[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 5 (Monday, January 9, 2017)]
[House]
[Pages H208-H217]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
WEATHER RESEARCH AND FORECASTING INNOVATION ACT OF 2017
Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill
(H.R. 353) to improve the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration's weather research through a focused program of
investment on affordable and attainable advances in observational,
computing, and modeling capabilities to support substantial improvement
in weather forecasting and prediction of high impact weather events, to
expand commercial opportunities for the provision of weather data, and
for other purposes.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
H.R. 353
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
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. 101. Public safety priority.
Sec. 102. Weather research and forecasting innovation.
Sec. 103. Tornado warning improvement and extension program.
Sec. 104. Hurricane forecast improvement program.
Sec. 105. Weather research and development planning.
Sec. 106. Observing system planning.
Sec. 107. Observing system simulation experiments.
Sec. 108. Annual report on computing resources prioritization.
Sec. 109. United States Weather Research program.
Sec. 110. Authorization of appropriations.
TITLE II--SUBSEASONAL AND SEASONAL FORECASTING INNOVATION
Sec. 201. Improving subseasonal and seasonal forecasts.
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.
TITLE IV--FEDERAL WEATHER COORDINATION
Sec. 401. Environmental Information Services Working Group.
Sec. 402. Interagency weather research and forecast innovation
coordination.
Sec. 403. Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and National
Weather Service exchange program.
Sec. 404. Visiting fellows at National Weather Service.
Sec. 405. Warning coordination meteorologists at weather forecast
offices of National Weather Service.
Sec. 406. Improving National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
communication of hazardous weather and water events.
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. 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 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.
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) 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) additional sources of weather data and information,
including commercial observing systems.
(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.
(c) Extramural Research.--
[[Page H209]]
(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 one hour in advance.
(c) 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.
(d) 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; and
(3) incorporating risk communication research to create
more effective watch and warning products.
(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 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. 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
observing capabilities related to the requirements listed
under paragraph (1); and
(4) determine a range of options to address gaps identified
under paragraph (3).
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 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) 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. ANNUAL REPORT ON COMPUTING RESOURCES
PRIORITIZATION.
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 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;
[[Page H210]]
(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; and
(4) to use existing computing resources to improve advanced
research and operational weather prediction.
SEC. 109. UNITED STATES WEATHER RESEARCH PROGRAM.
Section 108 of the Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Authorization Act of 1992 (Public Law 102-567; 15 U.S.C. 313
note) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (3), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a
semicolon;
(B) in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the end and
inserting a semicolon; and
(C) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following:
``(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 5 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; and
``(11) encourage academic collaboration with the Office of
Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and the National Weather
Service by facilitating visiting scholars.'';
(2) in subsection (b), in the matter preceding paragraph
(1), by striking ``Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the'' and inserting ``The''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(c) Subseasonal Defined.--In this section, the term
`subseasonal' means the time range between 2 weeks and 3
months.''.
SEC. 110. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) Fiscal Years 2017 and 2018.--For each of fiscal years
2017 and 2018, there are authorized to be appropriated to
Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research--
(1) $111,516,000 to carry out this title, of which--
(A) $85,758,000 is authorized for weather laboratories and
cooperative institutes; and
(B) $25,758,000 is authorized for weather and air chemistry
research programs; and
(2) an additional amount of $20,000,000 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.
TITLE II--SUBSEASONAL AND SEASONAL FORECASTING INNOVATION
SEC. 201. IMPROVING SUBSEASONAL AND SEASONAL FORECASTS.
Section 1762 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (Public Law
99-198; 15 U.S.C. 313 note) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``(a)'' and inserting
``(a) Findings.--'';
(2) in subsection (b), by striking ``(b)'' and inserting
``(b) Policy.--''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(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 may 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.
``(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.
[[Page H211]]
``(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.--For each of fiscal
years 2017 and 2018, there are authorized out of funds
appropriated to the National Weather Service, $26,500,000 to
carry out the activities of this section.''.
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) 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; and
(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.
(3) 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) 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.
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
[[Page H212]]
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 2017 through 2020, there are authorized to be
appropriated for procurement, acquisition, and construction
at 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.
TITLE IV--FEDERAL WEATHER COORDINATION
SEC. 401. ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION SERVICES WORKING GROUP.
