(1)

in title VIII, in the title heading (relating to the Tsunami Warning and Education Act; 33 U.S.C. 3201 et seq.), by inserting , research, after warning; and

(2)

in the table of contents in section 1(b), by amending the item relating to the title heading for title VIII to read as follows:

(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.

(1)

in subsection (b)—

(2)

in subsection (c)—

(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—

(6)

in subsection (f), as so redesignated—

(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.

(1)

in paragraph (5)—

(2)

in paragraph (7)(C), by inserting and behavioral after social.

(1)

in subsection (a)—

(2)

in subsection (b)—

(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.

(1) In general

The Tsunami Warning, Research, 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 by inserting after section 804 (33 U.S.C. 3203) the following new section:

804A. Assessment of tsunami watches and warnings

(a) Assessment of tsunami watches and warnings

(1) In general

Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this section, the Under Secretary shall—

(A)

conduct an assessment of—

(i)

the tsunami watches and warnings of the National Weather Service; and

(ii)

the information delivery to support preparation and responses to tsunamis; and

(B)

submit to Congress a report on the findings of the Under Secretary with respect to the assessment required by subparagraph (A).

(2) Elements

The assessment required by paragraph (1)(A) shall include the following:

(A)

An evaluation of whether the watches, warnings, and information described in paragraph (1)(A) effectively—

(i)

communicate risk to the general public;

(ii)

inform action to prevent loss of life and property;

(iii)

inform action to support tsunami preparation and response; and

(iv)

deliver information in a manner designed to lead to appropriate action.

(B)

Subject to subsection (b)(2), such recommendations as the Under Secretary may have for—

(i)

legislative and administrative action to improve the watches and warnings described in paragraph (1)(A)(i); 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 areas:

(A)

Ways to communicate the risks posed by hazardous tsunami events to the public that are most likely to result in informed decisionmaking regarding the mitigation of such risks.

(B)

Ways to provide actionable geographic information to the recipient of a watch or warning for tsunami, including partnering with emergency response agencies, as appropriate.

(C)

Evaluation of information delivery to support the preparation for and response to tsunamis.

(4) Consultation

In conducting the assessment required by paragraph (1)(A), the Under Secretary shall consult with the following:

(A)

Individuals in the academic sector, including individuals in the field of social and behavioral sciences.

(B)

Other weather services.

(C)

Media outlets and other entities that distribute the watches and warnings described in paragraph (1)(A)(i).

(D)

Emergency planners and responders, including State, local, and Tribal emergency management agencies.

(E)

Other government users of the watches and warnings described in paragraph (1)(A)(i), including the Federal Highway Administration.

(F)

Such other Federal agencies as the Under Secretary determines rely on watches and warnings regarding tsunamis for operational decisions.

(5) Methodologies

In conducting the assessment required by paragraph (1)(A), the Under Secretary shall use such methodologies as the Under Secretary considers generally accepted by the weather enterprise (as such term is defined in section 2 of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8501)), including social and behavioral sciences.

(b) Improvements to tsunami watches and warnings

(1) In general

Based on the assessment required by subsection (a)(1)(A), the Under Secretary shall make such improvements to the watches and warnings described in such subsection as the Under Secretary considers necessary to—

(A)

improve the communication of the risks posed by tsunami events; and

(B)

provide actionable geographic information to the recipient of a watch or warning for a tsunami.

(2) Requirements regarding recommendations

In conducting the assessment required by subsection (a)(1)(A), the Under Secretary shall ensure that any recommendation under subsection (a)(2)(B) 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)

responds to the needs of Federal, State, local, and Tribal government partners and media partners; and

(D)

accounts for necessary changes to Federally operated watch and warning propagation and dissemination infrastructure and protocols.

(2) Clerical amendment

The table of contents for the Tsunami Warning, Research, 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 by inserting after the item relating to section 804 the following new item:

(1)

in subsection (b)(1), by inserting and behavioral after social; and

(2)

by adding at the end the following new subsection:

(e) Sunset

The Panel shall terminate not later than six years after the date of the enactment of the Weather Act Reauthorization Act of 2025.

(A)

by inserting Federal before observing capabilities; and

(B)

by striking and after the semicolon;

(A)

by inserting , including private sector partnerships or commercial acquisition, after options; and

(B)

by striking the period and inserting a semicolon; and

(1) In general

The Under Secretary shall make publicly available not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and update every five years thereafter until 2035, a 10-year strategic plan that outlines the high-performance computing and data management requirements and needs of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and actions and strategies to address such requirements and needs.

(2) Plan elements

At a minimum, the strategic plan required by paragraph (1) shall include the following:

(3) Public involvement

In developing the strategic plan required by paragraph (1), the Under Secretary shall invite comments and other feedback from the public to inform the strategic plan.

(4) Annual briefings

(1)

in subparagraph (B), by striking aerial and inserting crewed and uncrewed aerial and surface; and

(2)

in subparagraph (G), 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.

(1)

redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsections (d) and (e), respectively; and

(2)

by inserting after subsection (b) the following new subsection:

(c) Use of uncrewed aerial systems

(1) In general

The Assistant Administrator for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and the Assistant Administrator for the Office of Marine and Aviation Operations, whenever practical, shall use uncrewed aerial systems to assess damage and assist recovery after an extreme weather or water event.

(2) Use of systems

The Assistant Administrator for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and the Assistant Administrator for the Office of Marine and Aviation Operations may acquire uncrewed aerial systems and training resources for the regional offices and partners of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for the use and deployment of such systems in storm assessments and response.

