Advanced Weather Model Computing Development Act

Bill Number

H.R. 4141

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Science, Technology, Communications

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-06-25: Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Last Updated

2025-12-17T09:06:06Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

The Advanced Weather Model Computing Development Act (H.R. 4141) aims to improve weather and climate prediction in the United States by directing the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to collaborate on research. It focuses on using advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, high-performance computing, cloud computing, and quantum computing to enhance forecasting accuracy, especially for hazardous weather events that threaten lives and property.

Key Provisions

• Amendments to Existing Law: Updates Section 108 of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8518) by replacing certain subsections with new requirements for NOAA's Under Secretary (who oversees NOAA under the Department of Commerce).
• AI and Machine Learning Investments: NOAA must use AI and machine learning to improve advanced computing for its core missions, such as weather forecasting.
• Centers of Excellence: NOAA can create or expand specialized centers to promote AI and machine learning in computing. These centers would:
• Build public-private partnerships for workforce training and infrastructure.
• Develop software tools, algorithms, and data structures for high-performance computing.
• Apply AI, deep learning, and data analysis to solve weather and climate challenges.
• Explore quantum computing partnerships with public, private, and academic groups to boost prediction accuracy and detail.
• Multi-Year Contracts: Allows NOAA to enter long-term contracts (under federal procurement rules) for computing infrastructure, research, and operations, including safeguards for costs if projects are canceled.
• Joint Report to Congress: Within two years of enactment, NOAA and DOE must submit a report evaluating:
• The value of high-resolution forecasts for hazardous events like hurricanes, tornadoes, flash floods, winter storms, extreme temperatures, wildfires, droughts, and flooding.
• Computing needs (e.g., cloud, quantum, high-performance) and collaboration between DOE and NOAA.
• A timeline for implementing advanced weather models and related technologies.
• Strategic Plan for Computing and Data Management:
• NOAA must publish a 10-year plan within one year of enactment, updating it every five years until 2035.
• Plan Elements: Includes forecasts of computing needs for NOAA's missions (e.g., fisheries, ocean, and ecological forecasting); assessments of current resources, partnerships, and emerging technologies like AI; challenges in data storage and processing; workforce needs; and timelines with performance goals.
• Public Input: NOAA must seek public comments during plan development.
• Annual Briefings: Starting one year after enactment and continuing until 2030, NOAA must update Congress on plan progress, including evaluations and any needed adjustments.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill revises the 2017 Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act by expanding NOAA's focus on AI, machine learning, quantum computing, and interagency collaboration with DOE—areas not previously emphasized. It replaces outdated subsections with modern computing mandates, introduces centers of excellence and multi-year contracts for flexibility, and adds requirements for strategic planning and reporting, shifting from reactive to proactive technology integration in weather prediction.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: Enhances NOAA's and DOE's capabilities in forecasting hazardous weather, potentially improving response to disasters. It promotes resource sharing, reducing duplication, but may increase costs for computing infrastructure and contracts.
• On Citizens: Could lead to more accurate, timely warnings for severe weather events (e.g., storms, floods, heat waves), saving lives and property. Better predictions may also support sectors like agriculture, fishing, and emergency management.
• On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though improved U.S. weather models could strengthen global data-sharing efforts in climate research, indirectly benefiting international disaster response.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Federal Agencies: NOAA (primary implementer) and DOE (collaborator on research and computing).
• Congressional Committees: House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology; Senate Committees on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; and Energy and Natural Resources (recipients of reports and briefings).
• Private Sector and Academia: Involved in public-private partnerships for technology development, workforce training, and quantum computing.
• Workforce: NOAA employees and potential new hires in IT, software engineering, and data science.
• Public and Communities: General population benefiting from improved weather services, especially in vulnerable areas prone to hazardous events.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Relies on existing federal procurement laws (e.g., 41 U.S.C. § 3903 for multi-year contracts) to ensure accountability and limit financial risks. No new regulatory burdens on private entities, but emphasizes compliance with federal contracting standards.
• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's authority under Article I to fund and direct scientific research for public welfare, promoting interstate commerce and national defense through better disaster preparedness.
• Political: Encourages bipartisan collaboration on climate and weather issues (introduced by representatives from different parties). It could face scrutiny over funding levels (not specified in the bill) and the balance between public investment in emerging tech like quantum computing versus immediate priorities, but it avoids controversial mandates by focusing on voluntary partnerships and planning.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Miller, Max L. [R-OH-7]

Cosponsors (4)

Rep. Foushee, Valerie P. [D-NC-4], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7], Rep. Gillen, Laura [D-NY-4], Rep. Min, Dave [D-CA-47]

Recent Actions

• 2025-06-25: Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2025-06-25: Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2025-06-25: Introduced in House
• 2025-06-25: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Advanced Weather Model Computing Development Act — issued 2025-06-25 — PDF (9 pages)