Bill · S. 322· Senate(119-S-322)
Improving Atmospheric River Forecasts Act
- Introduced
- 1/29/2025
- Last activity
- 1/29/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S484-485)
- Sponsored by
- Alex Padilla
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Improving Atmospheric River Forecasts Act aims to improve the timing, precision, and sharing of atmospheric river forecasts across the United States. It establishes an atmospheric river forecast improvement program led by the Under Secretary in collaboration with the weather enterprise and higher education. This program focuses on creating better forecasts and warnings to reduce the loss of life, property, and economic damage. Key actions include improving modeling for precipitation, particularly in complex terrain, and enhancing atmospheric river reconnaissance through aircraft and equipment. Additionally, the bill seeks to improve how hazards are communicated to the public. The Under Secretary must develop and submit a detailed program plan within 270 days of enactment.
Yes· 3 of 11
Would farmers be better off under this?+2
Improved precipitation and water resource modeling directly benefits agricultural planning and water security.
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+2
Enhanced water resource management and weather monitoring benefit rural communities prone to floods and droughts.
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+2
The program enhances the ability to monitor and respond to weather-related environmental risks like coastal erosion and floods.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Reduction in loss of life and property: The program seeks to develop more accurate and actionable forecasts and warnings to reduce deaths and property damage caused by atmospheric rivers (Section 2(b)).
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Improved water resource management: Enhanced modeling for precipitation is intended to support better management of water resources and increase resilience to extreme water-related events, such as floods and droughts (Section 2(d)(2)).
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Better communication of hazards: The bill includes research to refine how the intensity of atmospheric rivers is categorized and how these hazards are communicated across different regions (Section 2(f)).
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Enhanced public safety through reconnaissance: By acquiring and sustaining aircraft and equipment, the program ensures mission requirements for high-impact weather, fire weather research, and coastal erosion reconnaissance are met (Section 2(e)(1)(B)).
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Comprehensive coverage for the West Coast: The mandate to maintain at least one atmospheric river observatory in every State along the West Coast, including Alaska, ensures more comprehensive coverage of the region (Section 2(e)(1)(F)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts are explicitly stated in the text provided.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Farmers+2Good For Rural Residents+2Good For Low Income Households+1Good For Urban Residents+1
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Disaster Relief And F E M A+2Improves Environmental Protections+2Improves Rural Development+1
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Economic Growth+2
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+2
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+1
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Affordable Housing+1
- 1/29/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S484-485)
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Lisa MurkowskiRepublican · Alaska