(1)

in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by—

(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.; and

(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 every two years for a period of 10 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 specified in 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 until 2030, the Interagency Council shall publish a report which identifies among member departments and agencies specified in subsection (a) the following:

(1)

Federal programs that use meteorological observations, data sources, and capabilities.

(2)

Federal programs that acquire such observations, data, and capabilities 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.

(1) In general

The Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 is amended—

(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:

(1)

in section 106, by striking subsection (c) (15 U.S.C. 1537); and

(2)

in section 108 (15 U.S.C. 8520)—

(1)

by redesignating section 603 as section 604; and

(2)

by inserting after section 602 the following new section:

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.

(e) Sense of congress

It is the sense of Congress that improved precipitation forecasts should support improved water resource management and resilience to extreme water-related events, such as floods and drought, which may include the use of enhanced streamflow prediction.

(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 emerging 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 improve radar coverage and performance and mitigate the effects of interferences on weather radar, such as the following:

(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 system.

(1)

Phased array weather radar systems.

(2)

Supplementing or replacing contaminated data with commercial radar data.

(3)

The use of data from meteorological towers associated with the private sector, or similar capabilities.

(4)

The installation and provision of access to rain gauges.

(5)

Any other technology-based mitigation solution the Under Secretary determines could improve radar coverage by overcoming interferences, beam blockage, or ghost echoes.

(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 under the Program is appropriate.

(1)

September 30, 2030; or

(2)

one year after the date on which the final recommendation required under subsection (d)(2) is submitted by the Under Secretary.

(1) Ghost echo

The term ghost echo means radar signal reflectivity or velocity return errors in radar data due to the proximity of an interference.

(2) Interference

The term interference means any natural or human-built structure that affects a weather radar system, including any wind turbine or building that could disrupt or limit the effectiveness of a weather radar system.

(1)

Develop performance and coverage requirements for the weather radar network of the United States, including the territories of the United States.

(2)

Collaborate with the weather enterprise to determine potential solutions to update the weather radar network of the United States that meets the requirements developed under paragraph (1).

(3)

Develop a plan in accordance with subsection (c).

(1) In general

The Under Secretary shall develop a plan to replace the Next Generation Weather Radar of the National Weather Service system in existence as of the data of the enactment of this Act (in this subsection referred to as the NEXRAD system).

(2) Elements

The plan developed under this subsection shall seek to continue and improve weather radar coverage in the United States and its territories, and include the following:

(3) Procurement deadline

The Under Secretary shall take such actions as may be necessary to ensure the plan developed under this subsection is fully implemented and executed by not later than September 30, 2040.

(1) In general

The Under Secretary may partner or contract with entities outside of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to fill data gaps in weather radar coverage using diverse weather radars and data assimilation technologies in order to accomplish the following:

(2) Considerations

In carrying out paragraph (1), the Under Secretary may consider the following:

(1)

Identifying regions in the United States and the territories of the United States that are under-observed or highly vulnerable to weather impacts that threaten human life, health, and the economy.

(2)

Identifying any challenges that contribute to the lack of operations under paragraph (1).

(3)

Increasing weather observations and developing new weather observational capabilities, such as urban heat island mapping campaigns, with respect to the regions identified under paragraph (1).

(4)

Establishing or supporting testbeds and deployments of decision-support services to Federal, State, and local emergency operations centers to develop and integrate new weather, water, and climate observation or emergency information sharing tools, with respect to the regions identified under paragraph (1).

(5)

To the maximum extent practicable, advancing weather and water forecasting and climate modeling capabilities for the regions identified under paragraph (1).

(6)

Undertaking workforce development efforts for emergency management officials and meteorologists in the regions identified under paragraph (1).

(7)

Using data-void-filling observations to better resolve extreme rainfall in complex topography.

(8)

Contributing to a national integrated heat health information system.

(1)

Establishing atmospheric river forecast skill metrics that include assessing 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 a 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 United States with a focus on addressing stakeholder and public needs related to perceiving, comprehending, and responding to atmospheric river forecast improvements.

(5)

Enhancing the transition of research to operations through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 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.

(6)

Incorporating into atmospheric river modeling and forecasting, as appropriate, social, behavioral, risk, communication, and economic sciences.

(1)

Develop, test, and operationalize prototype high-resolution Atmospheric River Analysis and Forecasting System models through research and operations partnerships with institutions of higher education and other partners outside the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

(2)

Enhance data assimilation of current and new satellite and ocean observations that is useful for atmospheric river analysis and forecasting predictions.

(3)

Improve data processing techniques related to atmospheric river analysis and forecasting predictions.

(4)

Use artificial intelligence and machine learning methods as applicable to atmospheric river analysis and forecasting predictions.

(5)

Ensure the surface and subsurface observations of the ocean meet the needs of atmospheric river analysis and forecasting predictions on different time scales.

(6)

To the maximum extent practicable, improve or establish baseline weather monitoring services in areas that have historically experienced, or are predicted to experience, atmospheric rivers.

(1)

Ensure atmospheric river air reconnaissance observations are available throughout the expected seasons of tropical cyclones and atmospheric rivers.

(2)

To the maximum extent practicable and in accordance with paragraph (4), ensure data and information collected are made available for research and operations purposes.

(3)

Participate in research and operations partnerships that guide flight planning and use research methods to improve and expand the capabilities and effectiveness of atmospheric river reconnaissance over time.

