Feenstra Leads Legislation to Modernize National Weather Service Communications Network, Improve Weather Forecasting for Iowa Agriculture
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, kicking off Severe Weather Awareness Week in Iowa, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) introduced both the National Weather Service Communications Improvement Act and the Weather Innovation for the Next Generation (WING) Act.
These two pieces of legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives as part of a larger weather reauthorization package last Congress.
“From tornadoes and floods to high winds and blizzards, Iowans know severe weather. Last year alone, our communities were devastated by catastrophic flooding and tornadoes, leaving hospitals, schools, businesses, farms, and other structures damaged or completely destroyed. We must ensure that Iowans have the latest and most reliable information when severe weather strikes to keep our families and communities safe,” said Rep. Feenstra. “That’s why I introduced legislation – the Weather Innovation for the Next Generation Act and the National Weather Service Communications Improvement Act – to improve weather radar detection and replace a crucial, yet outdated communications system at the National Weather Service. These two bills will help deliver accurate forecasts and quick warnings for Iowans all while protecting our families, supporting our farmers, safeguarding property, and saving lives.”
“The American Property and Casualty Insurance Association strongly supports the National Weather Service Communications Improvement Act. The bill would improve the reliability of the National Weather Service’s NWSChat service, which supports the communication of critical weather information among meteorologists and emergency responders and informs notifications to communities,” said Kate Carey, APCIA’s Senior Department Vice President and Counsel. “APCIA commends Congressman Randy Feenstra for introducing this bill to facilitate timely communication of emergency weather information, vital to communities across the nation, to safeguard lives and properties.”
“The American Clean Power Association strongly backs the Weather Innovation for the Next Generation (WING) Act, a smart solution to improve weather radar accuracy while clearing the way for clean energy growth,” said Frank Macchiarola, Chief Advocacy Officer, American Clean Power Association. “By leveraging cutting-edge technology and fostering collaboration across agencies, the WING Act enhances radar performance in areas with wind turbines, streamlines project approvals, and ensures safer, more reliable forecasting.”
The National Weather Service Communications Improvement Act would modernize the National Weather Service’s (NWS) outdated communications network – NWS Chat – which disseminates critical, time-sensitive information to broadcasters, emergency managers, and the general public during severe weather events. As part of its Integrated Dissemination Program update, NWS has identified several systematic upgrades critical to its emergency communications operation, including the need to replace NWS Chat.
Inspired by a 2019 U.S. Air Force report to Congress on the impact of wind farms on weather radar accuracy, the WING Act requires the National Weather Service to coordinate with the Assistant Administrator for Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and establish an R&D program to improve weather radar detection and prediction capabilities when physical structures like wind turbines obstruct radar line of sight.
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