costs of
harmful algal blooms and hypoxia;
[(4)] (3) coordinate with, and work cooperatively to
provide technical assistance [to, regional] to
regional, State, tribal, and local government
[agencies] entities, and regional coastal observing
systems (as such term is defined in section 12330(6) of
the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act
of 2009 (33 U.S.C. 3602(6))) and programs that address
marine and freshwater harmful algal blooms and hypoxia;
[(5)] (4) coordinate with the Secretary of State to
support international efforts on marine and freshwater
harmful algal bloom and hypoxia information sharing,
research, prediction, mitigation, control, and response
activities;
[(6)] (5) identify additional research, development,
and demonstration needs and priorities relating to
monitoring, prevention, control, mitigation, and
response to marine and freshwater harmful algal blooms
and hypoxia, including methods and technologies to
protect the ecosystems and communities affected by
marine and freshwater harmful algal blooms and hypoxia;
(6) support sustained observations, including through
peer-reviewed, merit-based, competitive grant funding,
to provide State and local entities, Indian Tribes, and
others access to real-time or near real-time
observation data for decision-making to protect human
and ecological health and local economies;
(7) integrate, coordinate, and augment existing
education and extension programs to improve public
understanding and awareness of the causes, impacts,
intervention, and mitigation efforts for marine and
freshwater harmful algal blooms and hypoxia;
(8) facilitate and provide resources to train [State
and local] State, local, and Tribal coastal and water
resource managers in the methods and technologies for
monitoring, preventing, controlling, and mitigating
marine and freshwater harmful algal blooms and hypoxia;
(9) support regional efforts to control and mitigate
outbreaks through--
(A) communication of the contents of the
Action Strategy and maintenance of online data
portals for other information about harmful
algal blooms and hypoxia to State, [tribal]
Tribal, and local stakeholders; and
(B) overseeing the development, review, and
periodic updating of the Action Strategy;
(10) convene at least 1 meeting of the Task Force
each year; and
(11) perform such other tasks as may be delegated by
the Task Force.
[(f) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Activities.--The Under Secretary shall--
[(1) maintain and enhance the existing competitive
programs at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration relating to harmful algal blooms and
hypoxia;
[(2) carry out marine and Great Lakes harmful algal
bloom and hypoxia events response activities;
[(3) develop and enhance, including with respect to
infrastructure, which shall include unmanned systems,
as necessary, critical observations, monitoring,
modeling, data management, information dissemination,
and operational forecasts relevant to harmful algal
blooms and hypoxia events;
[(4) enhance communication and coordination among
Federal agencies carrying out marine and freshwater
harmful algal bloom and hypoxia activities and
research;
[(5) to the greatest extent practicable, leverage
existing resources and expertise available from local
research universities and institutions;
[(6) increase the availability to appropriate public
and private entities of--
[(A) analytical facilities and technologies;
[(B) operational forecasts; and
[(C) reference and research materials;
[(7) use cost effective methods in carrying out this
Act; and
[(8) develop contingency plans for the long-term
monitoring of hypoxia.
[(g) Cooperative Efforts.--The Under Secretary shall work
cooperatively and avoid duplication of effort with other
offices, centers, and programs within the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, other agencies on the Task Force,
and States, tribes, and nongovernmental organizations concerned
with marine and freshwater issues to coordinate harmful algal
bloom and hypoxia (and related) activities and research.
[(h) Freshwater.--With respect to the freshwater aspects of
the Program, the Administrator, through the Task Force, shall
carry out the duties otherwise assigned to the Under Secretary
under this section, except the activities described in
subsection (f).
[(1) Participation.--The Administrator's
participation under this section shall include--
[(A) research on the ecology and impacts of
freshwater harmful algal blooms; and
[(B) forecasting and monitoring of and event
response to freshwater harmful algal blooms in
lakes, rivers, estuaries (including their
tributaries), and reservoirs.
[(2) Nonduplication.--The Administrator shall ensure
that activities carried out under this title focus on
new approaches to addressing freshwater harmful algal
blooms and are not duplicative of existing research and
development programs authorized by this title or any
other law.]
(f) Cooperative Efforts.--The Under Secretary shall work
cooperatively with and avoid duplication of effort of other
agencies on the Task Force, and with and of States, Indian
tribes, and nongovernmental organizations concerned with marine
and freshwater issues, and shall coordinate harmful algal bloom
and hypoxia and related activities and research.
(g) Freshwater and Estuarine Program Duties.--
(1) In general.--The Administrator, in coordination
with the Task Force, shall carry out the duties under
subsection (e) for freshwater and estuarine aspects of
the Program through the activities authorized under
section 603C.
(2) Nonduplication.--The Administrator shall ensure
that activities carried out under this subsection focus
on new approaches to addressing freshwater harmful
algal blooms and are not duplicative of existing
research and development programs authorized under this
Act or any other law.
(h) Anti-Deficiency Act Applied to Harmful Algal Bloom
Services.--Any services by an officer or employee under this
title relating to the immediate development and dissemination
of the Harmful Algal Bloom Operational Forecast System of the
National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science and the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall be considered, for
purposes of section 1342 of title 31, United States Code,
services for emergencies involving the safety of human life or
the protection of property. Such consideration shall only apply
to areas with active harmful algal blooms during any lapse in
appropriations beginning on or after the date of the enactment
of this subsection.
(i) Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System.--The
collection of monitoring and observation data under this title
shall comply with all data standards and protocols developed
pursuant to the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System
Act of 2009 (33 U.S.C. 3601 et seq.). Such data shall be made
available through the system established under that Act.
[SEC. 603B. COMPREHENSIVE RESEARCH PLAN AND ACTION STRATEGY.
[(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and
Control Amendments Act of 2014, the Under Secretary, through
the Task Force, shall develop and submit to Congress a
comprehensive research plan and action strategy to address
marine and freshwater harmful algal blooms and hypoxia. The
Action Strategy shall identify--
[(1) the specific activities to be carried out by the
Program and the timeline for carrying out those
activities;
[(2) the roles and responsibilities of each Federal
agency in the Task Force in carrying out the activities
under paragraph (1); and
[(3) the appropriate regions and subregions requiring
specific research and activities to address harmful
algal blooms and hypoxia.