(4)

Develop data management strategies to ensure that data and metadata are adequately stewarded, maintained, and archived.

(5)

Undertake such other additional activities as the Under Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of the Air Force, considers appropriate to improve and grow the hurricane hunter and atmospheric river reconnaissance mission.

(1)

As appropriate, develop and refine methods to categorize the intensity of weather and oceans hazards, including tropical cyclones and atmospheric rivers, on a quantitative scale and the effectiveness of such scale in hazard communication.

(2)

Develop best practices for communication of atmospheric river events and hazards across regions of the United States.

(3)

Gather information from areas prone to hurricanes and atmospheric rivers regarding levels of knowledge and preparedness, including responses to early forecasts and warnings by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

(4)

Explore strategies and effectiveness of communicating that hurricane and atmospheric river events are beneficial at lower intensities versus hazardous at higher intensities.

(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, adapt to, 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 predictive models and re-analyses.

(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 models and, in collaboration with the United States Geological Survey, wave prediction models to enhance probabilistic guidance and messaging.

(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.

(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—

(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 support for the evaluation of a sustained observing network using such instrumentation, into operations that improve the forecasting capabilities of the Aviation Weather Center.

(4)

Developing and deploying improved probabilistic aviation weather forecast guidance technology.

(5)

Updating interagency agreements as appropriate, including to address reimbursable agreements.

(1)

redesignating subparagraphs (F) and (G) as subparagraphs (G) and (H), respectively; and

(2)

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;

(1) Sense of congress

It is the sense of Congress that the aviation weather services provided to the Federal Aviation Administration by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are critical to the functions of the Federal Aviation Administration and the safety of the flying public.

(2) Interagency agreement

The Under Secretary and the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall enter into or otherwise participate in an interagency agreement for a period of not less than five years under which the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration provides weather services to the Federal Aviation Administration.

(3) Briefings

Not less frequently than once per quarter through 2030, the Under Secretary and the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall provide a briefing to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives on the status of the provision by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of weather services to the Federal Aviation Administration and the interagency agreement under paragraph (2).

(1) In general

The Assistant Administrator of the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (in this section referred to as the Assistant Administrator) shall maintain a partnership program to enhance engagement with the private sector, academia, and other Federal departments and agencies (in this section referred to as the partnership program).

(2) Administration

The Assistant Administrator, 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 the partnership program.

(1) In general

To support the development of next-generation technologies, missions, data systems, spacecraft, and instrument design, the Assistant Administrator, 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 this section referred to as the transition program).

(2) Considerations

In selecting awardees for demonstrations under the transition program, the Assistant Administrator shall consider technologies, missions, data systems, spacecraft, and instrument design that accomplish the following:

(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 any relevant capabilities of the existing 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.

(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 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

(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.

(1) In general

The Director of the National Weather Service may designate at least one service coordination 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:

(5) Additional responsibilities

A service coordination hydrologist designated under this subsection may, with respect to hydrology, carry out the following:

(1) In general

The Director of the National Weather Service shall carry out the following:

(2) Sunset

The authority under paragraph (1) shall terminate two years after the date of the enactment of this Act.

(1) Artificial intelligence

The term artificial intelligence—

(2) Artificial intelligence weather model

The term artificial intelligence weather model means a weather model based primarily on artificial intelligence technology to project future Earth system conditions based on machine learning using weather forecasting training datasets.

(3) Curate

The term curate, with respect to a dataset, means the following:

(4) Numerical weather model

The term numerical weather model means a weather model based primarily on coupled Earth system processes that uses numerical computation to forecast future Earth system conditions.

(5) Observational data

The term observational data means data and metadata from actual observations of environmental conditions, including remote sensing and in situ platforms.

(6) Synthetic data

The term synthetic data means data produced from a model or statistical method in order to fill gaps in observational data.

(7) Weather forecasting training dataset

The term weather forecasting training dataset—

(1)

Improve accuracy and timeliness of weather, water, and space weather forecasts and effective dissemination of critical information.

(2)

Strengthen analytic capacity to inform resource deployments in response to and to mitigate harm from weather, water, and space weather hazards through the mandated exploration and use of artificial intelligence by Federal agencies.

(3)

Strengthen public-private partnerships to accelerate adoption and outcomes of the use of artificial intelligence in response to and to mitigate such harm.

(4)

Strengthen public-private partnerships in highly technical, high-risk, and high-reward fields related to weather, water, and space weather forecasts.

(1) Training datasets

Not later than four years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Director of the National Science Foundation, the Director of the National Center for Atmospheric Research, the Interagency Council on Advancing Meteorological Services, other appropriate Federal advisory committees as determined by the Under Secretary, and such other technical experts as the Under Secretary considers appropriate, shall develop and curate comprehensive weather forecasting training datasets with relevant Earth system data, quality information, and metadata necessary for weather forecasting.

(2) Use of existing datasets

In order to speed the development of the weather forecasting training datasets required under paragraph (1), the Under Secretary shall assess, and to the greatest extent practicable build on, existing Earth system reanalysis datasets of the Federal Government.

(3) Artificial intelligence weather model

(4) Use of artificial intelligence to disseminate information

In coordination with an artificial intelligence weather model or models developed under paragraph (3), the Under Secretary may explore the use of artificial intelligence to enhance the dissemination of information with respect to weather and evaluate the effectiveness of communication for improved public understanding and preparedness.

