Advanced Weather Model Computing Development Act
- Bill Number
- S. 3854
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Science, Technology, Communications
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-02-12: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-02T19:53:34Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Advanced Weather Model Computing Development Act aims to enhance the accuracy and capabilities of weather prediction models in the United States by directing the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to collaborate on research and development using advanced computing techniques, such as artificial intelligence (AI), high-performance computing, and machine learning. This collaboration seeks to improve forecasts for weather, seasonal changes, and climate patterns, ultimately supporting better decision-making for public safety and resource management.
Key Provisions
- Definitions (Section 2): The bill defines key terms, including "advanced computing techniques" (tools like AI, cloud computing, and quantum computing used to build weather models) and "advanced weather model" (computer simulations predicting Earth system processes over short- to long-term scales).
- Coordination of Research and Development (Section 3):
- Requires DOE's Secretary and NOAA's Administrator to jointly conduct research focused on improving weather models through advanced computing.
- Establishes a memorandum of understanding (MOU) or similar agreement to guide activities, using a competitive, merit-based selection process for proposals from federal agencies, national laboratories (government research facilities), universities, nonprofits, and consortia.
- Authorized activities include developing new computing methods, optimizing code for different systems, handling large weather data sets, promoting secure data sharing and open software development, and maintaining computing infrastructure.
- Allows reimbursable agreements with other entities and collaboration with additional federal agencies.
- Mandates a report to specified congressional committees within 2 years, covering coordination, achievements, opportunities, and future benefits.
- Initiative on Advanced Weather Models (Section 4):
- NOAA, in partnership with DOE, must launch an initiative to develop and test advanced weather models against current ones, using a competitive, merit-reviewed process.
- Components include leveraging interagency efforts (e.g., from the National Science and Technology Council), archiving model data for research, using flexible decision-making for computing needs, training the next generation of weather computing experts, improving infrastructure, comparing new models to existing National Weather Service forecasts, and sharing innovations through community activities.
- Authorizes up to 3 "centers of excellence" at DOE national laboratories to research, develop, and deploy advanced computing for weather models, in collaboration with NOAA labs and others. These centers prioritize labs with existing NOAA ties, AI-enabled systems, experienced staff, proximity to NOAA facilities, and weather modeling expertise.
- Permits multi-year contracts for ongoing research, following federal procurement rules.
- Requires a 2-year report from NOAA evaluating the initiative's effectiveness, expansion opportunities, and collaboration needs.
- The initiative sunsets (ends) 5 years after enactment.
- Research Security (Section 5): All activities must comply with existing federal laws on protecting research from security risks, such as foreign interference (referencing the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces a new interagency framework for DOE-NOAA collaboration on weather modeling, without directly amending prior laws. It builds on existing authorities by mandating specific joint initiatives, competitive funding processes, and reporting requirements, which were not previously required. It also formalizes the use of advanced computing in weather prediction, potentially integrating it more deeply with DOE's high-performance computing resources, and adds a temporary 5-year initiative with centers of excellence.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Enhances DOE and NOAA's technical capabilities in computing and data analysis, potentially reducing duplication in research efforts and improving operational efficiency. National laboratories and NOAA research facilities may gain new funding and partnerships for infrastructure upgrades.
- Citizens: Could lead to more accurate and timely weather forecasts, improving preparedness for storms, floods, and other events, which may save lives, reduce property damage, and support agriculture, transportation, and energy sectors reliant on weather data.
- International Relations: May indirectly strengthen U.S. leadership in global climate and weather science through advanced models, but focuses domestically with no direct international provisions; secure data sharing could align with broader U.S. policies on research security amid global competition in AI and computing.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Agencies: Primarily DOE (including its national laboratories) and NOAA (including the National Weather Service), with potential involvement from other agencies like those in the National Science and Technology Council.
- Research and Educational Institutions: National laboratories, universities (institutions of higher education), and nonprofits, which can apply for funding and participate in collaborative projects.
- Private Sector and Public: Industries dependent on weather data (e.g., farming, aviation, energy), as well as the general public benefiting from improved forecasts; public-private partnerships at centers of excellence could involve tech companies.
- Congress: Specific committees (Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation; Senate Energy and Natural Resources; House Science, Space, and Technology) receive reports and oversee implementation.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Emphasizes merit-based, competitive processes and compliance with federal procurement (e.g., multi-year contracts under U.S. Code) and research security laws, ensuring transparency and accountability without creating new regulatory burdens. The 5-year sunset provision allows for evaluation before permanence.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's enumerated powers to promote science and useful arts (Article I, Section 8) and regulate interstate commerce affected by weather events; no apparent conflicts with federalism, as it focuses on national agencies.
- Political: Bipartisan sponsorship (introduced by Senators Luján and Blackburn) signals broad support for science investment. It promotes workforce development and public-private ties, potentially addressing national priorities like disaster resilience and technological competitiveness, but requires congressional funding appropriations not specified in the bill.
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
- 2026-02-12: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 2026-02-12: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Advanced Weather Model Computing Development Act — issued 2026-02-12 — PDF (11 pages)