[(b) Regional Focus.--The regional and subregional parts of
the Action Strategy shall identify--
[(1) regional priorities for ecological, economic,
and social research on issues related to the impacts of
harmful algal blooms and hypoxia;
[(2) research, development, and demonstration
activities needed to develop and advance technologies
and techniques for minimizing the occurrence of harmful
algal blooms and hypoxia and improving capabilities to
detect, predict, monitor, control, mitigate, respond
to, and remediate harmful algal blooms and hypoxia;
[(3) ways to reduce the duration and intensity of
harmful algal blooms and hypoxia, including deployment
of response technologies in a timely manner;
[(4) research and methods to address human health
dimensions of harmful algal blooms and hypoxia;
[(5) mechanisms, including the potential costs and
benefits of those mechanisms, to protect ecosystems
that may be or have been affected by harmful algal
bloom and hypoxia events;
[(6) mechanisms by which data, information, and
products may be transferred between the Program and the
State, tribal, and local governments and research
entities;
[(7) communication and information dissemination
methods that State, tribal, and local governments may
undertake to educate and inform the public concerning
harmful algal blooms and hypoxia; and
[(8) roles that Federal agencies may have to assist
in the implementation of the Action Strategy, including
efforts to support local and regional scientific
assessments under section 603(e).
[(c) Utilizing Available Studies and Information.--In
developing the Action Strategy, the Under Secretary shall
utilize existing research, assessments, reports, and program
activities, including--
[(1) those carried out under existing law; and
[(2) other relevant peer-reviewed and published
sources.
[(d) Development of the Action Strategy.--In developing the
Action Strategy, the Under Secretary shall, as appropriate--
[(1) coordinate with--
[(A) State coastal management and planning
officials;
[(B) tribal resource management officials;
and
[(C) water management and watershed officials
from both coastal States and noncoastal States
with water sources that drain into water bodies
affected by harmful algal blooms and hypoxia;
and
[(2) consult with--
[(A) public health officials;
[(B) emergency management officials;
[(C) science and technology development
institutions;
[(D) economists;
[(E) industries and businesses affected by
marine and freshwater harmful algal blooms and
hypoxia;
[(F) scientists with expertise concerning
harmful algal blooms or hypoxia from academic
or research institutions; and
[(G) other stakeholders.
[(e) Federal Register.--The Under Secretary shall publish the
Action Strategy in the Federal Register.
[(f) Periodic Revision.--The Under Secretary, in coordination
and consultation with the individuals and entities under
subsection (d), shall periodically review and revise the Action
Strategy prepared under this section, as necessary.]
SEC. 603B. NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION ACTIVITIES.
(a) In General.--The Under Secretary shall--
(1) carry out marine, coastal, and Great Lakes
harmful algal bloom and hypoxia events response
activities;
(2) develop and enhance operational harmful algal
bloom observing and forecasting programs, including
operational observations and forecasting, monitoring,
modeling, data management, and information
dissemination;
(3) maintain and enhance peer-reviewed, merit-based,
competitive grant funding relating to harmful algal
blooms and hypoxia to--
(A) maintain and enhance baseline monitoring
programs established by the Program;
(B) support the projects maintained and
established by the Program;
(C) address the research and management needs
and priorities identified in the Action
Strategy under section 603(c);
(D) accelerate the utilization of effective
methods of intervention and mitigation to
reduce the frequency, severity, and impacts of
harmful algal bloom and hypoxia events;
(E) identify opportunities to improve
monitoring of harmful algal bloom and hypoxia,
with a particular focus on coastal waters that
may affect fisheries, public health, or
subsistence harvest;
(F) examine the effects of other
environmental stressors on harmful algal blooms
and hypoxia;
(G) assess the effects of multiple
environmental stressors on living marine
resources and coastal ecosystems; and
(H) evaluate adaptation and mitigation
strategies to address the impacts of harmful
algal blooms and hypoxia;
(4) enhance communication and coordination among
Federal agencies carrying out marine and freshwater
harmful algal bloom and hypoxia activities and
research;
(5) to the greatest extent practicable, leverage
existing resources and expertise available from local
research universities and institutions; and
(6) use cost effective methods in carrying out this
section.
(b) Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System.--The
collection of monitoring and observing data under this section
shall comply with all data standards and protocols developed
pursuant to the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System
Act of 2009 (33 U.S.C. 3601 et seq.). Such data shall be made
available through the system established under that Act.
SEC. 603C. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY ACTIVITIES.
The Administrator shall--
(1) carry out research on the ecology and human
health impacts of freshwater harmful algal blooms;
(2) develop and maintain forecasting and monitoring
of, and event response to, freshwater harmful algal
blooms in lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and estuaries
(including tributaries thereof);
(3) enhance communication and coordination among
Federal agencies carrying out freshwater harmful algal
bloom and hypoxia activities and research;
(4) to the greatest extent practicable, leverage
existing resources and expertise available from local
research universities and institutions; and
(5) use cost effective methods in carrying out this
section.
* * * * * * *
[SEC. 606. GREAT LAKES HYPOXIA AND HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS.
[(a) Integrated Assessment.--Not later than 18 months after
the date of enactment of the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia
Research and Control Amendments Act of 2014, the Task Force, in
accordance with the authority under section 603, shall complete
and submit to the Congress and the President an integrated
assessment that examines the causes, consequences, and
approaches to reduce hypoxia and harmful algal blooms in the
Great Lakes, including the status of and gaps within current
research, monitoring, management, prevention, response, and
control activities by--
[(1) Federal agencies;
[(2) State agencies;
[(3) regional research consortia;
[(4) academia;
[(5) private industry; and
[(6) nongovernmental organizations.
[(b) Plan.--
[(1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the
date of enactment of the Harmful Algal Bloom and
Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2014,
the Task Force shall develop and submit to the Congress
a plan, based on the integrated assessment under
subsection (a), for reducing, mitigating, and
controlling hypoxia and harmful algal blooms in the
Great Lakes.