(a) Establishment.--The National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration Science Advisory Board shall continue to
maintain a standing working group named the Environmental
Information Services Working Group (in this section referred
to as the ``Working Group'')--
(1) to provide advice for prioritizing weather research
initiatives at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration to produce real improvement in weather
forecasting;
(2) to provide advice on existing or emerging technologies
or techniques that can be found in private industry or the
research community that could be incorporated into
forecasting at the National Weather Service to improve
forecasting skill;
(3) to identify opportunities to improve--
(A) communications between weather forecasters, Federal,
State, local, tribal, and other emergency management
personnel, and the public; and
(B) communications and partnerships among the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the private and
academic sectors; and
(4) to address such other matters as the Science Advisory
Board requests of the Working Group.
(b) Composition.--
(1) In general.--The Working Group shall be composed of
leading experts and innovators from all relevant fields of
science and engineering including atmospheric chemistry,
atmospheric physics, meteorology, hydrology, social science,
risk communications, electrical engineering, and computer
sciences. In carrying out this section, the Working Group may
organize into subpanels.
(2) Number.--The Working Group shall be composed of no
fewer than 15 members. Nominees for the Working Group may be
forwarded by the Working Group for approval by the Science
Advisory Board. Members of the Working Group may choose a
chair (or co-chairs) from among their number with approval by
the Science Advisory Board.
(c) Annual Report.--Not less frequently than once each
year, the Working Group shall transmit to the Science
Advisory Board for submission to the Under Secretary a report
on progress made by National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration in adopting the Working Group's
recommendations. The Science Advisory Board shall transmit
this report to the Under Secretary. Within 30 days of receipt
of such report, 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 copy of such report.
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 for Advancing Weather Services to improve
coordination of relevant weather research and forecast
innovation activities across the Federal Government. The
Interagency Committee 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.
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 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.
SEC. 404. VISITING FELLOWS AT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE.
(a) In General.--The Director of the National Weather
Service may establish a program to host postdoctoral fellows
and academic researchers at any of the National Centers for
Environmental Prediction.
(b) Goal.--This program shall be designed to provide direct
interaction between forecasters and talented academic and
private sector researchers in an effort to bring innovation
to forecasting tools and techniques to the National Weather
Service.
(c) Selection and Appointment.--Such fellows shall be
competitively selected and appointed for a term not to exceed
1 year.
SEC. 405. WARNING COORDINATION METEOROLOGISTS AT WEATHER
FORECAST OFFICES OF NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE.
(a) Designation of Warning Coordination Meteorologists.--
(1) In general.--The Director of the National Weather
Service shall designate at least 1 warning coordination
meteorologist at each weather forecast office of the National
Weather Service.
(2) No additional employees authorized.--Nothing in this
section shall be construed to authorize or require a change
in the authorized number of full time equivalent employees in
the National Weather Service or otherwise result in the
employment of any additional employees.
(3) Performance by other employees.--Performance of the
responsibilities outlined in this section is not limited to
the warning coordination meteorologist position.
(b) Primary Role of Warning Coordination Meteorologists.--
The primary role of the warning coordination meteorologist
shall be to carry out the responsibilities required by this
section.
[[Page H213]]
(c) Responsibilities.--
(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), consistent with
the analysis described in section 409, and in order to
increase impact-based decision support services, each warning
coordination meteorologist designated under subsection (a)
shall--
(A) be responsible for providing service to the geographic
area of responsibility covered by the weather forecast office
at which the warning coordination meteorologist is employed
to help ensure that users of products of the National Weather
Service can respond effectively to improve outcomes from
weather events;
(B) liaise with users of products and services of the
National Weather Service, such as the public, media outlets,
users in the aviation, marine, and agricultural communities,
and forestry, land, and water management interests, to
evaluate the adequacy and usefulness of the products and
services of the National Weather Service;
(C) collaborate with such weather forecast offices and
State, local, and tribal government agencies as the Director
considers appropriate in developing, proposing, and
implementing plans to develop, modify, or tailor products and
services of the National Weather Service to improve the
usefulness of such products and services;
(D) ensure the maintenance and accuracy of severe weather
call lists, appropriate office severe weather policy or
procedures, and other severe weather or dissemination
methodologies or strategies; and
(E) work closely with State, local, and tribal emergency
management agencies, and other agencies related to disaster
management, to ensure a planned, coordinated, and effective
preparedness and response effort.
(2) Other staff.--The Director may assign a responsibility
set forth in paragraph (1) to such other staff as the
Director considers appropriate to carry out such
responsibility.
