Weather Act Reauthorization Act of 2024

# Summary of the Weather Act Reauthorization Act of 2024 This comprehensive legislation reauthorizes and amends numerous NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) programs, with several key titles addressing critical environmental and weather-related issues: 1. **Weather and Climate Programs**: Establishes a National Integrated Heat Health Information System (NIHHIS) to reduce heat-related impacts, with $5 million annually for fiscal years 2025-2029. Includes provisions for improved weather forecasting, atmospheric river monitoring, and extreme precipitation event tracking. 2. **Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia**: Amends the Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998 to create a National Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Program with $19.5 million annually for NOAA and $8 million for EPA. 3. **Landslide Preparedness**: Reauthorizes the National Landslide Preparedness Act, expanding definitions to include atmospheric river flooding events and extreme precipitation events, with $35 million annually for USGS (including $10 million for landslide early warning systems). 4. **Ocean Research and Cybersecurity**: Requires a plan to improve cybersecurity and telecommunications for the U.S. Academic Research Fleet, with specific network capability targets for scientific missions. 5. **Arctic Observations**: Authorizes the development of an international basic meteorological observation network in the Arctic region, including establishment of observation stations. 6. **Data and Infrastructure**: Includes provisions for an "unfunded priorities list" to identify critical needs not included in budget proposals, with requirements for annual reports to Congress. 7. **Other Programs**: Includes provisions for red snapper import verification, oceanic research infrastructure, and various other environmental monitoring programs. The bill establishes interagency committees, defines key terms, and provides specific funding levels for various programs, with a focus on improving data sharing, coordination across agencies, and addressing climate-related hazards like extreme heat, harmful algal blooms, and landslides.