[(2) Contents.--The plan shall--
[(A) address the monitoring needs identified
in the integrated assessment under subsection
(a);
[(B) develop a timeline and budgetary
requirements for deployment of future assets;
[(C) identify requirements for the
development and verification of Great Lakes
hypoxia and harmful algal bloom models,
including--
[(i) all assumptions built into the
models; and
[(ii) data quality methods used to
ensure the best available data are
utilized; and
[(D) describe efforts to improve the
assessment of the impacts of hypoxia and
harmful algal blooms by--
[(i) characterizing current and past
biological conditions in ecosystems
affected by hypoxia and harmful algal
blooms; and
[(ii) quantifying effects, including
economic effects, at the population and
community levels.
[(3) Requirements.--In developing the plan, the Task
Force shall--
[(A) coordinate with State and local
governments;
[(B) consult with representatives from
academic, agricultural, industry, and other
stakeholder groups, including relevant Canadian
agencies;
[(C) ensure that the plan complements and
does not duplicate activities conducted by
other Federal or State agencies;
[(D) identify critical research for reducing,
mitigating, and controlling hypoxia events and
their effects;
[(E) evaluate cost-effective, incentive-based
partnership approaches;
[(F) ensure that the plan is technically
sound and cost effective;
[(G) utilize existing research, assessments,
reports, and program activities;
[(H) publish a summary of the proposed plan
in the Federal Register at least 180 days prior
to submitting the completed plan to Congress;
and
[(I) after submitting the completed plan to
Congress, provide biennial progress reports on
the activities toward achieving the objectives
of the plan.]
SEC. 606. NATIONAL HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM OBSERVING NETWORK.
(a) In General.--The Under Secretary, acting through the
National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) and the
Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, shall integrate
Federal, State, regional, and local observing capabilities to
establish a national network of harmful algal bloom observing
systems for the monitoring, detection, and forecasting of
harmful algal blooms by leveraging the capacity of IOOS
regional associations, including through the incorporation of
emerging technologies and new data integration methods, such as
artificial intelligence.
(b) Coordination.-- In carrying out subsection (a), the IOOS
Program Office shall--
(1) coordinate with NCCOS regarding observations,
data integration, and information dissemination; and
(2) establish a Harmful Algal Bloom Data Assembly
Center to integrate, disseminate, and provide a central
architecture to support ecological forecasting.
* * * * * * *
SEC. 609. DEFINITIONS.
In this title:
(1) Action strategy.--The term ``Action Strategy''
[means the comprehensive research plan and action
strategy established under section 603B] means the
action strategy, including scientific assessment, for
marine and freshwater harmful algal blooms established
under section 603(c).
(2) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means
the Administrator of the Environmental Protection
Agency.
[(3) Harmful algal bloom.--The term ``harmful algal
bloom'' means marine and freshwater phytoplankton that
proliferate to high concentrations, resulting in
nuisance conditions or harmful impacts on marine and
aquatic ecosystems, coastal communities, and human
health through the production of toxic compounds or
other biological, chemical, and physical impacts of the
algae outbreak.]
(3) Appropriate federal official.--The term
``appropriate Federal official'' means--
(A) in the case of marine systems or Great
Lakes hypoxia or harmful algal bloom event,
including those in estuarine areas, the Under
Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and
Atmosphere; and
(B) in the case of a freshwater hypoxia or
harmful algal bloom event, the Administrator of
the Environmental Protection Agency, in
consultation with the Under Secretary of
Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere.
(4) Harmful algal bloom; harmful algal bloom and
hypoxia event.--
(A) Harmful algal bloom.--The term ``harmful
algal bloom'' means marine or freshwater algae
or macroalgae, including Sargassum, that
proliferate to high concentrations, resulting
in nuisance conditions or harmful impacts on
marine and freshwater ecosystems, communities,
or human health through the production of toxic
compounds or other biological, chemical, or
physical impacts of the algae outbreak.
(B) Harmful algal bloom and hypoxia event.--
The term ``harmful algal bloom and hypoxia
event'' means the occurrence of a harmful algal
bloom or hypoxia as a result of a natural,
anthropogenic, or undetermined cause.
(5) Harmful algal bloom or hypoxia event of
significance.--The term ``harmful algal bloom or
hypoxia event of significance'' means a harmful algal
bloom or hypoxia event that has had or will likely have
significant detrimental environmental, economic,
social, subsistence use, or public health impacts.
[(4)] (6) Hypoxia.--The term ``hypoxia'' means a
condition where low dissolved oxygen in [aquatic]
marine or freshwater systems causes stress or death to
[resident] marine or freshwater organisms.
[(5)] (7) Program.--The term ``Program'' means the
national harmful algal bloom and hypoxia program
established under section 603A.
(8) Subsistence use.--The term ``subsistence use''
means the customary and traditional use of fish,
wildlife, or other freshwater, coastal, or marine
resources by any individual or community to meet
personal or family needs, including essential economic,
nutritional, or cultural applications.
[(6)] (9) State.--The term ``State'' means each of
the several States of the United States, the District
of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the
Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth
of the Northern Mariana Islands, any other territory or
possession of the United States, and any Indian tribe.
[(7)] (10) Task force.--The term ``Task Force'' means
the Inter-Agency Task Force on Harmful Algal Blooms and
Hypoxia under section 603(a).
[(8)] (11) Under secretary.--The term ``Under
Secretary'' means the Under Secretary of Commerce for
Oceans and Atmosphere.
[(9) United states coastal waters.--The term ``United
States coastal waters'' includes the Great Lakes.]
SEC. 610. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
[(a) In General.--There is authorized to be appropriated to
the Under Secretary to carry out sections 603A and 603B
$20,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018, and
$20,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023.]
(a) In General.--There is authorized to be appropriated to
the Under Secretary to carry out this title $27,500,000 for
each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028.
(b) Extramural Research Activities.--The Under Secretary
shall ensure that a substantial portion of funds appropriated
pursuant to subsection (a) that are used for research purposes
are allocated to extramural research activities. For each
fiscal year, the Under Secretary shall publish a list of all
grant recipients and the amounts for all of the funds allocated
for research purposes, specifying those allocated for
extramural research activities.