(d) Additional Responsibilities.--
(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), a warning
coordination meteorologist designated under subsection (a)
may--
(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;
(B) identify priority community preparedness objectives;
(C) develop plans to meet the objectives identified under
paragraph (2); and
(D) conduct severe weather event preparedness planning and
citizen education efforts with and through various State,
local, and tribal government agencies and other disaster
management-related organizations.
(2) Other staff.--The Director may assign a responsibility
set forth in paragraph (1) to such other staff as the
Director considers appropriate to carry out such
responsibility.
(e) Placement With State and Local Emergency Managers.--
(1) In general.--In carrying out this section, the Director
of the National Weather Service may place a warning
coordination meteorologist designated under subsection (a)
with a State or local emergency manager if the Director
considers doing so is necessary or convenient to carry out
this section.
(2) Treatment.--If the Director determines that the
placement of a warning coordination meteorologist placed with
a State or local emergency manager under paragraph (1) is
near a weather forecast office of the National Weather
Service, such placement shall be treated as designation of
the warning coordination meteorologist at such weather
forecast office for purposes of subsection (a).
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 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. 407. NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION
WEATHER READY ALL HAZARDS AWARD PROGRAM.
(a) Program.--The Director of the National Weather Service
is authorized to establish the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration Weather Ready All Hazards Award
Program. This award program shall provide annual awards to
honor individuals or organizations that use or provide
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio
All Hazards receivers or transmitters to save lives and
protect property. Individuals or organizations that utilize
other early warning tools or applications also qualify for
this award.
(b) Goal.--This award program draws attention to the life-
saving work of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration Weather Ready All Hazards Program, as well as
emerging tools and applications, that provide real-time
warning to individuals and communities of severe weather or
other hazardous conditions.
(c) Program Elements.--
[[Page H214]]
(1) Nominations.--Nominations for this award shall be made
annually by the Weather Field Offices to the Director of the
National Weather Service. Broadcast meteorologists, weather
radio manufacturers and weather warning tool and application
developers, emergency managers, and public safety officials
may nominate individuals or organizations to their local
Weather Field Offices, but the final list of award nominees
must come from the Weather Field Offices.
(2) Selection of awardees.--Annually, the Director of the
National Weather Service shall choose winners of this award
whose timely actions, based on National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio All Hazards
receivers or transmitters or other early warning tools and
applications, saved lives or property, or demonstrated public
service in support of weather or all hazard warnings.
(3) Award ceremony.--The Director of the National Weather
Service shall establish a means of making these awards to
provide maximum public awareness of the importance of
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather
Radio, and such other warning tools and applications as are
represented in the awards.
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 5 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. 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.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Oklahoma (Mr. Lucas) and the gentlewoman from Oregon (Ms. Bonamici)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Oklahoma.
General Leave
Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have
5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include
extraneous material on H.R. 353, the bill now under consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Oklahoma?
There was no objection.
Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I first thank the gentleman from Texas, Chairman Smith, for his
continued leadership on the Science Committee.
H.R. 353, the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of
2017, prioritizes improving weather forecasting for the protection of
lives and property at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration. This bill does so by focusing research and computing
resources on improved weather forecasting, quantitative observing data
planning, next generation modeling, and an emphasis on research-to-
operations technology transfer.
As a Representative from Oklahoma, I understand the need for accurate
and timely weather predictions firsthand. Every year, the loss of life
from deadly tornadoes in my home State is a stark reminder that we can
do better to predict severe weather events and provide longer lead
times to protect Americans in harm's way.
I am proud that the legislation has a dedicated Tornado Warning
Improvement Program. The goal of this program is to reduce the loss of
life from tornadoes by advancing the understanding of fundamental
meteorological science allowing detection and notifications that are
more accurate, effective, and timely. Constituents in my home State
will benefit greatly from longer tornado warning lead times, which will
save lives and better protect property.
H.R. 353 makes clear that NOAA will prioritize weather research and
protect lives and property through a focused, affordable, attainable,
forward-looking research plan at the agency's Research Office.
The bill also encourages innovations and new technology capacities by
creating a joint technology transfer fund in NOAA's Office of Oceanic
and Atmospheric Research. This transfer is
[[Page H215]]
essential to get new forecasting, models, and technologies out of the
research side of NOAA and into our operational forecast to better
protect our country.
The bill directs NOAA to develop plans to restore our country's
leadership in weather forecasting. It is no secret that many people in
our weather community are distraught that our forecasting capacities
have deteriorated in recent years.
While other countries are making great strides in weather
advancements, Americans are paying the price for diminished leadership
with their lives and their wallets. This is yet another reminder that
we can do better.
