Bill > S613

This bill requires the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere to maintain and expand the National Mesonet Program, a comprehensive environmental monitoring initiative designed to improve weather forecasting and understanding of atmospheric events. The program aims to enhance data collection by integrating observations from commercial, academic, and non-federal sources, with a focus on increasing the density and types of environmental monitoring, including soil moisture, ground-based sensors, and local weather stations. The bill mandates establishing partnerships with various networks, coordinating with satellite data services, and prioritizing the collection of data that can improve weather predictions, severe weather warnings, and emergency response capabilities. The program will provide financial and technical assistance to state, tribal, private, and academic entities to build and upgrade environmental monitoring systems, with at least 15% of annual program funds dedicated to such support. An advisory committee of experts will guide the program's development, and the Under Secretary must provide annual briefings to congressional committees detailing the program's progress, including efforts to address data gaps and potential emerging weather monitoring needs. The bill authorizes progressively increasing funding from $50 million in fiscal year 2025 to $70 million in fiscal year 2029 to support these objectives.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/613/all-info