(c) Transfer Authority.--The Under Secretary is authorized to
make a direct non-expenditure transfer of funds authorized to
be appropriated pursuant to subsection (a) to the head of any
Federal department or agency, with the concurrence of such
head, to carry out, as appropriate, relevant provisions of this
title.
SEC. 611. NATIONAL LEVEL INCUBATOR PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Under Secretary, in collaboration with
research universities and institutions, shall establish a
national level incubator program to increase the number of
available control strategies and technologies relating to
harmful algal blooms. Such incubator shall establish a
framework for preliminary assessments of novel harmful algal
bloom prevention, mitigation, and control technologies in order
to determine the potential for effectiveness and scalability.
(b) Operation.--The incubator under subsection (a) shall
provide merit-based funding for harmful algal bloom control
strategies and technologies that eliminate or reduce through
biological, chemical, or physical means the levels of harmful
algae and associated toxins.
(c) Database.--The incubator under subsection (a) shall
include a database to catalog the licensing and permitting
requirements, economic costs, feasibility, effectiveness, and
scalability of both novel and established prevention, control,
and mitigation measures.
(d) Prioritization.--In carrying out the incubator under
subsection (a), the Under Secretary shall prioritize proposed
activities that would, to the maximum extent practicable--
(1) protect key habitats for fish and wildlife;
(2) maintain biodiversity;
(3) protect public health;
(4) protect coastal resources of national,
historical, and cultural significance; or
(5) seek to partially or fully benefit communities of
color, low-income communities, Indian Tribes or
Indigenous communities, and rural communities.
----------
HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM AND HYPOXIA AMENDMENTS ACT OF 2004
TITLE I--HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM AND HYPOXIA AMENDMENTS ACT OF 2004
* * * * * * *
SEC. 102. RETENTION OF TASK FORCE.
Section 603 of the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research
and Control Act of 1998 (16 U.S.C. 1451 nt) is amended by
striking subsection (e). In developing the assessments,
reports, and plans under the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia
Research and Control Act of 1998, the Task Force shall consult
with [the coastal] States, Indian tribes, and local
governments, and appropriate industries (including fisheries,
agriculture, and fertilizer), academic institutions, and
nongovernmental organizations [with expertise in coastal zone
science and management] with relevant expertise.
* * * * * * *
----------
COAST GUARD AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 1998
* * * * * * *
SEC. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS.
The table of contents for this Act is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title.
Sec. 2. Table of contents.
* * * * * * *
title vi--harmful algal blooms and hypoxia
Sec. 601. Short title.
Sec. 602. Findings.
Sec. 603. Assessments.
Sec. 603A. National Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Program.
[Sec. 603B. Comprehensive research plan and action strategy.]
Sec. 603B. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration activities.
Sec. 603C. Environmental Protection Agency activities.
Sec. 604. Northern Gulf of Mexico hypoxia.
Sec. 605. South Florida harmful algal blooms and hypoxia.
[Sec. 606. Great Lakes hypoxia and harmful algal blooms.]
Sec. 606. National harmful algal bloom observing network.
Sec. 607. Protection of States' rights.
Sec. 608. Effect on other Federal authority.
Sec. 609. Definitions.
Sec. 610. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 611. National level incubator program.
* * * * * * *
----------
SECTION 9 OF THE NATIONAL INTEGRATED DROUGHT INFORMATION SYSTEM
REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2018
SEC. 9. HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM AND HYPOXIA RESEARCH AND CONTROL.
(a) Short Title.--This section may be cited as the ``Harmful
Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of
2017''.
(b) References to the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia
Research and Control Act of 1998.--Except as otherwise
expressly provided, wherever in this section an amendment or
repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or repeal of,
a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered
to be made to a section or other provision of the Harmful Algal
Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998 (33 U.S.C.
4001 et seq.).
(c) Inter-Agency Task Force.--Section 603(a) (33 U.S.C.
4001(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (12), by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(2) by redesignating paragraph (13) as paragraph
(14); and
(3) by inserting after paragraph (12) the following:
``(13) the Army Corps of Engineers; and''.
(d) Scientific Assessments of Freshwater Harmful Algal
Blooms.--Section 603 (33 U.S.C. 4001) is amended--
(1) by striking subsection (f);
(2) by redesignating subsections (g), (h), (i), and
(j) as subsections (f), (g), (h), and (i),
respectively; and
(3) by amending subsection (g) to read as follows:
``(g) Scientific Assessments of Marine and Freshwater Harmful
Algal Blooms.--Not less than once every 5 years the Task Force
shall complete and submit to Congress a scientific assessment
of harmful algal blooms in United States coastal waters and
freshwater systems. Each assessment shall examine both marine
and freshwater harmful algal blooms, including those in the
Great Lakes and upper reaches of estuaries, those in freshwater
lakes and rivers, and those that originate in freshwater lakes
or rivers and migrate to coastal waters.''.
(e) National Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Program.--
(1) Program duties.--Section 603A(e) (33 U.S.C.
4002(e)) is amended--
(A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``,
including to local and regional stakeholders
through the establishment and maintenance of a
publicly accessible Internet website that
provides information as to Program activities
completed under this section'' after
``Program'';
(B) in paragraph (3)--
(i) in subparagraph (B), by striking
``; and'' and inserting a semicolon;
(ii) in subparagraph (C), by
inserting ``and'' after the semicolon
at the end; and
(iii) by adding at the end the
following:
``(D) to accelerate the utilization of
effective methods of intervention and
mitigation to reduce the frequency, severity,
and impacts of harmful algal bloom and hypoxia
events;'';
(C) in paragraph (4), by striking ``and work
cooperatively with'' and inserting ``, and work
cooperatively to provide technical assistance
to,''; and
(D) in paragraph (7)--
(i) by inserting ``and extension''
after ``existing education''; and
(ii) by inserting ``intervention,''
after ``awareness of the causes,
impacts,''.
