S. 3923
Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Reauthorization Act of 2026
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Text of the bill
I Reauthorization of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017
Section 12304(b) of the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009 (33 U.S.C. 3603(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(5) Ships of opportunity pilot programs and projects
(A) In general. The Administrator, in coordination with the heads of relevant Federal agencies, shall, subject to relevant regulations and certifications, maintain pilot programs or projects to contract with research or commercial ship operators for data collection and assess the potential costs, benefits, and viability of a network of ocean and atmospheric observing instruments operating on research or commercial ocean vessels, including in the Arctic, in order to supplement the Integrated Coastal, Great Lakes, and Ocean Observation System in improving understanding of coastal and ocean systems and their relationships to human activities.
(B) Standards and specifications. The Administrator shall ensure that data acquired through the pilot programs or projects established pursuant to subparagraph (A) meets the most recent standards and specifications required for observation services and data as published pursuant to section 302(d) of the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017.
(C) Report. Not later than 5 years after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, the Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation, shall submit to Congress a report on the requirements for a global network of ocean and atmospheric instruments operating on research or commercial ocean vessels for measurement and data transmission.
(D) Sunset. This paragraph shall terminate on the earlier of—
(i) September 30, 2030; or
(ii) 1 year after the date on which the report required under subparagraph (B) is submitted by the Administrator.
II Enhancing Federal weather forecasting and innovation
III Commercial weather and environmental observations
IV Communicating weather to the public
V Improving weather information for agriculture and water management
VI Harmful algal bloom and hypoxia research and control
VII Fire ready Nation
VIII Precipitation estimates and landslide preparedness
IX Importation of red snapper
X Improving cybersecurity and telecommunications for oceanic research
XI Other authorities
XII Integrated Ocean Observation System Reauthorization Act of 2026