Weather Act Reauthorization Act of 2025
Sponsored By: Representative Lucas
Introduced
Summary
This bill would modernize NOAA by prioritizing and funding improvements to forecasting, observations, and warnings to better protect lives, property, and the economy. It would set program directions and multi‑year funding for weather research, tsunami/hurricane/tornado programs, data sharing, and new commercial data purchases.
Show full summary
- Families and coastal communities: stronger tsunami, hurricane, and coastal‑flooding forecasting and updated inundation maps aim to give earlier, clearer warnings and decision support for evacuation and recovery. The tsunami title includes $30.0 million per year for 2026–2030.
- Emergency managers and forecasters: directs cloud migration of AWIPS, upgrades to NOAA Weather Radio and alert tools, expanded forecaster training, and a VORTEX‑USA tornado program with at least $11.0 million per year for 2026–2030 to improve tornado lead times.
- Researchers, the private sector, and local networks: creates a $100.0 million per year Commercial Data Program (FY2026–2030), a National Mesonet Program with rising annual authorizations, data standards, and requirements to make operational AI weather models and datasets accessible for testing.
*Authorizes multi‑year appropriations across NOAA programs, including explicit annual amounts for research, commercial data purchases, mesonet support, and tsunami activities for FY2026–2030.*
Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
28 provisions identified: 27 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Better seasonal forecasts for farms and water
If enacted, NOAA would expand work on 2‑week to season forecasts for temperature and rain. It would run at least two pilot projects: one for water managers in drought‑prone, reservoir‑dependent areas, and one for agriculture in the central U.S. Projects would tackle tough modeling and observation gaps, like complex terrain, soil moisture, and warm‑season rain.
Funding for NOAA weather research
If enacted, the bill would authorize yearly funding for NOAA’s Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research through FY2030. For example, FY2026 would be $163.794 million, including set amounts for labs, the U.S. Weather Research Program, tornado and radar research, and a joint technology transfer effort. The authorization specifies the totals and suballocations for FY2026–FY2030.
Modernize NOAA forecasts and data systems
If enacted, NOAA would plan to move its main forecasting system (AWIPS) to the cloud by September 30, 2030 and give Congress updates. It would build public, cloud‑ready research models and a central Data Lake for forecast data. NOAA could fund reanalysis and reforecasting to improve extreme weather skill and AI training datasets. The bill would require NOAA to compare federal and commercial observing options, report within one year on an early‑morning polar satellite, and buy commercial data when cost‑effective. It would allow multi‑year contracts for cloud and high‑performance computing and for observations, and fund a $1 million study to improve NOAA data practices.
More commercial weather data for forecasts
This bill would expand NOAA’s use of commercial and partner data to improve forecasts. It would authorize $100 million each year for FY2026–FY2030 and require data standards within 180 days, with at least 15% for pilot buys. NESDIS would get $20 million a year (FY2026–FY2030) to run partnerships and move new satellite tech toward use. NOAA could test ship-based observing, buy atmospheric composition data, and host instruments, with reports due within five years. NOAA would set open data and API standards and store archived data at the National Centers for Environmental Information.
More local weather stations and tools
The bill would grow the National Mesonet Program to add more local weather and drought observations. It would authorize $50 million (FY2026), $55 million (FY2027), $61 million (FY2028), $68 million (FY2029), and $70 million (FY2030), with at least 15% each year for financial assistance to state, Tribal, private, and academic partners. It would also target under‑observed and vulnerable areas, run pilots with FEMA, and help critical infrastructure owners use mesonet data.
Stronger warnings and water forecasts nationwide
If enacted, NOAA would make protecting life and property a top priority and better coordinate forecasts and communications. It would expand and maintain NOAA Weather Radio, add transmitters for rural and underserved areas and parks, and improve repairs and non‑weather emergency messages. It would also elevate the National Water Center to lead federal water research and forecasting into operations, improving flood and drought warnings.
Tsunami program funding and panel sunset
If enacted, the tsunami program would be authorized at $30 million a year for FY2026–FY2030. Each year, at least 27% must fund State‑level mitigation work and at least 8% must fund tsunami research. The bill would also end the Tsunami Science and Technology Advisory Panel within six years of enactment.