(5) Continued support for observations, basic research, and numerical weather models

Notwithstanding the requirements of this subsection, the Under Secretary shall continue to support and advance the activities of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to carry out the following:

(6) Observing system coverage

In carrying out this subsection, the Under Secretary may evaluate the use of cost functions in data-driven machine learning model training to balance inequities in observing system coverage and data poor areas.

(7) Uncertainty quantification research

In carrying out this subsection, the Under Secretary may develop uncertainty quantification research for the purpose of accurate environmental risk and hazard communications of probabilistic predictions and forecasts.

(8) Report

Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act and not less frequently than every two years thereafter through 2035, 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 activities conducted under this subsection.

(1)

Improving data assimilation.

(2)

Accounting for coupled Earth system processes.

(3)

Using artificial intelligence weather models to generate ensemble forecasts to more accurately assess flow-dependent forecast uncertainties.

(4)

Improving impact-based decision support to diverse users and communities for greater societal benefits based on those forecasts.

(1) In general

The Under Secretary shall provide the following:

(2) Assessment of weather models

(3) Technical assistance

In carrying out this subsection, the Under Secretary may provide technical assistance, best practices, and support required under paragraph (1) through the National Weather Service.

(4) Independent study on the impacts of artificial intelligence weather, water, and space weather models

The Under Secretary may enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences or another entity as determined appropriate by the Under Secretary to assess the impacts of artificial intelligence weather models on the weather enterprise and make recommendations to improve the integration of such models in operational forecasting.

(1) In general

The Under Secretary may explore novel structures for partnerships with private, academic, and international entities for research and development of transformative innovation in weather forecasting and other environmental forecasts to accomplish the following:

(2) Co-investment

Subject to applicable law, the Under Secretary may consider and adopt novel co-investment strategies with the private academic and international sectors to carry out paragraph (1), including the following:

(1) In general

The Under Secretary shall develop and implement a plan to make available to the public, at no cost and subject to applicable law and policy, the following:

(2) Accommodations

In developing and implementing the plan under paragraph (1), the Under Secretary may make such accommodations as the Under Secretary considers appropriate to ensure that the public release of any artificial intelligence weather model, information, documentation, or data pursuant to the plan does not jeopardize the following:

(3) Report

(1)

Using methods to be competitive with salaries outside the Federal Government.

(2)

Developing staff exchange programs and training programs.

(3)

Leveraging diverse hiring strategies.

(1) In general

Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the Under Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, as appropriate, may withhold models or data used under this section if the Under Secretary determines doing so to be necessary to protect the national security interests of the United States.

(2) Rule of construction

Nothing in this section may be construed to supersede any other provision of law governing the protection of the national security interests of the United States.

(1)

An identification of Federal observation capabilities and data gaps related to the composition of Earth’s atmosphere, including the troposphere and stratosphere.

(2)

An analysis of Federal efforts that advance scientific understanding of the effects on the Earth’s radiation budget of direct or indirect actions that may change the composition of Earth’s atmosphere.

(3)

The current and projected use of ground-based, space-based, and maritime-based remote and in situ sensing capabilities, autonomous and manned aerial platforms, and other commercially available technologies and platforms of opportunity to accelerate research and increase observations and monitoring of Earth’s atmosphere.

(4)

Recommendations for the adaptation or expansion of technologies and platforms identified under paragraph (3).

(5)

An identification and prioritization of additional observation and analysis capabilities needed to ensure comprehensive monitoring that detects future changes in atmospheric composition.

(1) Pilot projects

The Under Secretary may conduct pilot projects of atmospheric composition observational systems and platforms, including the following:

(2) Consultation and coordination

The Under Secretary shall consult and coordinate with relevant Federal agencies to develop processes for the appropriate deployment of systems and platforms pursuant to pilot projects required under paragraph (1).

(1)

Purchase of atmospheric composition data from commercial providers,

(2)

Hosting of observational instruments on government or private platforms, and

(3)

Leveraging data from international platforms, as appropriate.

(1)

the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate; and

(2)

the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives.

(1)

Increasing the number of marine-based observations through additional Federal platforms and commercially acquired observations in locations where impacts from marine fog and reduced visibility have major safety and economic impacts, including through the use of the following:

(2)

Advancing geographic coverage, resolution, skill, and accuracy of marine fog modeling, including, when feasible, additional locations and advancements in marine channel forecast capability.

(3)

Improving communication of marine fog advisories by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

(4)

Communicating risks posed by hazardous marine fog events in a way that maximizes informed decisionmaking by the public.

(5)

Providing decision support services based on environmental information that is actionable to the recipient of a marine fog advisory.

(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.

(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.

(1) In general

The Under Secretary shall maintain a hazard risk communication program (in this subsection referred to as the Program), for the purposes of simplifying and improving the communication of hazardous weather and water event risks.

(2) Terminology

The Program shall identify, eliminate, or modify unnecessary, redundant, or confusing terms for hazardous weather and water event communications and add new terminology, as appropriate.

(3) Communications improvement

The Program shall improve the form, content, and methods of hazardous weather and water event communications to more clearly inform action and increase the likelihood that the public takes such action to prevent the loss of life or property.

(4) Evaluations

The Program shall, in coordination with the performance branch of the National Weather Service, develop metrics for such branch to track and evaluate the degree to which hazardous weather and water event communications inform action and encourage response.