This legislation directs NOAA to actively consider new commercial
data and private sector solutions to further enhance our weather
forecasting capacities. The bill also includes a pilot project, which
will provide NOAA a clear and credible demonstration of the valuable
data from commercial technologies available today.
H.R. 353 is the result of 4 years of work to craft a meaningful
package that will create new and real improvements to our country's
weather forecasting systems. The time has come for Americans to have
the most accurate and timely weather predictions. They deserve nothing
less.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, House of
Representatives,
Washington, DC, January 9, 2017.
Hon. Lamar Smith,
Chairman, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Smith: I write concerning H.R. 353, the
Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017. This
legislation includes matters that fall within the Rule X
jurisdiction of the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure.
In order to expedite Floor consideration of H.R. 353, the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure will forgo
action on this bill. However, this is conditional on our
mutual understanding that forgoing consideration of the bill
does not prejudice the Committee with respect to the
appointment of conferees or to any future jurisdictional
claim over the subject matters contained in the bill or
similar legislation that fall within the Committee's Rule X
jurisdiction. I appreciate you working with us on the base
text of the bill and request you urge the Speaker to name
members of the Committee to any conference committee named to
consider such provisions.
Please place a copy of this letter and your response
acknowledging our jurisdictional interest in the
Congressional Record during House Floor consideration of the
bill. I look forward to working with the Committee on
Science, Space, and Technology as the bill moves through the
legislative process.
Sincerely,
Bill Shuster,
Chairman.
____
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, House of
Representatives,
Washington, DC, January 9, 2017.
Hon. Bill Shuster,
Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure,
House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Chairman: Thank you for your letter regarding H.R.
353, the ``Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of
2017.'' I appreciate your support in bringing this
legislation before the House of Representatives, and
accordingly, understand that the Committee on Transportation
and Infrastructure will forego action on the bill.
The Committee on Science, Space, and Technology concurs
with the mutual understanding that by foregoing consideration
of H.R. 353 at this time, the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure does not waive any jurisdiction over the
subject matter contained in this bill or similar legislation
in the future. In addition, should a conference on this bill
be necessary, I would support your request to have the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure represented on
the conference committee.
I will insert copies of this exchange in the Congressional
Record during consideration of this bill on the House floor.
I appreciate your cooperation regarding this legislation and
look forward to continuing to work with the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure as the bill moves through
the legislative process.
Sincerely,
Lamar Smith,
Chairman.
Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 353, the Weather Research and
Forecasting Innovation Act. This bill, introduced by my colleague, Mr.
Lucas, is a product of hard work and negotiation over the past two
Congresses.
In addition to Mr. Lucas, I thank Chairman Smith and also Environment
Subcommittee chair, Mr. Bridenstine, and former chair, Mr. Chris
Stewart, who were great partners in this process. The language before
us today is a result of a truly bipartisan and bicameral effort.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is responsible
for many important tasks at the cutting edge of science and public
service, and weather forecasting is one of the tasks most critical to
our country.
In the northwest Oregon communities I represent, my constituents rely
on timely weather forecasts to decide when to harvest their crops, when
to go to sea to fish, how to navigate the roads safely when there is
freezing rain or snow, and to prepare for possible flood conditions.
The National Weather Service provides excellent forecasting products
to support our economy, but with the increasing frequency of severe
weather events, there can be and should be improvements in our
forecasting capabilities and delivery.
For example, forecasts can be more precise regarding what will happen
and when. Improved forecasts can provide more lead time to allow
communities to prepare, especially in severe weather events. Forecast
information should also be communicated more effectively to the public
and those in harm's way to reduce the loss of life and property. This
bill is designed to address those important goals.
The bill connects the research side of NOAA, the Office of Oceanic
and Atmospheric Research, more effectively to the forecasting needs of
the National Weather Service. This research-to-operations pipeline is
essential for the continued improvement of our weather forecasting
enterprise.
{time} 1715
The bill contains several provisions that will improve interactions
and information sharing between NOAA's researchers and the National
Weather Service. It also improves communications between NOAA and the
broader research and private weather communities.
The bill also establishes interagency coordination, through the
Office of Science and Technology Policy, across multiple agencies
outside of NOAA that share responsibilities for weather research and
forecast communications. This is essential as we face budget
constraints, and it will help speed the adoption of best tools and
practices across the various agencies.
H.R. 353 also recognizes that even the best forecasts will not serve
the public's needs unless there are effective communications systems.
