Central Georgia News

Washington, D.C. — Representative Mike Collins (R-Ga.), Chairman of the House Science, Space, and Technology Subcommittee on Research and Technology, introduced the Weather Information for Agriculture Act, legislation to strengthen America's national drought and soil moisture monitoring systems. Collins is joined by Environment Subcommittee Chairman Max Miller (R-Ohio) and Representative Jim Baird (R-Ind.) as original cosponsors.

"Having accurate, timely knowledge of drought and soil moisture conditions helps farmers stay in front of challenging circumstances that affect their crops," said Collins. "This legislation will enhance information gathering for agriculture here in Georgia and across America while ensuring that the National Weather Service and the National Integrated Drought Information System continue utilizing the University of Georgia's Weather Network for this vital data."

"As we have discussed at several Science Committee hearings this Congress, accurate and reliable weather forecasting and modeling directly saves lives and further protects businesses and communities across the country," said Chairman Max Miller. "This bill is another piece to the puzzle, supporting the critical NIDIS and NCSMMN programs, vital to farmers like those in my home state of Ohio. I’m proud to cosponsor this bill and will continue to look for ways Congress can strengthen and innovate our weather enterprise."

Background

The Weather Information for Agriculture Act reauthorizes the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) until 2028. NIDIS, a multi-agency partnership spearheaded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), coordinates nationwide drought monitoring, forecasting, planning, and information. The NIDIS program is set to expire in 2023. 

The bill also codifies a National Coordinated Soil Moisture Monitoring Network (NCSMMN), which follows the recommendation of a report required by the last NIDIS reauthorization. NCSMMN is a collaborative effort led by NOAA to plan for and support nationally coordinated soil moisture monitoring, data assimilation, and product development.  

Both NIDIS and NCSMMN utilize data from mesonets across the country, including the extensive UGA Weather Network, one of the oldest state weather networks in the nation. This legislation ensures continued use and the potential expansion of purchases, upgrades, and research from the UGA Weather Network.

Original source can be found here.