(5) Support plan

The Program shall develop a plan for the purpose of supporting the activities described in paragraph (3). The plan shall be periodically updated and informed by internal and extramural research and the results of the evaluation of hazardous weather and water event communications conducted under paragraph (4).

(6) Methods

In carrying out this subsection, the Program shall develop and implement recommendations that satisfy the following:

(7) Coordination

The Program shall coordinate with the following:

(8) Timeliness and consistency

The Program shall develop best practices and guidance for ensuring timely and consistent communication across public facing platforms that disseminate hazardous weather and water event information.

(1)

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.

(2)

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.

(1) In general

The Under Secretary, in coordination with the VORTEX–USA program under section 103 of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8513), as amended by section 103 of this Act, and in collaboration with one or more eligible institutions (or consortia thereof), shall establish a pilot program for tornado hazard communications to test incorporation of research into operations with respect to tornadoes.

(2) Eligible institution defined

In this subsection, the term eligible institution means any of the following:

(1) In general

The Under Secretary, in coordination with the hurricane forecast improvement program under section 104 of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8514), as amended by section 104 of this Act, and in collaboration with one or more eligible institutions (or consortia thereof), shall enter into an agreement with an appropriate entity, as determined by the Under Secretary, to conduct a pilot study using a mixed methods approach, including 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.

(2) Elements

The pilot study under paragraph (1) shall evaluate the following:

(3) Additional criteria

The Under Secretary shall publish the methodology of the pilot study under paragraph (1) on a publicly accessible website of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

(4) Eligible institution defined

In this subsection, the term eligible institution means any of the following:

(1) In general

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.

(2) Elements

In conducting activities under paragraph (1), the Under Secretary shall carry out the following:

(1)

be hosted on the public cloud; and

(2)

satisfy requirements set forth by the Director of the National Weather Service to ensure such solution—

(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.

(4)

Acquire additional transmitters as required to expand coverage to rural and underserved communities, units of the National Park System, and National Recreation Areas.

(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 any relevant system successors, in order to implement partial county notifications and alerts.

(3)

Enhance accessibility and usability of NOAA Weather Radio data and feeds with feedback from relevant stakeholders, including the private sector.

(4)

Develop options, including satellite backup capability and commercial provider partnerships, for NOAA Weather Radio continuity of service 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.

(6)

Transition critical applications to the Integrated Dissemination Program, or any relevant program successors.

(1)

The need for continuous, adequate, and operational real-time broadcasts of the NOAA Weather Radio in both urban and rural areas.

(2)

Input from relevant stakeholders on the compatibility of NOAA Weather Radio data with third-party platforms that provide online services, such as websites and mobile device applications, or provide NOAA Weather Radio access.

(3)

The manner by which existing or new management systems may promote consistent, efficient, and compatible access to NOAA Weather Radio.

(4)

The ability of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to aggregate real-time broadcast feeds at one or more central locations.

(5)

Effective coordination between agencies with responsibilities relating to emergencies and natural disasters.

(6)

The potential effects of an electromagnetic pulse or geomagnetic disturbance on NOAA Weather Radio.

(7)

Any other function or element the Under Secretary considers appropriate.

(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 tactics and procedures and update such 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 underobserved, underserved, or highly vulnerable populations, including by carrying out the following:

(4)

As appropriate, integrate community-based, social, behavioral, risk, communication, and economic sciences elements into existing post-storm surveys and assessments, including elements related to the efficacy of forecast and warning information that was shared with the public, barriers that affected the ability of the public to take action, and any challenges with respect to messaging about the hazardous weather or water event at issue.

(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 determination of the 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 departments and agencies, 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 systems and barriers to obtain or upgrade such systems.

(1)

in subsection (a), by striking , through the National Weather Service and other appropriate weather and climate programs in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,;

(2)

in subsection (b)—

(3)

in subsection (c)—

(4)

by adding at the end the following:

(g) Modeling update

Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this subsection, the Under Secretary, acting through the National Integrated Drought Information System and the Climate Prediction Center of the National Weather Service, shall develop a plan to incorporate existing drought products of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and improved dynamical and statistical forecast modeling tools into probabilistic forecasts.

(1)

Obtain observations to improve understanding of and forecast capabilities for atmospheric, drought, fire, and water events, with a prioritization on leveraging available commercial, academic, and other non-Federal Government environmental data to enhance coordination across the private, public, and academic sectors of the weather enterprise in the United States.

(2)

Establish means to integrate greater density and more types of environmental observations into the Program on an annual basis, including by encouraging local and regional networks of environmental monitoring stations and in situ sensor networks, including soil moisture and ground-based profilers, to participate in the Program.

(3)

Establish memoranda of understanding with networks outside of the scope of the Program in furtherance of this section.

(4)

Coordinate with satellite data and services acquired through the Commercial Data Program under section 302 of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8532), as amended by section 401 of this Act.

(1)

Increase data density by carrying out the following:

(2)

Monitor local meteorological conditions by carrying out the following:

(3)

Administer the Program by carrying out the following:

(1) In general

In furtherance of the Program, in a fiscal year, the Under Secretary may award not less than 15 percent of the amount appropriated for the Program for such fiscal year for financial assistance to State, Tribal, private, and academic entities seeking to build, expand, or upgrade equipment and capacity of mesonet systems.

(2) Other Federal awards

Financial assistance under this subsection may be made in coordination with and in addition to awards from other Federal agencies.

(3) 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.

(4) Assistance and other support

The Under Secretary may provide the following:

(5) 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 support commensurate with the quality and other characteristics of the data to be provided.

