Protecting Coasts and Cities from Severe Weather Act
Sponsored By: Representative Kean
Introduced
Summary
better coastal flood and storm surge forecasting would be the core aim of the Protecting Coasts and Cities from Severe Weather Act. The bill would create a program run by the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere to improve forecasts, expand observations, and deliver actionable probabilistic guidance to reduce loss of life and property from coastal flooding, high tide flooding, and storm surge.
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- Coastal households and local planners would get probabilistic inundation estimates and improved messaging to support quicker warnings and better long-term risk planning.
- Emergency managers, States, Tribal governments, and localities would gain expanded observations, impact-based decision-support services, and pilot projects to link localized weather data to infrastructure and emergency decisions in coordination with FEMA and the National Weather Service.
- Researchers and the U.S. weather industry would test innovative sensors, hybrid dynamical and machine-learning models, and new observation platforms, and the program must produce a plan within 180 days and submit proposed budgets to Congress annually.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Better coastal flood and surge forecasts
The Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere would set up a program to improve coastal flood and storm-surge forecasts. It would use real-time ocean data, new sensors, and probabilistic risk estimates for long-term planning, in coordination with FEMA and USGS. The program would test advanced models and new observation methods to cut risk to life and property. A program plan would be due within 180 days of enactment, and a budget request would be sent to Congress at least once a year.
Local weather data pilots for infrastructure
The Under Secretary, through the National Weather Service and FEMA, would form a partnership to run pilot projects using local weather data in decisions. At least one pilot would tackle scientific hurdles with mesonet data. It would build tools and training for owners and operators of critical infrastructure, like dams, power systems, nuclear plants, and transportation networks.
More weather coverage in high-risk areas
The Under Secretary, with the National Weather Service and FEMA, would target places with poor data or high weather risk. They would add observations and new capabilities, like urban heat island mapping, and deploy decision tools for emergency centers. They would train emergency and weather staff, improve extreme rainfall detail in complex terrain, and support a national heat-health information system.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Kean
NJ • R
Cosponsors
Rep. Gillen, Laura [D-NY-4]
NY • D
Sponsored 10/10/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov