Protecting Coasts and Cities from Severe Weather Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 3771
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Science, Technology, Communications
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-06-05: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- Last Updated
- 2025-10-11T08:05:20Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Protecting Coasts and Cities from Severe Weather Act (H.R. 3771) aims to enhance the observation, understanding, and forecasting of coastal flooding (including high tide flooding) and storm surge events. It seeks to fill gaps in weather data collection in highly vulnerable U.S. regions to reduce risks to human life, health, property, and the economy through better predictions, warnings, and community preparedness.
Key Provisions
- Coastal Flooding and Storm Surge Forecast Improvement Program (Section 2):
- Establishes a program led by the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere (head of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA), in partnership with the U.S. weather industry and academic institutions.
- Focuses on developing accurate, actionable forecasts and warnings to minimize losses from coastal flooding and storm surges.
- Priorities include:
- Improving real-time predictions of ocean influences on flooding.
- Enhancing community ability to understand and respond to forecasts for mitigation and adaptation.
- Integrating data from ground-based sensors (in situ distributed sensors) into models.
- Creating probabilistic (likelihood-based) flood estimates for planning, alongside worst-case scenarios, in coordination with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
- Developing metrics to measure improvements in forecasting from advanced modeling, data integration, and machine learning.
- Upgrading regional storm surge and wave prediction models, collaborating with the U.S. Geological Survey.
- Requires testing innovative technologies, such as new sensors, uncrewed systems (e.g., drones), and instruments on commercial aircraft or satellites.
- Mandates a detailed program plan within 180 days of enactment, including research, data acquisition, timelines, and resources; followed by annual budget proposals to Congress.
- Addressing Data Gaps in Vulnerable Areas (Section 3):
- Directs NOAA, the National Weather Service (NWS), and FEMA to identify under-observed or high-risk regions in the U.S. and its territories, including challenges like sparse data coverage.
- Activities include:
- Expanding weather observations, such as mapping urban heat islands (areas where cities trap heat, worsening weather impacts).
- Creating test sites (testbeds) for new tools in emergency operations centers.
- Advancing forecasting and climate modeling for these areas.
- Training emergency officials and meteorologists.
- Improving rainfall predictions in complex terrain and contributing to a national heat health information system.
- Establishes an interagency partnership for pilot projects to integrate local weather data into infrastructure and emergency decisions.
- At least one pilot must focus on using mesonet data (networks of ground sensors for weather monitoring) for critical infrastructure like dams, power plants, and transportation, including new tools and training.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Introduces a new dedicated program for coastal flooding and storm surge forecasting, building on but expanding the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 by emphasizing ocean roles, probabilistic modeling, and innovative technologies.
- Mandates new interagency coordination and pilot projects to address data voids, which were not previously required at this scale, promoting equitable coverage in underserved areas.
- Requires ongoing planning, budgeting, and evaluation metrics, shifting from ad-hoc efforts to structured, accountable federal initiatives.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: NOAA, NWS, and FEMA will face increased responsibilities for coordination, research, and pilot projects, potentially requiring additional funding and resources; could improve operational efficiency in weather services and emergency response.
- Citizens: Residents in coastal and vulnerable areas (e.g., urban or topographically complex regions) may benefit from earlier warnings, better risk assessments, and enhanced preparedness, reducing flood-related deaths, injuries, and property damage.
- International Relations: No direct impacts mentioned, though improved U.S. forecasting could indirectly support global weather data sharing through existing international partnerships.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Agencies: NOAA (lead), NWS, FEMA, and U.S. Geological Survey (for modeling collaboration).
- Private and Academic Sectors: U.S. weather industry (private forecasters and tech providers) and academic partners (for research and innovation).
- State, Local, and Tribal Entities: Governments, emergency managers, and communities in high-risk areas, including territories, who gain from better data and tools.
- Critical Infrastructure Operators: Owners of dams, energy facilities, nuclear plants, and transportation networks, targeted for pilot training and decision-support.
- General Public: Particularly those in under-observed regions threatened by flooding, heat, or storms, including underserved populations.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens federal mandates for interagency collaboration under existing authorities (e.g., commerce and emergency management powers), with no new enforcement mechanisms but emphasis on equitable data access, potentially supporting future litigation on climate resilience.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's commerce clause authority to regulate interstate weather impacts and promote public safety; no apparent conflicts with states' rights, as it encourages voluntary coordination.
- Political: Could foster bipartisan support for climate adaptation by focusing on practical forecasting rather than policy debates; annual budget submissions to Congress introduce oversight, potentially influencing funding priorities amid competing fiscal demands.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2025-06-05: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- 2025-06-05: Introduced in House
- 2025-06-05: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Protecting Coasts and Cities from Severe Weather Act — issued 2025-06-05 — PDF (7 pages)