(2) National oceanic and atmospheric administration
activities.--Section 603A(f) (33 U.S.C. 4002(f)) is
amended--
(A) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``, which
shall include unmanned systems,'' after
``infrastructure'';
(B) in paragraph (5), by striking ``and'' at
the end;
(C) in paragraph (6)(C), by striking the
period at the end and inserting a semicolon;
and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(7) use cost effective methods in carrying out this
Act; and
``(8) develop contingency plans for the long-term
monitoring of hypoxia.''.
(f) Consultation Required.--Section 102 of the Harmful Algal
Bloom and Hypoxia Amendments Act of 2004 (33 U.S.C. 4001a) is
amended by striking ``the amendments made by this title'' and
inserting ``the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and
Control Act of 1998''.
(g) Hypoxia or Harmful Algal Bloom of National
Significance.--
(1) Relief.--
(A) In general.--Upon a determination under
paragraph (2) that there is an event of
national significance, the appropriate Federal
official is authorized to make sums available
to the affected State or local government for
the purposes of assessing and mitigating the
detrimental environmental, economic,
subsistence use, and public health effects of
the event of national significance.
(B) Federal share.--The Federal share of the
cost of any activity carried out under this
paragraph for the purposes described in
subparagraph (A) may not exceed 50 percent of
the cost of that activity. The appropriate
Federal official may waive the non-Federal
share requirements of this subsection if such
official determines no reasonable means are
available through which the recipient of the
Federal share can meet the non-Federal share
requirement.
(C) Donations.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, an appropriate Federal
official may accept donations of funds,
services, facilities, materials, or equipment
that the appropriate Federal official considers
necessary for the purposes described in
subparagraph (A). Any funds donated to an
appropriate Federal official under this
paragraph may be expended without further
appropriation and without fiscal year
limitation.
(D) Contract, grant, and cooperative
agreement authority.--The Under Secretary may
enter into agreements and grants with States,
Indian Tribes, local governments, or other
entities to pay for or reimburse costs incurred
for the purposes of supporting the
determination of and assessing the
environmental, economic, social, subsistence
use, and public health effects of a harmful
algal bloom or hypoxia event of significance.
(2) Determinations.--
(A) In general.--At the discretion of an
appropriate Federal official, or at the request
of the Governor of an affected State,
leadership official of an affected Indian
Tribe, the executive official of the District
of Columbia, or a territory or possession of
the United States, including Puerto Rico, the
Virgin Islands, Guam, the Commonwealth of the
Northern Mariana Islands, and the Trust
Territories of the Pacific Islands, and
American Samoa, if affected, an appropriate
Federal official shall determine whether a
hypoxia or harmful algal bloom event is an
event of national significance.
(B) Considerations.--In making a
determination under subparagraph (A), the
appropriate Federal official shall consider the
toxicity of the harmful algal bloom, the
severity of the hypoxia, its potential to
spread, the economic impact, the relative size
in relation to the past 5 occurrences of
harmful algal blooms or hypoxia events that
occur on a recurrent or annual basis, and the
geographic scope, including the potential to
affect several municipalities, to affect more
than 1 State, or to cross an international
boundary.
(3) Definitions.--In this subsection:
(A) Appropriate federal official.--The term
``appropriate Federal official'' means--
(i) in the case of a marine or
coastal hypoxia or harmful algal bloom
event, the Under Secretary of Commerce
for Oceans and Atmosphere; and
(ii) in the case of a freshwater
hypoxia or harmful algal bloom event,
the Administrator of the Environmental
Protection Agency.
(B) Event of national significance.--The term
``event of national significance'' means a
hypoxia or harmful algal bloom event that has
had or will likely have a significant
detrimental environmental, economic,
subsistence use, or public health impact on an
affected State.
(C) Hypoxia or harmful algal bloom event.--
The term ``hypoxia or harmful algal bloom
event'' means the occurrence of hypoxia or a
harmful algal bloom as a result of a natural,
anthropogenic, or undetermined cause.
(4) Funding authority.--To carry out this subsection,
notwithstanding any other provision of law, there is
authorized to be appropriated from the amounts made
available to the Under Secretary $2,000,000, to remain
available until expended.
(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 609(a) (33
U.S.C. 4009(a)) is amended by inserting ``, and $20,500,000 for
each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023'' before the period at
the end.
----------
WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2020
* * * * * * *
DIVISION AA--WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2020
* * * * * * *
TITLE I--GENERAL PROVISIONS
* * * * * * *
SEC. 128. HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOM DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall carry out a
demonstration program to determine the causes of, and implement
measures to effectively detect, prevent, treat, and eliminate,
harmful algal blooms associated with water resources
development projects.
(b) Consultation; Use of Existing Data and Program
Authorities.--In carrying out the demonstration program under
subsection (a), the Secretary shall--
(1) consult with the heads of appropriate Federal and
State agencies; and
(2) make maximum use of existing Federal and State
data and ongoing programs and activities of Federal and
State agencies, including the activities of the
Secretary carried out through the Engineer Research and
Development Center pursuant to section 1109 of the
Water Resources Development Act of 2018 (33 U.S.C. 610
note).
(c) Focus Areas.--In carrying out the demonstration program
under subsection (a), the Secretary shall undertake program
activities related to harmful algal blooms in--
(1) the Great Lakes;
(2) the tidal and inland waters of the State of New
Jersey, including Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey;
(3) the coastal and tidal waters of the State of
Louisiana;
(4) the waterways of the counties that comprise the
Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, California;
(5) the Allegheny Reservoir Watershed, New York;
(6) Lake Okeechobee, Florida;
(7) the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie Rivers, Florida;
(8) Lake Sidney Lanier, Georgia;
(9) Rio Grande River Basin, Colorado, New Mexico, and
Texas;
(10) lakes and reservoirs in the State of Ohio;
(11) the Upper Mississippi River and tributaries;
(12) Detroit Lake, Oregon;
(13) Ten Mile Lake, Oregon; and
(14) the coastal waters of the United States Virgin
Islands.