The bill directs NOAA to do more research, listen to experts, and
improve its risk communications techniques.
The bill also reestablishes a program that allows NOAA to give awards
to people who save the lives of others through NOAA's Weather Radio All
Hazards program. The bill also formally establishes the pilot program
currently operating at NOAA to engage in contracts with the commercial
sector for weather forecasting data.
Additionally, the bill requires NOAA to examine the benefits and
costs of different sensors by running simulations of different
configurations of instruments and datasets on forecasting accuracy. It
is important that these requirements are not too prescriptive so that
NOAA can use the most efficient, accurate, and cost-effective model for
this situation.
This legislation will produce advances in weather forecasting and
capabilities that will result in better development of forecast
innovations and technology. Ultimately, this will save American lives
and property.
I thank the Members on both sides of the aisle for their input and
support. Also, I would like to thank the hardworking committee staff on
both sides of the aisle for their efforts to continue negotiations to
move this bill forward.
I ask my colleagues to support this bill.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from
Oklahoma (Mr. Bridenstine), my colleague
[[Page H216]]
who has worked very diligently on this effort for a number of years.
Mr. BRIDENSTINE. Mr. Speaker, every year that I have had the honor to
serve Oklahoma's First Congressional District, I have also faced the
unfortunate reality that I will lose constituents to tornadoes, as will
many of us who represent constituents in Oklahoma. This terrible fact
has motivated me and others from our delegation to work hard for
policies that will save lives and property and move us to a day where
we have zero deaths from tornadoes or other extreme weather events.
I would like to thank Chairman Smith, Vice Chairman Lucas, and
Environment Subcommittee Ranking Member Bonamici for their tireless
efforts to see this bipartisan legislation move forward.
The Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 is the
product of extensive negotiations between the Environment Subcommittee,
which I chair, and the Senate Commerce Committee, and I am proud of the
bipartisan and bicameral agreement that this bill represents.
H.R. 353 directs the NOAA Administrator to prioritize activities that
will save lives and protect property. Again, this is critically
important to my State, which is in the heart of tornado alley.
This legislation will help NOAA develop more accurate and timely
warnings for hurricanes, tornadoes, and other high-impact weather
events. It calls on NOAA to develop a plan to maintain forecasting
capabilities that are second to none in the world, primarily because,
by some metrics, we lag behind our counterparts in Europe, the U.K. and
Canada.
The bill encourages better cooperation across NOAA offices and
enhances collaboration with universities, such as the University of
Oklahoma, which is a national leader in weather research.
It will also ensure that innovative methods and technologies, such as
warn on forecast, currently being developed at the National Severe
Storms Laboratory in Norman, Oklahoma, are rapidly deployed in
operational status so that the American people can benefit.
Further, beyond improvements to short-term forecasts of extreme
events, the bill directs NOAA to improve our understanding of seasonal
forecasts, which can be immensely useful to industries such as
agriculture.
Mr. Speaker, I am particularly pleased this bill finally authorizes a
commercial weather data pilot program. H.R. 353 authorizes $24 million
over the next 4 years for a pilot program for NOAA to purchase
commercial space-based weather data and test it against NOAA's
proprietary data. This can improve forecasts and save the Federal
Government money. This will allow NOAA to continue to expand upon the
two pilot contracts it awarded in September of last year.
Mr. Speaker, this has the potential to be a paradigm-shifting
provision. Commercial weather data can augment the data we receive from
systems such as JPSS and GOES, while also serving as a mitigation
strategy in the event we experience a gap in weather data from these
systems. More data from innovative sources has a real potential to
improve our forecasting capabilities.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired.
Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield the gentleman an additional 30
seconds.
Mr. BRIDENSTINE. Mr. Speaker, I believe there will come a time when
there will be zero deaths from tornadoes. I think this bill will help
us implement the necessary steps to get there.
I once again thank my colleagues on the Science, Space, and
Technology Committee for all their very hard work to get this done, and
I encourage our counterparts in the Senate to move this legislation to
the President's desk quickly.
I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Texas
(Mr. Smith) who has guided the Science, Space, and Technology Committee
ever so carefully for a number of years.
Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, first of all, I thank the gentleman
from Oklahoma and the vice chairman of the Science, Space, and
Technology Committee for yielding, and I thank both him and Mr.
Bridenstine, another gentleman from Oklahoma and a member of the
Science, Space, and Technology Committee, for taking the initiative and
introducing this legislation.