Better drought and soil moisture tools
The bill would require a one‑year plan to add better drought models to probabilistic forecasts. It would authorize NIDIS funding of $15.0 million (FY2026), $15.5 million (FY2027), $16.0 million (FY2028), $16.5 million (FY2029), and $17.0 million (FY2030). It would also build a National Soil Moisture Network with more stations, national products, and a public website to help farms and water managers.
Better forecasts for heavy rain
This would create and expand programs to improve forecasts for extreme rain and atmospheric rivers. NOAA would set goals, use testbeds, and send annual budget proposals for these efforts. It would support better models, data management, computing, and probabilistic guidance, and move research into operations.
Clearer warnings and safer alerts
This bill would improve how NOAA communicates risks from dangerous weather and water. It would simplify terms, set metrics to prompt protective action, and build a central repository for public response data. NOAA would develop methods to reduce tampering with online alerts, such as digital watermarks. The bill would also fund pilots and research, including tornado and hurricane communication studies, and support decision tools for emergency centers.
Faster post‑storm surveys with drones
NOAA would conduct post‑storm surveys after major weather or water events and make data public as soon as practicable. Surveys would study impacts on vulnerable communities and include staff training and counseling. NOAA and partners would use uncrewed aircraft when practical to assess damage and help recovery, and could buy drones and fund training for regions and partners. The bill would also speed some information collection for this work.
Modernize NWS tools, radios, and chat
The bill would let the National Weather Service test new services, such as cloud data, onsite support for emergencies, and probabilistic messaging, for two years. It would modernize NOAA Weather Radio with internet‑based links, better software, stronger backups (including satellite), and improved access. NWS would replace NWSChat with a commercial cloud tool by October 1, 2027 that scales to more users and is easier to use.
More computing, research, and testbeds
NOAA would publish a 10‑year computing and data plan within one year and update it every five years through 2035. It would build forecasting training datasets within four years and issue a research‑to‑operations plan within two years, then at least every two years. NOAA and the Department of Energy would report within two years on the value and computing needs of high‑resolution forecasts. The bill would also back interagency testbeds and workforce efforts, and authorize $50.3 million each year (FY2026–FY2030) for subseasonal‑to‑seasonal forecasts.
More funding for tornado research grants
If enacted, the VORTEX‑USA program would receive $11 million each year for FY2026–FY2030. At least $2 million a year would go to prioritized research grants, which may favor minority‑serving colleges. The work aims to lengthen tornado lead times and move from warn‑on‑detection to warn‑on‑forecast.
More planning and grants on toxic algae
If enacted, the harmful algal blooms Task Force would add the Energy Department and issue an action plan at least every five years. The bill would authorize $2 million a year for FY2026–FY2030 for this work. It would also allow waiving cost‑shares when recipients cannot meet them and let the federal government fund States, Tribes, and others to assess health, economic, and environmental impacts of major algae or hypoxia events.
New council to coordinate weather services
If enacted, a new interagency council co‑chaired by the science advisor and NOAA would set shared weather research and service goals. It would ask private companies for updated data inventory every two years for ten years. It would report to Congress each year until 2030.
Open heat‑health data and a 5‑year plan
The bill would make heat‑health data from NIHHIS open and shareable within legal rules, and store it at the National Centers for Environmental Information. NOAA would designate at least one warning coordination meteorologist at NCEI. The NIHHIS Committee would publish a five‑year plan within two years to improve data coordination, user services, and financing for heat preparedness, and update Congress every five years.
Plan to replace weather radar
This would create a Radar Next Program to plan the NEXRAD replacement, with a plan due in 270 days and implementation by September 30, 2040. It would test phased array and commercial radars, and allow “Radar‑as‑a‑Service” to fill coverage gaps. A separate R&D program would identify and test fixes for radar interference within 180 days, report to Congress in two years, and continue annual reports until the program ends by 2030.