(d) Additional Focus Areas.--In addition to the areas
described in subsection (c), in carrying out the demonstration
program under subsection (a), the Secretary shall undertake
program activities related to harmful algal blooms at any
Federal reservoir located in the Upper Missouri River Basin or
the North Platte River Basin, at the request and expense of
another Federal agency.
(e) Harmful Algal Bloom Technologies.--In carrying out the
demonstration program under subsection (a), the Secretary may
enter into agreements with water and irrigation districts
located in the focus areas described in subsections (c) and (d)
for the use or sale of any new technologies developed under the
program to expedite the removal of harmful algal blooms in such
areas.
[(e)] (f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is
authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary $25,000,000 to
carry out this section. Such sums shall remain available until
expended.
* * * * * * *
----------
FOOD SECURITY ACT OF 1985
* * * * * * *
TITLE XVII--RELATED AND MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS
* * * * * * *
Subtitle G--Miscellaneous
* * * * * * *
weather and climate information in agriculture
Sec. 1762. (a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
(1) agricultural and silvicultural operations are
vulnerable to damage from atmospheric conditions that
accurate and timely reporting of weather information
can help prevent;
(2) the maintenance of current weather and climate
analysis and information dissemination systems, and
Federal, State, and private efforts to improve these
systems, is essential if agriculture and silviculture
are to mitigate damage from atmospheric conditions;
(3) agricultural and silvicultural weather services
at the Federal level should be maintained with joint
planning between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration and the Department of Agriculture; and
(4) efforts should be made, involving user groups,
weather and climate information providers, and Federal
and State governments, to expand the use of weather and
climate information in agriculture and silviculture.
(b) Policy.--It, therefore, is declared to be the policy of
Congress that it is in the public interest to maintain an
active Federal involvement in providing agricultural and
silvicultural weather and climate information and that efforts
should be made, among users of this information and among
private providers of this information, to improve use of this
information.
(c) Functions.--The Under Secretary, acting through the
Director of the National Weather Service and the heads of such
other programs of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration as the Under Secretary considers appropriate,
shall--
(1) collect and utilize information in order to make
usable, reliable, and timely foundational forecasts of
subseasonal and seasonal temperature and precipitation;
(2) leverage existing research and models from the
weather enterprise to improve the forecasts under
paragraph (1);
(3) determine and provide information on how the
forecasted conditions under paragraph (1) may impact--
(A) the number and severity of droughts,
fires, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, heat
waves, coastal inundation, winter storms, high
impact weather, or other relevant natural
disasters;
(B) snowpack; and
(C) sea ice conditions; and
(4) develop an Internet clearinghouse to provide the
forecasts under paragraph (1) and the information under
paragraphs (1) and (3) on both national and regional
levels.
(d) Communication.--The Director of the National Weather
Service shall provide the forecasts under paragraph (1) of
subsection (c) and the information on their impacts under
paragraph (3) of such subsection to the public, including
public and private entities engaged in planning and
preparedness, such as National Weather Service Core partners at
the Federal, regional, State, tribal, and local levels of
government.
(e) Cooperation.--The Under Secretary shall build upon
existing forecasting and assessment programs and partnerships,
including--
(1) by designating research and monitoring activities
related to subseasonal and seasonal forecasts as a
priority in one or more solicitations of the
Cooperative Institutes of the Office of Oceanic and
Atmospheric Research;
(2) by contributing to the interagency Earth System
Prediction Capability; and
(3) by consulting with the Secretary of Defense and
the Secretary of Homeland Security to determine the
highest priority subseasonal and seasonal forecast
needs to enhance national security.
(f) Forecast Communication Coordinators.--
(1) In general.--The Under Secretary shall foster
effective communication, understanding, and use of the
forecasts by the intended users of the information
described in subsection (d). This shall include
assistance to States for forecast communication
coordinators to enable local interpretation and
planning based on the information.
(2) Requirements.--For each State that requests
assistance under this subsection, the Under Secretary
may--
(A) provide funds to support an individual in
that State--
(i) to serve as a liaison among the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, other Federal
departments and agencies, the weather
enterprise, the State, and relevant
interests within that State; and
(ii) to receive the forecasts and
information under subsection (c) and
disseminate the forecasts and
information throughout the State,
including to county and tribal
governments; and
(B) require matching funds of at least 50
percent, from the State, a university, a
nongovernmental organization, a trade
association, or the private sector.
(3) Limitation.--Assistance to an individual State
under this subsection shall not exceed $100,000 in a
fiscal year.
(g) Cooperation from Other Federal Agencies.--Each Federal
department and agency shall cooperate as appropriate with the
Under Secretary in carrying out this section.
[(h) Reports.--
[(1) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the
date of the enactment of the Weather Research and
Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017, the Under Secretary
shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on
Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives a report, including--
[(A) an analysis of the how information from
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration on subseasonal and seasonal
forecasts, as provided under subsection (c), is
utilized in public planning and preparedness;
[(B) specific plans and goals for the
continued development of the subseasonal and
seasonal forecasts and related products
described in subsection (c); and
[(C) an identification of research,
monitoring, observing, and forecasting
requirements to meet the goals described in
subparagraph (B).
[(2) Consultation.--In developing the report under
paragraph (1), the Under Secretary shall consult with
relevant Federal, regional, State, tribal, and local
government agencies, research institutions, and the
private sector.]
(h) Subseasonal to Seasonal Forecasting Pilot Projects.--
(1) Establishment.--The Under Secretary shall
establish not fewer than two pilot projects, in
accordance with paragraph (2), within the U.S. Weather
Research Program of the Oceanic and Atmospheric
Research office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration to support improved subseasonal to
seasonal precipitation forecasts for the following:
(A) Water management in the western United
States.
(B) Agriculture in the central United States.
(2) Objectives.--In carrying out this subsection, the
Under Secretary shall ensure the following:
(A) A pilot project under subparagraph (A) of
paragraph (1) addresses key science challenges
to improving forecasts and developing related
products for water management in the western
United States, including the following:
(i) Improving operational model
resolution, both horizontal and
vertical, to resolve issues associated
with mountainous terrain, such as
intensity of precipitation and relative
fraction of rain versus snow
precipitation.
