Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Reauthorization Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- S. 3923
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Transportation and Public Works
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-04: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with amendments favorably.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-06T21:08:27Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of S. 3923: Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Reauthorization Act of 2026
Purpose
This legislation reauthorizes and expands the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 to enhance the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) weather research, forecasting, and prediction capabilities. It aims to protect lives and property, boost the national economy, improve public safety through better warnings and data, and promote commercial opportunities in weather data. The bill also addresses related issues like harmful algal blooms, wildfires, landslides, and oceanic research security, emphasizing innovation, interagency coordination, and equitable access to services, especially in underserved areas.
Key Provisions
The bill is structured into 11 titles, outlining programs, funding authorizations, and requirements for NOAA and other agencies:
- Title I: Reauthorization of the 2017 Act – Updates priorities for public safety, tornado/hurricane forecasting, tsunami warnings, observing systems, computing resources, and ocean observations. Authorizes $166M–$173M annually (FY2026–2030) for weather research; expands VORTEX-USA and Hurricane Forecast Improvement programs with grants for research and probabilistic forecasting.
- Title II: Enhancing Federal Weather Forecasting and Innovation – Establishes initiatives for next-generation numerical prediction, radar upgrades (Radar Next Program), filling data gaps in under-observed areas, atmospheric rivers/coastal flooding/heat health programs, aviation weather, satellite partnerships, AI for forecasting, and fog prediction. Includes workforce assessments and a National Integrated Heat Health Information System ($5M/year, FY2026–2030).
- Title III: Commercial Weather and Environmental Observations – Creates a Commercial Data Program and Pilot Program to acquire private-sector data (e.g., satellite, ground-based) for operations; emphasizes standards, contracts, and data assimilation. Authorizes multiyear contracts to avoid duplication.
- Title IV: Communicating Weather to the Public – Improves risk communication for hazardous events (e.g., storms, floods); funds research on warnings, NOAA Weather Radio modernization ($125M total, FY2026–2031), flash flood standards, post-storm surveys, and data protection.
- Title V: Improving Weather Information for Agriculture and Water Management – Enhances subseasonal-to-seasonal forecasts, drought information ($15M–$17M/year, FY2026–2030), National Mesonet Program ($50M–$70M/year), soil moisture networks, and National Water Center.
- Title VI: Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control – Amends the 1998 Act to include freshwater blooms; establishes an Action Strategy, incubator program, and observing network. Authorizes $19.5M for NOAA and $8M for EPA annually (FY2026–2030).
- Title VII: Fire Ready Nation – Creates a Fire Weather Services Program for forecasting wildfires/smoke/post-fire hazards; includes testbeds, incident meteorologists, and interagency coordination. Authorizes $15M–$50M/year (FY2026–2030).
- Title VIII: Precipitation Estimates and Landslide Preparedness – Requires inclusion of atmospheric rivers/extreme events in precipitation estimates; reauthorizes National Landslide Preparedness Act with regional partnerships and early warning systems ($35M/year through FY2030); establishes Next Generation Water Observing System ($30M, FY2026).
- Title IX: Importation of Red Snapper – Directs development of chemical analysis methodology to trace seafood origins (e.g., red snapper, tuna) for IUU fishing enforcement; authorizes DoD technical assistance.
- Title X: Improving Cybersecurity and Telecommunications for Oceanic Research – Requires NSF plan for U.S. Academic Research Fleet upgrades in cybersecurity/telecom to support scientific missions.
- Title XI: Other Authorities – Allows relocation allowances, unfunded priorities lists, stock assessments for data-poor fisheries, capital investment plans, Pacific technical assistance, international collaborations, and meeting expense payments.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Reauthorizations and Expansions: Extends the 2017 Act through FY2030 with increased funding and new focuses (e.g., AI/machine learning, uncrewed systems, probabilistic forecasting). Amends Tsunami Warning Act for better data management/alerts; updates Harmful Algal Bloom Act to cover freshwater and add an incubator program.
- New Programs: Introduces Fire Weather Services, Commercial Data Pilot, National Integrated Heat Health System, Atmospheric Rivers Forecast Improvement, and Next Generation Water Observing System. Adds regional partnerships for landslides and AI weather models.
- Funding and Authorities: Boosts appropriations (e.g., $40M/year for subseasonal forecasting, $70M/year for Mesonet by FY2030); grants multiyear contracts, relocation allowances, and premium pay waivers for wildfire responders (FY2026 only). Mandates unfunded priorities lists and capital plans.
- Data and Commercial Focus: Expands commercial data acquisition, open data standards, and interoperability; requires AI model public release with security safeguards.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Enhances NOAA's capabilities, requiring coordination with USGS, EPA, NSF, DoD, and others; increases interagency bodies but mandates duplication avoidance. Boosts operational efficiency via cloud/AI but may strain budgets without full funding.
- Citizens: Improves timely warnings/forecasts for severe weather, fires, floods, reducing deaths/property loss (e.g., better tornado/hurricane lead times, fire/smoke alerts). Benefits rural/underserved areas with parity in services; supports agriculture/water users via drought/flood tools.
- International Relations: Promotes data sharing with global partners (e.g., weather services, Pacific Islands); aids IUU fishing enforcement via traceability tech and DoD assistance, strengthening maritime security alliances.
- Economy: Expands commercial weather data markets; supports fisheries/agriculture via better predictions, potentially saving billions in disaster costs. Fire/landslide programs aid resilience in high-risk areas.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Agencies: NOAA (primary), USGS, EPA, NSF, DoD, Coast Guard, FAA, FEMA, USDA, Interior (e.g., Forest Service, NPS).
- State/Local/Tribal Entities: Governments, tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations for warnings, data access, and regional partnerships.
- Private Sector: Weather industry, commercial data providers, fisheries/aquaculture, aviation/transportation sectors.
- Citizens and Communities: Public (via alerts), farmers/ranchers (drought/precipitation forecasts), fire-prone/rural residents, fishers (seafood traceability).
- Academic/Research Institutions: Universities, cooperative institutes for grants/research collaborations.
- International Partners: Pacific Island nations, global weather services for data exchange.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens enforcement against IUU fishing via traceability standards; expands NOAA's contracting/data-sharing authorities without infringing on existing laws (e.g., Federal Records Act). Includes waivers (e.g., premium pay for firefighters) and deficit reduction clauses to comply with appropriations rules.
- Constitutional: No direct challenges; supports federal role in interstate commerce/science (e.g., weather as public good) and tribal consultation via partnerships, aligning with trust responsibilities.
- Political: Bipartisan emphasis on disaster resilience (e.g., fires, floods) amid climate concerns; promotes public-private innovation but requires congressional funding to avoid shortfalls. Potential for efficiency gains through AI/commercial data, though interagency coordination could face bureaucratic hurdles. Politically neutral, focusing on science-based enhancements to national security/economy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (9)
Sen. Cantwell, Maria [D-WA], Sen. Sullivan, Dan [R-AK], Sen. Blunt Rochester, Lisa [D-DE], Sen. Moran, Jerry [R-KS], Sen. Schatz, Brian [D-HI], Sen. Sheehy, Tim [R-MT], Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV], Sen. Budd, Ted [R-NC], Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN]
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-04: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with amendments favorably.
- 2026-02-25: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 2026-02-25: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Reauthorization Act of 2026 — issued 2026-02-25 — PDF (326 pages)