WASHINGTON, D. C. – Congressman Frank Lucas – former House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman – reintroduced comprehensive legislation to support substantial improvements in weather forecasting and prediction of highimpact weather events.
The Weather Act Reauthorization builds off the successful implementation of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act, which President Trump signed into law in 2017. It not only reauthorizes critical research programs, but also establishes new programs to advance forecasting, expand commercial data partnerships, strengthen emergency preparedness, and advance tools for farmers, ranchers, and resource managers.
'Whether you work in agriculture or on Main Street, weather conditions have an acute effect on all of us. From my time as the Science Committee Chairman to my time spent on the farm, I’ve seen firsthand that accurate and reliable weather forecasting is crucial for the day-today lives of Americans nationwide. This legislation will help citizens across the country, from telling us when to put rain boots on before work to when we need to shelter from a tornado,' said Lucas.
Highlights of the Weather Act Reauthorization include improved severe weather forecasting by modernizing the critical research programs, including tornado warning capabilities and hurricane forecasting capacity.