The U.S. House Science, Space, and Technology Committee advanced a bipartisan bill sponsored by committee chairman U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK) that would improve the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA’s) weather research, support improvements in weather forecasting and prediction, and expand commercial opportunities for providing weather data.
“We have spent significant time crafting this legislation with critical input from members and stakeholders, and I am proud to move it forward today,” Rep. Lucas said on Nov. 8.
Rep. Lucas on Oct. 26 introduced the 112-page Weather Act Reauthorization Act of 2023, H.R. 6093, with 13 original cosponsors, including U.S. Reps. Stephanie Bice (R-OK) and Jay Obernolte (R-CA), and the committee’s ranking member U.S. Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA).
“The importance of having accurate and reliable weather systems cannot be overstated,” said Rep. Lucas. “H.R. 6093 is sensible legislation that will strengthen NOAA’s forecasting capabilities and elevate the U.S. weather enterprise, greatly benefiting communities across the country.”
if enacted, H.R. 6093 would reauthorize the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 to ensure that NOAA remains focused on providing accurate and timely weather forecasts that protect lives and property and enhance the national economy by disseminating critical weather information and impact-based decision support services to the public and core partners through nimble, flexible, and mobile methods, according to the text of the bill.
Additionally, H.R. 6093 would enhance federal weather forecasting and innovation; improve commercial weather and environmental observations; better how weather is communicated to the public; and improve weather information for agriculture and water management, the text says.
“From improving subseasonal research and forecasting critical to farmers and ranchers to encouraging more private-public partnerships to empower NOAA to utilize the services offered by our country’s dynamic commercial sector, this bill will keep our national economy thriving and citizens prepared,” Rep. Lucas added.
The measure has advanced to the U.S. House of Representatives for consideration.