(ii) Improving fidelity in the
operational modeling of the atmospheric
boundary layer in mountainous regions.
(iii) Resolving challenges in
predicting winter atmospheric
circulation and storm tracks, including
periods of blocked versus unblocked
flow over the eastern North Pacific
Ocean and western United States.
(iv) Utilizing outcomes from the
Atmospheric Rivers Forecast Improvement
Program as authorized in section 204 of
the Weather Act Reauthorization Act of
2023 to produce operational tools and
services.
(v) Improving the quality and
temporal and spatial resolution of
observations and accurate operational
modeling of air-sea interactions, and
the influence of oceans on subseasonal
and seasonal forecasting.
(B) A pilot project under subparagraph (B) of
paragraph (1) addresses key science challenges
to improving forecasts and developing related
products for agriculture in the central United
States, including the following:
(i) Improving the quality and
temporal and spatial resolution of
observations and accurate operational
modeling of the land surface and
hydrologic cycle, including soil
moisture and flash drought processes.
(ii) Improving fidelity in the
operational modeling of warm season
precipitation processes.
(iii) Understanding and predicting
large-scale upper-level dynamical flow
anomalies that occur in spring and
summer.
(3) Activities.--A pilot project under this
subsection shall include activities that carry out the
following:
(A) Best implement recommendations of the
National Weather Service's 2020 Report,
entitled ``Subseasonal and Seasonal Forecasting
Innovation: Plans for the Twenty-First
Century''.
(B) Achieve measurable objectives for
operational forecast improvement.
(C) Engage with, and leverage the resources
of, institutions of higher education (as such
term is defined in section 101 of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)), or a
consortia thereof, and entities within the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
in existence as of the date of the enactment of
this subsection, including Regional Climate
Centers and the National Centers for
Environmental Information.
(D) Are carried out in coordination with the
Assistant Administrator for the Office of
Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and the
Director of the National Weather Service.
(4) Sunset.--The authority under this subsection
shall terminate on the date that is five years after
the date of the enactment of this subsection.
(i) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Foundational forecast.--The term ``foundational
forecast'' means basic weather observation and forecast
data, largely in raw form, before further processing is
applied.
(2) National Weather Service core partners.--The term
``National Weather Service core partners'' means
government and nongovernment entities which are
directly involved in the preparation or dissemination
of, or discussions involving, hazardous weather or
other emergency information put out by the National
Weather Service.
(3) Seasonal.--The term ``seasonal'' means the time
range between 3 months and 2 years.
(4) State.--The term ``State'' means a State, a
territory, or possession of the United States,
including a Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
(5) Subseasonal.--The term ``subseasonal'' means the
time range between 2 weeks and 3 months.
(6) Under Secretary.--The term ``Under Secretary''
means the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and
Atmosphere.
(7) Weather industry and weather enterprise.--The
terms ``weather industry'' and ``weather enterprise''
are interchangeable in this section and include
individuals and organizations from public, private, and
academic sectors that contribute to the research,
development, and production of weather forecast
products, and primary consumers of these weather
forecast products.
[(j) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized
to be appropriated to carry out the activities under this
section--
[(1) $26,500,000 for fiscal year 2019;
[(2) $27,000,000 for fiscal year 2020;
[(3) $27,500,000 for fiscal year 2021;
[(4) $28,000,000 for fiscal year 2022; and
[(5) $28,500,000 for fiscal year 2023.]
(j) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to
be appropriated $45,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024
through 2028 to carry out the activities under this section.
(k) Derivation of Funds.--Amounts made available to carry out
this section shall be derived from amounts appropriated or
otherwise made available to the National Weather Service.
* * * * * * *
----------
NATIONAL INTEGRATED DROUGHT INFORMATION SYSTEM ACT OF 2006
* * * * * * *
SEC. 3. NIDIS PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Under Secretary, through the National
Weather Service and other appropriate weather and climate
programs in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, shall establish a National Integrated Drought
Information System to better inform and provide for more timely
decisionmaking to reduce drought related impacts and costs.
(b) System Functions.--The National Integrated Drought
Information System shall--
(1) provide an effective drought early warning system
that--
(A) collects and integrates information on
the key indicators of drought and drought
impacts, including precipitation, soil
moisture, and evaporative demand, in order to
make usable, reliable, and timely forecasts of
drought and assessments of the severity of
drought conditions and impacts; [and]
(B) provides such information, forecasts, and
assessments on both national and regional
levels; and
(C) incorporates flash drought research and
tools to enhance timely response;
(2) communicate drought forecasts, drought
conditions, and drought impacts on an ongoing basis to
public and private entities engaged in drought planning
and preparedness, including--
(A) decisionmakers at the Federal, regional,
State, tribal, and local levels of government;
(B) the private sector; and
(C) the public;
(3) provide timely data, information, and products
that reflect local, regional, watershed, and State
differences in drought conditions;
(4) coordinate, and integrate, through interagency
agreements as practicable, Federal research and
monitoring in support of a drought early warning
information system;
(5) utilize existing forecasting and assessment
programs and partnerships, including forecast
communication coordinators and cooperative institutes,
and improvements in seasonal precipitation and
temperature, subseasonal precipitation and temperature,
and low flow water prediction; [and]
(6) continue ongoing research and monitoring
activities related to drought (including ecological
drought), including research activities relating to the
prediction, length, severity, and impacts of drought
(including ecological drought) and the role of extreme
weather events and climate variability in drought
(including ecological drought) [.];
(7) advance and deploy next generation technologies
related to drought and related publicly available data,
such as monitoring, preparedness, and forecasting
capabilities utilizing artificial intelligence, machine
learning, and cloud technologies; and
(8) utilize observational networks, including the
National Weather Service cooperative observer program
and State or regional hydrological monitoring projects,
and refine drought indicators across a variety of
spatial and temporal scales for decision-support
products by optimizing data and resources from across
the Federal Government, including snowpack, soil
moisture, groundwater, and rapid intensification data.
