Bill Details
View committees (1)
View cosponsors (1)
AI Summary This summary was generated by AI from the bill text. AI can get information wrong.
This bill would start a plan to replace the National Weather Service’s current weather radar network with a newer system that uses phased array radar, which is designed to give better and faster weather information. It sets a goal of completing that replacement by September 30, 2040. The bill also lets the Weather Service use outside companies and other tools to fill gaps in radar coverage now, so it can better detect heavy rain, storms, and other dangerous weather in areas where the current system does not work well.
- The Weather Service would have to create a detailed plan for replacing the current radar system and estimate how much coverage and accuracy would improve.
- The plan would include building a prototype radar system and setting up a test site to study possible replacement systems and smaller radars that could help in hard-to-cover areas.
- The Weather Service would need to get input from meteorologists, emergency managers, and public safety officials when shaping the new system.
- To cover radar gaps in the meantime, the Weather Service could contract with third parties using different radar tools, data systems, and even weather camera systems, with priority given to those already involved in testing.
Official Summaries
Weather Radar Coverage Improvement Act
This bill requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to develop a plan to replace the Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) system of the National Weather Service by September 30, 2040. (The NEXRAD system is a network of weather radars used to detect precipitation and wind.)
Under the bill, the plan must incorporate certain elements, including estimates of improvements to coverage and accuracy made possible by replacement of the system and an evaluation of the potential use of commercial radars to replace or supplement the system.
The bill also authorizes the National Weather Service to contract with third parties to fill gaps in radar coverage so as to better detect significant weather events over a larger area.
Current Full Text
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 1115 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 1115
To develop the next generation of weather radar, authorize supplemental
gap radar coverage, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
February 7, 2025
Mr. Crawford (for himself and Mr. Moran) introduced the following bill;
which was referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To develop the next generation of weather radar, authorize supplemental
gap radar coverage, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Weather Radar Coverage Improvement
Act''
SEC. 2. NEXT GENERATION PHASED ARRAY RADAR.
(a) In General.--The Under Secretary, in consultation with the
Director of the National Weather Service, shall develop a plan to
replace the Next Generation Weather Radar of the National Weather
Service (``NEXRAD'') system in existence as of the date of the
enactment of this section.
(b) Procurement Deadline.--The Under Secretary shall take such
actions as may be necessary to ensure the replacement described in
subsection (a) is completed by not later than September 30, 2040.
(c) Elements.--The plan developed pursuant to subsection (a) shall
include the following:
(1) Estimates of quantifiable improvements in coverage and
accuracy to be made from replacement of the NEXRAD system
referred to in such subsection.
(2) Development of a prototype digital phased array radar
to test and determine the specifications and requirements for
such replacement.
(3) Establishment of a weather surveillance phased array
radar testbed for the following:
(A) Evaluation of commercial radars with the
potential to replace or supplement the NEXRAD system.
(B) Providing technical assistance for the use of
small, gap filling radars in regions where geographical
topography prevents full utilization of larger systems.
(4) Consultation and input solicited from meteorologists,
emergency managers, and public safety officials regarding the
specifications and requirements for replacement of the NEXRAD
system referred in such subsection.
(d) Radar-as-a-Service.--
(1) In general.--In order to supplement gaps in radar
coverage in existence as of the date of the enactment of this
section and ensure the continued performance of weather radar
capabilities, the Director of the National Weather Service may
utilize and contract with third party entities to fill such
radar gaps using diverse weather radars and data assimilation
technologies to better detect significant precipitation and
severe weather over a greater area across the population.
(2) Priority.--In carrying out the activities under
paragraph (1), the Director of the National Weather Service
shall prioritize utilizing and contracting with third party
entities that have participated in the testbed established in
accordance with subsection (c)(3).
(3) Weather camera systems.--In carrying out the activities
under paragraph (1), the Director of the National Weather
Service may consider weather camera systems and services as
viable technologies to supplement gaps in radar coverage.
(e) Updates to Congress.--The Under Secretary shall provide to the
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate periodic updates on the implementation of
this section.
(f) Definition.--In this section, the term ``Under Secretary'' has
the meaning given such term in section 2 of the Weather Research and
Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 8501).
<all>