(6) Determination

A State, Tribal, private, or academic entity may only receive financial assistance under this subsection if the Under Secretary determines such entity will receive sufficient financial support from non-Federal Government sources and fully maintain the quality of the mesonet system and associated data standards required by the Program for a period of not less than five years.

(7) Priority

The Under Secretary shall prioritize providing assistance under paragraph (1) to not fewer than one entity in a remote area or an area that has a lack of environmental monitoring stations described in subsection (a)(2).

(1) In general

The Under Secretary shall ensure the Program has an active advisory committee of subject matter experts to make recommendations to the Administration on the identification, implementation, procurement, and tracking of data needed to supplement the Program, and recommend improvements, expansions, and acquisitions of available data.

(2) Designation of existing committee

The Under Secretary may designate an existing advisory committee, subcommittee, or working group of the Federal Government, including the Science Advisory Board of the Administration, to carry out the requirement under paragraph (1).

(3) 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.

(1) In general

Not less frequently than annually through 2035, the Under Secretary shall provide regular briefings to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives on all activities under the Program.

(2) Briefing content

Each briefing required under paragraph (1) shall include information relating to the following:

(1)

$50,000,000 for fiscal year 2026.

(2)

$55,000,000 for fiscal year 2027.

(3)

$61,000,000 for fiscal year 2028.

(4)

$68,000,000 for fiscal year 2029.

(5)

$70,000,000 for fiscal year 2030.

(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 decisionmaking.

(A)

in paragraph (1)(A)—

(B)

in paragraph (2), by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:

(F)

Serving as the primary Center within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for research, development, collaboration, and coordination of the water research and forecast activities of the Administration and other centers and networks of the Federal Government, including those of the Department of Agriculture, the Army Corps of Engineers, the Bureau of Reclamation, the United States Geological Survey, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

(G)

Integrating and promoting consistency among national and regional hydrological forecast operations and service delivery.; and

(C)

by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

(3) Incorporation into unified forecast system

The Under Secretary shall use the Weather and Climate Operational Supercomputing System, or any other successor system, to support the development and implementation of advanced water resources modeling capabilities under paragraph (2)(B) and shall incorporate those modeling capabilities into the unified forecast system.;

(1) In general

Section 603 of the Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998 (33 U.S.C. 4001) is amended—

(2) Clerical amendment

The table of contents in section 2 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1998 (Public Law 105–383; 112 Stat. 3412; 136 Stat. 1268) is amended by amending the item relating to section 603 to read as follows:

(3) Conforming amendment

Section 102 of the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Amendments Act of 2004 (33 U.S.C. 4001a) is amended by striking In developing and all that follows through management..

(1)

in subsection (a)—

(2)

in subsection (c)—

(3)

in subsection (d), by striking Except as provided in subsection (h), the and inserting The;

(4)

in subsection (e)—

(5)

by amending subsection (f) to read as follows:

(f) Cooperation; duplication of effort

The Under Secretary shall work cooperatively with and avoid duplication of effort of other agencies on the Task Force and States, Indian tribes, Tribal organizations, Native Hawaiian organizations, and nongovernmental organizations concerned with marine and freshwater issues.; and

(6)

by striking subsection (g), (h), and (i).

(1) In general

Section 603B of the Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998 (33 U.S.C. 4003) is amended to read as follows:

603B. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration activities

(a) In general

The Under Secretary shall carry out the following:

(1)

Carry out response activities for marine, coastal, and Great Lakes harmful algal bloom and hypoxia events.

(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)

Develop forecast modeling that includes the effect of hurricanes and other weather events on the resuspension of bioavailable nutrients in sediments and related interactions with harmful algal blooms.

(4)

Enhance communication and coordination among Federal agencies carrying out activities and research relating to marine and freshwater harmful algal bloom and hypoxia.

(5)

Leverage existing resources and expertise available from local research universities and institutions.

(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 National Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System established under section 12304 of such Act (33 U.S.C. 3603).

(2) Clerical amendment

The table of contents in section 2 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1998 (Public Law 105–383; 112 Stat. 3412; 136 Stat. 1268) is amended by striking the item relating to section 603B and inserting the following new item:

(1) In general

The Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998 is amended by inserting after section 603B (33 U.S.C. 4003) the following new section:

603C. Environmental Protection Agency activities

(a) In general

The Administrator shall carry out the following:

(1)

Carry out research on the ecology and human health impacts of freshwater harmful algal blooms and hypoxia events.

(2)

Develop and enhance operational freshwater harmful algal bloom monitoring, observing, and forecasting programs in lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, and coordinate with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on such programs in the Great Lakes and estuaries (including tributaries thereof), including operational observations and forecasting, monitoring, modeling, data management, and information dissemination, to support event response, prioritization, prevention, adaptation, and mitigation activities.

(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 Federal and State partners and local research universities and institutions.

(5)

Utilize cost-effective methods in carrying out this section.

(b) Nonduplication

The Administrator shall ensure that activities carried out under subsection (a) 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.

(2) Clerical amendment

The table of contents in section 2 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1998 (Public Law 105–383; 112 Stat. 3412; 136 Stat. 1268) is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 603B the following new item:

(1) In general

Section 606 of the Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998 (33 U.S.C. 4005) is amended to read as follows:

606. National harmful algal bloom observing network

(a) In general

The Under Secretary, acting through the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science and the Integrated Ocean Observing System of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, shall integrate Federal, State, regional, and local observing capabilities to establish a national network of observing systems for the monitoring, detection, and forecasting of harmful algal blooms by leveraging the capacity of regional associations of the Integrated Ocean Observing System, including through the incorporation of emerging technologies and new data integration methods.