(c) Partnerships.--The National Integrated Drought
Information System may--
(1) engage with the private sector to improve drought
monitoring, forecast, and communication if the Under
Secretary determines the partnership is appropriate,
cost-effective, and beneficial to the public and
decisionmakers described in subsection (b)(2)(A);
(2) facilitate the development of 1 or more academic
cooperative partnerships to assist with National
Integrated Drought Information System functions; [and]
(3) utilize and support, as appropriate, monitoring
by citizen scientists, including by developing best
practices to facilitate maximum data integration[.];
and
(4) in partnership with the National Mesonet Program,
establish memoranda of understanding to provide
coordinated, high-quality, nationwide drought
information for the public good, including integrated
soil moisture information in accordance with the 2021
report, ``A Strategy for the National Coordinated Soil
Moisture Monitoring Network''.
(d) Consultation.--The Under Secretary shall consult with
relevant Federal, regional, State, tribal, and local government
agencies, research institutions, and the private sector in the
development and sustainment of the National Integrated Drought
Information System.
(e) Cooperation From Other Federal Agencies.--Each Federal
agency shall cooperate as appropriate with the Under Secretary
in carrying out this Act.
[(f) Soil Moisture.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of the National Integrated Drought Information System
Reauthorization Act of 2018, the Under Secretary, acting
through the National Integrated Drought Information System,
shall develop a strategy for a national coordinated soil
moisture monitoring network.]
(f) Modeling Update.--The Under Secretary, in partnership
with National Integrated Drought Information System and the
Climate Prediction Center of the National Weather Service,
shall undertake an effort to transition existing drought
products to probabilistic forecasts and incorporate new and
improved dynamical and statistical forecast modeling tools.
[SEC. 4. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
[There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this
Act--
[(1) $13,500,000 for fiscal year 2019;
[(2) $13,750,000 for fiscal year 2020;
[(3) $14,000,000 for fiscal year 2021;
[(4) $14,250,000 for fiscal year 2022; and
[(5) $14,500,000 for fiscal year 2023.]
SEC. 4. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
From amounts made available to Operations, Research, and
Facilities of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, there are authorized to be appropriated to
carry out this section the following:
(1) $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2024.
(2) $15,500,000 for fiscal year 2025.
(3) $16,000,000 for fiscal year 2026.
(4) $16,500,000 for fiscal year 2027.
(5) $17,000,000 for fiscal year 2028.
----------
COORDINATED OCEAN OBSERVATIONS AND RESEARCH ACT OF 2020
* * * * * * *
TITLE III--WATER PREDICTION AND FORECASTING
SEC. 301. WATER PREDICTION AND FORECASTING.
(a) National Water Center.--
(1) Establishment.--
(A) In general.--The Under Secretary of
Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere shall
establish a center as a component of the
National Centers for Environmental Prediction--
(i) to serve as the research and
operational center of excellence for
hydrologic analyses, forecasting, and
related decision support services
within the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration and the
National Weather Service; [and]
(ii) to facilitate collaboration
across Federal and State departments
and agencies, academia, and the private
sector on matters relating to water
resources[.]; and
(iii) to provide service backup
capabilities and additional mission
support services for River Forecast
Centers.
(B) Designation.--The center established
under subparagraph (A) shall be known as the
``National Water Center''.
(2) Functions.--The functions of the National Water
Center shall include the following:
(A) Improving understanding of water
resources, stakeholder needs regarding water
resources, and identifying science and services
gaps relating to water resources.
(B) Developing and implementing advanced
water resources modeling capabilities.
(C) Facilitating the transition of hydrologic
research into operations.
(D) Delivering analyses, forecasts, and
inundation information and guidance for all
hydrologic events in the United States,
including flash flooding, riverine flooding,
and water resources outlooks.
(E) In coordination with warning coordination
meteorologists, providing decision-support
services to inform emergency management and
water resources decisions.
(F) Serving as the primary Center for
collaboration and coordination of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's water
research and operational activities with
existing Federal centers and networks,
including the Department of Agriculture, the
Army Corps of Engineers, the Bureau of
Reclamation, the United States Geological
Survey, and the Federal Emergency Management
Agency.
[(b) National Instructions.--
[(1) In general.--Not later than one year after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary,
acting through the Director of the National Weather
Service, shall make public an operations and services
policy directive for the National Water Center.
[(2) Contents.--The directive required by paragraph
(1) shall include national instructions to perform the
functions of the National Water Center, including the
following:
[(A) Operational staff responsibilities.
[(B) Guidelines for content, format, and
provision of hydrologic and inundation products
developed by the National Water Center.
[(C) Procedures for cooperation and
coordination between the National Water Center,
the National Weather Service National Centers
for Environmental Prediction, National Weather
Service River Forecast Centers, and National
Weather Service Weather Forecast Offices. ]
[(c)] (b) Total Water Prediction.--The Under Secretary,
acting through the Director of the Office of Water Prediction
of the National Weather Service, shall--
(1) initiate and lead research and development
activities to develop operational water resource
prediction and related decision support products;
(2) collaborate with, and provide decision support
regarding total water prediction to--
(A) the relevant Federal agencies represented
on the National Science and Technology Council,
Committee on Environment, Natural Resources,
and Sustainability and the Subcommittee on
Disaster Reduction;
(B) State water resource agencies; and
(C) State and local emergency management
agencies; and
(3) in carrying out the responsibilities described in
paragraphs (1) and (2), collaboratively develop
capabilities necessary for total water predictive
capacity, including observations, modeling, data
management, supercomputing, social science, and
communications.
[(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized
to be appropriated to carry out the activities under this
section amounts as follows:
[(1) $44,500,000 for fiscal year 2021.
[(2) $45,000,000 for fiscal year 2022.
[(3) $45,500,000 for fiscal year 2023.
[(4) $46,000,000 for fiscal year 2024. ]
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to
be appropriated $46,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024
through 2028 to carry out this section.
[(e)] (d) Derivation of Funds.--Funds to carry out this
section shall be derived from amounts authorized to be
appropriated to the National Weather Service and the National
Ocean Service that are enacted after the date of the enactment
of this Act.
* * * * * * *
[all]