Bill · H.R. 1115· House(119-HR-1115)
Weather Radar Coverage Improvement Act
- Introduced
- 2/7/2025
- Last activity
- 2/7/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- Sponsored by
- Eric Crawford
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Weather Radar Coverage Improvement Act aims to develop the next generation of weather radar and authorize supplemental coverage to fill gaps. The Under Secretary is tasked with creating a plan to replace the current NEXRAD system by September 30, 2040. This plan includes developing a digital phased array radar prototype and establishing a testbed for evaluating various radar technologies. The act also allows the Director of the National Weather Service to contract with third-party entities to supplement radar coverage. Additionally, weather camera systems may be used to help fill coverage gaps. The Under Secretary must provide periodic updates to specific Congressional committees regarding these efforts.
Yes
Does this put more money into scientific research?+6
The bill authorizes the development of a digital phased array radar prototype and a weather surveillance testbed.
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+5
The bill specifically addresses using small, gap-filling radars in difficult geographical regions often found in rural areas.
Does this invest in rural communities?+5
The bill provides for technical assistance to use small radars in regions where geography makes it hard to use larger systems, which benefits rural areas.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Improved Weather Detection: The plan requires estimates of improvements in coverage and accuracy to replace the current NEXRAD system (Section 2(a) and Section 2(c)(1)). This could lead to better tracking of weather events.
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Filling Coverage Gaps: The Director of the National Weather Service may contract with third-party entities to fill existing radar gaps to better detect significant precipitation and severe weather across a greater area (Section 2(d)(1)).
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Addressing Geographical Challenges: The establishment of a testbed provides technical assistance for using small, gap-filling radars in regions where geography makes it hard to use larger systems (Section 2(c)(3)(B)).
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Expert Input: The plan requires soliciting input from meteorologists, emergency managers, and public safety officials to help determine the specifications for the new radar system (Section 2(c)(4)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts or burdens are explicitly mentioned in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+6
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Rural Residents+5
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+5
- 2/7/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Nathaniel MoranRepublican · Texas