(b) Coordination and data assembly

In carrying out subsection (a), the Program Office of the Integrated Ocean Observing System shall carry out the following:

(1)

Coordinate with the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science regarding observations, data integration, and information dissemination.

(2)

Organize, integrate, disseminate, and provide a central architecture to support ecological forecasting of harmful algal blooms.

(3)

Coordinate with the Water Quality Portal to store and serve discrete data related to the monitoring of freshwater, estuarine, and coastal harmful algal blooms.

(2) Clerical amendment

The table of contents in section 2 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1998 (Public Law 105–383; 112 Stat. 3412; 136 Stat. 1268) is amended by striking the item relating to section 606 and inserting the following:

(1) In general

The Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998 is amended by inserting after section 606 (33 U.S.C. 4005) the following new section:

606A. National-level incubator program

(a) In general

The Under Secretary, in collaboration with the Administrator and research universities and institutions, shall establish a national-level incubator program (in this section referred to as the program) to increase the number of strategies, technologies, and measures available to prevent, mitigate, and control harmful algal blooms.

(b) Framework

The program shall establish a framework for preliminary assessments of novel strategies, technologies, and measures to prevent, mitigate, and control harmful algal blooms in order to determine the potential effectiveness and scalability of such technologies.

(c) Funding

The program shall provide merit-based funding, using amounts otherwise available to the Under Secretary for the award of grants, for strategies, technologies, and measures that eliminate or reduce, through biological, chemical, or physical means, the levels of harmful algae and associated toxins resulting from harmful algal blooms.

(d) Database

The program shall include a database for cataloging the licensing and permitting requirements, economic costs, feasibility, effectiveness, and scalability of novel and established strategies, technologies, and measures to prevent, mitigate, and control harmful algal blooms.

(e) Prioritization

In carrying out the program, the Under Secretary shall prioritize proposed strategies, technologies, and measures that would, to the maximum extent practicable, accomplish the following:

(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.

(5)

Benefit low-income communities, Indian tribes, and rural communities.

(2) Clerical amendment

The table of contents in section 2 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1998 (Public Law 105–383; 112 Stat. 3412; 136 Stat. 1268) is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 606 the following new item:

(1)

in paragraph (1), by striking means the comprehensive research plan and action strategy established under section 603B and inserting means the action strategy for harmful algal blooms in the United States most recently submitted under section 603(c);

(2)

by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows:

(3) Harmful algal bloom

The term harmful algal bloom means a high concentration of marine or freshwater algae (including diatoms), macroalgae (including Sargassum), or cyanobacteria resulting in nuisance conditions or harmful impacts on marine and freshwater ecosystems, subsistence resources, communities, or human health through the production of toxic compounds or other biological, chemical, or physical impacts of the bloom.;

(3)

by striking paragraph (9);

(4)

by redesignating paragraphs (4), (5), (6), (7), and (8) as paragraphs (5), (8), (9), (11), and (13), respectively;

(5)

by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new paragraph:

(4) 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.;

(6)

in paragraph (5), as redesignated by paragraph (4)—

(7)

by inserting after paragraph (5), as redesignated by paragraph (4), the following new paragraphs:

(6) Indian tribe

The term Indian tribe has the meaning given such term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).

(7) Native Hawaiian organization

The term Native Hawaiian organization has the meaning given such term in section 6207 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7517) and includes the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.;

(8)

by inserting after paragraph (9), as redesignated by paragraph (4), the following new paragraph:

(10) 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.; and

(9)

by inserting after paragraph (11), as redesignated by paragraph (4), the following new paragraph:

(12) Tribal organization

The term Tribal organization has the meaning given such term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).

(1)

by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:

(a) In general

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title, for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030, the following:

(1)

$19,500,000 to the Under Secretary.

(2)

$8,000,000 to the Administrator.; and

(2)

by adding at the end the following new subsection:

(c) Transfer authority

As specifically provided in advance in appropriations Acts, the Under Secretary or the Administrator may transfer funds made available to carry out this title 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 and section 9(g) of the National Integrated Drought Information System Reauthorization Act of 2018 (33 U.S.C. 4010).

(1)

in paragraph (1)—

(2)

in paragraph (2)—

(3)

in paragraph (3), by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:

(D) Indian Tribe

The term Indian Tribe has the meaning given that term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).

(E) Native Hawaiian organization

The term Native Hawaiian organization has the meaning given that term in section 6207 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7517) and includes the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

(F) Tribal organization

The term Tribal organization has the meaning given that term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).; and

(4)

by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

(4) Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030, to remain available until expended.

(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.

(A)

Duration.

(B)

Intensity.

(C)

Season length.

(D)

Frequency.

(1) In general

In order to carry out and achieve the purpose described in subsection (b), the Committee shall include the following:

(2) Selection of representatives

The head of an agency specified in paragraph (1)(B) shall, in appointing representatives of the agency to the Committee, select representatives who have expertise in areas relevant to the responsibilities of the Committee, such as weather prediction, health impacts, behavioral science, public health hazard preparedness and response, or mental health services.

(3) Co-chairs

(1)

Developing the strategic plan required by subsection (e).