H.R. 353, Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017,
will transform our Nation's weather-gathering efforts and help save
lives and property.
Severe weather routinely affects large portions of the United States.
Nearly every year, we witness the devastating effects of tornadoes
across our country. The deaths and the damage from these events
underscore the need for a world-class weather prediction system.
H.R. 353 improves weather observation systems by the use of observing
system simulation experiments and next generation computing and
modeling capabilities. This bill strengthens the underlying atmospheric
science, while advancing innovative technology and reforming operations
to provide better weather data, models, and forecasts. It prompts NOAA
to actively employ new commercial data and solutions through a
multiyear commercial weather data pilot program.
Further, it directs NOAA to consider commercial data options rather
than rely on slow, costly, and continually delayed government-owned
satellites.
For far too long, our government has relied on these massive,
multibillion-dollar government satellites. The Science, Space, and
Technology Committee has jurisdiction over NOAA's satellite office and
has conducted ongoing oversight of the agency's satellite program. Our
conclusion is that it is in real need of reform.
Over the years, events at NOAA have revealed mismanagement, cost
overruns, and delays of its weather satellites. This detracts from our
ability to accurately predict our weather, which unnecessarily
endangers Americans.
This bill will right the ship and allow NOAA the flexibility to buy
new, affordable, and potentially better sources of data from the
private sector, which has the power to make real improvements to our
weather forecasting capabilities.
It also creates a much-needed technology transfer fund in NOAA's
Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research to help push technologies
developed through NOAA's weather research into operation. This will
ensure that the technologies that are developed are effectively
employed and do not idle on the lab bench.
Again, I thank Mr. Lucas and Mr. Bridenstine for their initiative on
this issue. Americans from coast to coast will now be better prepared
for severe weather with the passage of this bill.
I urge my colleagues to support the bill.
Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I
urge my colleagues to support this bill.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to take a moment to thank the gentlewoman from
Oregon (Ms. Bonamici) for all of her efforts to bring us to this point.
We still have a ways to go ultimately, but great strides have been
made.
I thank my colleague from Oklahoma (Mr. Bridenstine) for his input
and efforts and, of course, again, the chairman of the full Science,
Space, and Technology Committee, Mr. Smith of Texas, for helping in
that critical role of being the catalyst for all of this.
From the perspective of a farmer, some will say: What does this
really mean? But when it comes to trying to gauge how to plant your
crops, how to harvest your crops, whether you are a truck driver
driving up and down the highways and bi-ways of America, a citizen
moving around the country, someone along the coast, or, as Ms. Bonamici
pointed out, a fisherman, this information will make your life more
efficient, it will make your life safer, and it will enhance the
productive capacity of this country. This is one of those investments
that we will all gain from.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of
H.R. 353, the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017.
[[Page H217]]
This bill is the culmination of more than four years of compromise
and negotiation, and demonstrates that the issues of weather and
climate can be addressed in a bi-partisan way.
In that regard, I want to recognize the efforts of Jim Bridenstine
and Suzanne Bonamici, as well as the bill's sponsor, Frank Lucas. Their
leadership and commitment has really driven this process forward.
Mr. Speaker, weather affects all of us everyday. It is a constant
presence in our lives.
Tropical storms batter homes and disrupt lives from my home state of
Texas all the way to Maine. States like Oklahoma, Illinois, and again
Texas are some of the most tornado prone areas in the entire world.
Sadly, turning on the television to see a part of our country
devastated by tornados, or hurricanes, or other severe weather
incidents, has become a far too familiar occurrence. To help Americans
avoid and cope with these potentially devastating events, we need to
have the very best weather forecasting and warning capabilities.
The National Weather Service and the Office of Oceanic and
Atmospheric Research at NOAA play a central role in protecting the
lives and property of every American.
The bill before us today will help accelerate innovation, and turn
cutting-edge weather research into essential weather forecasting tools
and products; tools which forecasters can then use to protect American
lives.
The legislation removes barriers that exist between the weather
research community, our nation's forecasters, and the private-sector
weather enterprise. Improving collaboration and cooperation within
NOAA, and also between the agency and the broader weather community,
will impact the accuracy and timing of our weather predictions. These
improvements will ultimately save lives and make our communities safer.
Strengthening our resilience to severe weather events is both vital
and necessary to strengthen our nation's economic security. H.R. 353
will advance our weather forecasting capabilities and I urge my
colleagues to support its passage.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Lucas) that the House suspend the rules
and pass the bill, H.R. 353.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the bill was passed.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
____________________