Smarter drought tracking and decision tools
If enacted, the drought system would add goals to use AI, cloud tools, and stronger observation networks. It would refine drought indicators, fill data gaps like snowpack, soil moisture, and groundwater, and improve tools for local decisions. It would also better link NOAA drought monitoring, forecasting, and water management.
Stronger aviation weather data and services
NOAA and FAA would sign a weather services agreement for at least five years, with quarterly briefings to Congress through 2030. NOAA would also run an airborne observation program to collect weather data from planes and analyze its forecast impact. Up to $10 million each year (FY2026–FY2030) could support this airborne program, and NOAA would submit annual budget requests.
Stronger coastal flood and tsunami alerts
The bill would create a national program to improve coastal flood and storm surge forecasts, with a plan due in 180 days and yearly budget proposals. It would coordinate with FEMA to provide probabilistic estimates for long‑term planning. NOAA would review tsunami watches and warnings, report to Congress within two years, and make validated improvements that consider vulnerable groups. It would also launch a coastal marine fog project, with a one‑year plan to add observations and improve models and advisories.
Stronger landslide risk planning and data
If enacted, the landslide program would add new stakeholders, including Tribal and Native Hawaiian organizations, and add NASA to coordination. The hazards database would expand to cover risks from atmospheric rivers, extreme rain, thawing permafrost, and glacial retreat. The next national strategy must assess landslide risks tied to heavy rain and atmospheric rivers.
More NOAA transparency and partnerships
NOAA would send Congress a ranked list of unfunded priorities within 15 days after each President’s budget, with descriptions and cost estimates. The Under Secretary could offer technical help and data to states that choose to write state climate or weather assessments. NOAA could also partner with other countries’ weather services to co‑develop observing instruments.
Easier hiring and gear for Arctic weather
If enacted, the Commerce Department could hire people for Arctic meteorology outside some civil service rules, with pay up to the top of GS‑12. Federal workers who take Arctic observations could get extra pay. The military could transfer surplus equipment for Arctic weather stations to the NWS, with Presidential approval and at no charge.
NOAA help for Pacific Islands region
If enacted, NOAA could provide technical help to Pacific Island parties using existing regional programs and sites. This help would depend on available funding and the Secretary’s decisions, in consultation with the State Department. NOAA may consider forming a cooperative institute to advise on regional needs.
National system to reduce heat harms
If enacted, NOAA would create a National Integrated Heat Health Information System. An interagency committee would meet at least quarterly to guide tools and decision support. The bill would authorize $5 million each year for FY2026–FY2030 to run the system and committee.
NWS hiring goals and hydrologist roles
If enacted, the NWS would file annual plans to speed hiring and onboarding and set service standards. It could study health impacts from rotating shifts. The NWS Director could name at least one service coordination hydrologist at each Weather Forecast Office, without increasing the total authorized staff count.
Train more students in data assimilation
If enacted, NOAA would create a program and a university consortium to test and advance data assimilation, including AI and machine learning. It would train more graduate students, including Ph.D. candidates, coordinate with existing centers, and help move research into operations. Members would be able to archive and access data.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Lucas
OK • R
Cosponsors
Lofgren
CA • D
Sponsored 6/6/2025
Franklin, Scott
FL • R
Sponsored 6/6/2025
Bonamici
OR • D
Sponsored 6/6/2025
Weber (TX)
TX • R
Sponsored 6/6/2025
Stevens
MI • D
Sponsored 6/6/2025
Miller (OH)
OH • R
Sponsored 6/6/2025
Ross
NC • D
Sponsored 6/6/2025
Bice
OK • R
Sponsored 6/6/2025
Lee (PA)
PA • D
Sponsored 6/6/2025
Fleischmann
TN • R
Sponsored 6/6/2025
Frost
FL • D
Sponsored 6/6/2025
Tenney
NY • R
Sponsored 6/6/2025
Feenstra
IA • R
Sponsored 6/6/2025
Crawford
AR • R
Sponsored 6/6/2025
Flood
NE • R
Sponsored 6/6/2025
Kean
NJ • R
Sponsored 6/17/2025
Moore (NC)
NC • R
Sponsored 6/17/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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