(2)

Coordinating across Federal agencies regarding heat-health communication, engagement, research, service delivery, and workforce development.

(3)

Building capacity and partnerships with Federal and non-Federal entities.

(1) In general

Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Committee shall submit to Congress and make available on a public website a 5-year strategic plan that outlines the goals and projects of the Committee, including how the Committee will improve coordination and integration of interagency Federal capacity and capabilities to address health risks of heat, including the following:

(2) Implementation

The head of an agency represented on the Committee may implement the portions of the strategic plan required under paragraph (1) that are relevant to such agency.

(3) Updates

Not later than five years after the submission of the strategic plan required five paragraph (1) and every five years thereafter, the Committee shall brief Congress on an update of the plan, which shall include progress made toward goals outlined in the previous plan and new priorities that emerge.

(1)

regional, State, Tribal, and local governments;

(2)

international organizations and partners;

(3)

research institutions;

(4)

nongovernmental organizations and associations;

(5)

medical experts with expertise in emergency response; and

(6)

environmental health, economic or business development, or other stakeholders.

(1)

Improving the delivery of data, information, forecasts, warnings, predictions, and projections related to temperature and extreme heat and related impacts.

(2)

Through the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, developing science-based solutions and tools to improve impact-based decision support services for heat impacts to human life, property, and the United States economy.

(3)

Supporting a research program on heat health, in coordination with the agencies represented on the National Integrated Heat Health Information System Interagency Committee.

(1) Availability

The data and metadata associated with the System shall be fully and openly available, within the legal right to redistribute, in accordance with chapter 31 of title 44, United States Code (commonly known as the Federal Records Act of 1950), and the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018 (Public Law 115–435;132 Stat. 5529) and the amendments made by such Act, to maximize use of such data to support the goals of the System.

(2) National Centers for Environmental Information

(1)

by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as paragraphs (4) and (5), respectively; and

(2)

by inserting before paragraph (4) (as so redesignated) the following new paragraphs:

(1) Atmospheric river

The term atmospheric river means a transient corridor of strong water vapor in the atmosphere that—

(A)

produces significant quantities of rain or snow; and

(B)

may be primarily beneficial to the water supply or hazardous due to flooding.

(2) Atmospheric river flooding event

The term atmospheric river flooding event means an atmospheric river that—

(A)

results in flooding of rivers and streams or other hazards to human life, property, or the economy; and

(B)

is of particular concern to human health, property, and the economy, as determined by the Secretary of Commerce.

(3) Extreme precipitation event

The term extreme precipitation event means precipitation quantities exceeding the 5-year annual recurrence interval for a specific location.

(1)

by redesignating paragraphs (4) through (11) as paragraphs (7), (8), (10), (11), (13), (14), (15), and (16), respectively;

(2)

by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new paragraphs:

(4) Atmospheric river

The term atmospheric river has the meaning given the term in section 12(a) of the Flood Level Observation, Operations, and Decision Support Act (15 U.S.C. 9707(a)).

(5) Atmospheric river flooding event

The term atmospheric river flooding event has the meaning given the term in section 12(a) of the Flood Level Observation, Operations, and Decision Support Act (15 U.S.C. 9707(a)).

(6) Extreme precipitation event

The term extreme precipitation event has the meaning given the term in section 12(a) of the Flood Level Observation, Operations, and Decision Support Act (15 U.S.C. 9707(a)).;

(3)

by inserting after paragraph (8) (as so redesignated) the following new paragraph:

(9) Institution of higher education

The term institution of higher education has the meaning given the term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)).;

(4)

by inserting after paragraph (11) (as so redesignated) the following new paragraph:

(12) Native Hawaiian organization

The term Native Hawaiian organization has the meaning given the term in section 6207 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7517), except that the term includes the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.; and

(5)

by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

(17) Tribal organization

The term Tribal organization has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).

(1) Establishment

Section 3(a)(3) of the National Landslide Preparedness Act (43 U.S.C. 3102(a)(3)) is amended by striking protect and inserting contribute to protecting.

(2) Program activities

Section 3(b)(1)(C)(ii) of the National Landslide Preparedness Act (43 U.S.C. 3102(b)(1)(C)(ii)) is amended, in the matter preceding subclause (I), by striking implement and inserting disseminate.

(3) National strategy

Section 3(b)(2) of the National Landslide Preparedness Act (43 U.S.C. 3102(b)(2)) is amended—

(4) National landslide hazards database

Section 3(b)(3) of the National Landslide Preparedness Act (43 U.S.C. 3102(b)(3)) is amended—

(5) Landslide hazard and risk preparedness for communities

Section 3(b)(4) of the National Landslide Preparedness Act (43 U.S.C. 3102(b)(4)) is amended—

(6) Debris flow early warning system

Section 3(b)(5) of the National Landslide Preparedness Act (43 U.S.C. 3102(b)(5)) is amended—

(7) Emergency response activities

Section 3(b)(6) of the National Landslide Preparedness Act (43 U.S.C. 3102(b)(6)) is amended—

(8) Interagency coordinating committee on landslide hazards

Section 3(c)(2) of the National Landslide Preparedness Act (43 U.S.C. 3102(c)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:

(J)

The Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

(9) Advisory committee

Section 3(d)(2)(B) of the National Landslide Preparedness Act (43 U.S.C. 3102(d)(2)(B)) is amended—

(10) Regional partnerships

Section 3 of the National Landslide Preparedness Act (43 U.S.C. 3102) is amended—