Summary:
Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2016

TITLE I--UNITED STATES WEATHER RESEARCH AND FORECASTING IMPROVEMENT

(Sec.101)This bill requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to prioritize weather research to improve weather data, modeling, computing, forecasts, and warnings for the protection of life and property and the enhancement of the national economy.

(Sec. 102) NOAA's Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) must conduct a program to develop an improved understanding of and forecast capabilities for atmospheric events and their impacts, with priority given to the development of more accurate, timely, and effective warnings and forecasts of high impact weather events that endanger life and property.

In carrying out the program, the OAR must collaborate with and support the nonfederal weather research community by making funds available through competitive grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements. Congress urges that at least 30% of the funds authorized for research and development be made available for this purpose.

(Sec. 103) NOAA must establish a tornado warning improvement and extension program to reduce the loss of life and economic losses from tornadoes through the development and extension of accurate, effective, and timely tornado forecasts, predictions, and warnings, including the prediction of tornadoes beyond one hour in advance.

(Sec.104)In collaboration with the U.S. weather industry and appropriate academic entities, and through the National Weather Service (NWS), NOAA must plan and maintain a project to improve hurricane forecasting, including:

 the prediction of rapid intensification and track of hurricanes, the forecast and communication of storm surges from hurricanes, and risk communication research to create more effective watch and warning products. (Sec. 105) The OAR must issue a research and development and research to operations plan to restore and maintain U.S. leadership in numerical weather prediction (processing weather data with computer models) and forecasting.

(Sec. 106) NOAA must: (1) prioritize observation data requirements necessary to ensure weather forecasting capabilities to protect life and property to the maximum extent practicable; (2) evaluate observing systems, data, and information needed to meet those requirements; (3) identify data gaps in observing capabilities; and (4) determine a range of options to address those gaps.

(Sec.107)The OAR must undertake Observing System Simulation Experiments (OSSE) to assess the value and benefits of observing capabilities and systems.

OSSEs must be conducted before: (1) acquisition of major government-owned or government-leased operational observing systems with a lifecycle cost of more than $500 million, and (2) purchase of any major new commercially provided data with a lifecycle cost of more than $500 million.

 The OAR must complete an OSSE to assess the value of data from Global Navigation Satellite System Radio Occultation and from a geostationary hyperspectral sounder global constellation.

(Sec. 108) The bill requires an annual report on NOAA computing priorities and upgrades as these relate to weather prediction.

(Sec.109)The U.S. Weather Research Program must: (1) report annually to Congress about on-going research projects and the five NOAA projects related to observations, weather, or subseasonal forecasts closest to operationalization; (2) establish teams with staff from the OAR and the NWS to oversee the operationalization of research projects; (3)develop mechanisms for research priorities; (4)develop a system to track research goals; (5)provide testing facilities; and (6) facilitate visiting scholars.

(Sec. 110) The bill authorizes through FY2018: (1) the OAR's weather laboratories and cooperative institutes and weather and air chemistry research programs, and (2) a joint technology transfer initiative.

TITLE II--SUBSEASONAL AND SEASONAL FORECASTING INNOVATION

(Sec.201)The NWSmust collect and utilize information to make reliable and timely foundational forecasts of subseasonal and seasonal temperature and precipitation. Subseasonal forecasting is forecasting weather between two weeks and three months and seasonal forecasting is between three months and two years.

TITLE III--WEATHER SATELLITE AND DATA INNOVATION

(Sec.301)NOAA must complete and operationalize the Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate (a weather satellite program that develops observational techniques using global navigation systems).

(Sec. 302) The bill permits the purchase of weather data by the federal government through contracts with commercial providers and the placement of weather satellite instruments on co-hosted government or private payloads.

(Sec. 303) NOAA must avoid unnecessary duplication between public and private sources of data and the corresponding expenditure of funds and employment of personnel.

TITLE IV--FEDERAL WEATHER COORDINATION

(Sec.401)The NOAA Science Advisory Board must continue to maintain the Environmental Information Services Working Group. Membership requirements and reporting requirements for the group are established.

(Sec. 402) The Office of Science and Technology Policy must establish an Inter-agency Committee for Advancing Weather Services to improve coordination of relevant weather research and forecast innovation activities.

(Sec. 403) The OAR and the NWS may establish a program to detail their personnel to each other with the goal of enhancing forecasting innovation through regular, direct interaction between OAR scientists and NWS operational staff.

(Sec.404)The NWS may establish a program to host postdoctoral fellows and academic researchers at the National Centers for Environmental Prediction.

(Sec. 405) The NWS must designate warning coordination meteorologists at each of its weather forecast offices.

(Sec. 406) NOAA must conduct an evaluation of its system for issuing watches and warning regarding hazardous weather and water events.

(Sec. 407) The NWS may establish the NOAA Weather Ready All Hazards Award Program. The program must provide annual awards to individuals or organizations that use NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards receivers or transmitters to save lives and protect property.

(Sec.408)NOAA must analyze the impacts of the proposed Air Force divestiture in the U.S. Weather Research and Forecasting Model, including the impact on:

 U.S. weather forecasting capabilities, the accuracy of civilian regional forecasts, the civilian readiness for traditional and extreme weather events in the United States, and the research necessary to develop the Weather Research and Forecasting Model. (Sec. 409) NOAA must contract or continue to partner with an external organization to conduct a baseline analysis of the NWS operations and workforce.

(Sec.410)NOAA must maintain a National Water Center, through which it shall:

 initiate research and development activities to develop operational water resource prediction products; collaborate with, and provide decision-support regarding total water prediction to, other relevant federal and state agencies, including the Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Geological Survey, the Environmental Protection Agency, and state water resource and emergency management agencies; and develop capabilities necessary for total water predictive capacity. (Sec. 411) NOAA must submit a report to Congress on the use of contract employees at the NWS.

(Sec. 412) The NWS must review existing research, products, and services that meet the specific needs of the urban environment, including those with the potential for improving modeling and forecasting capabilities by taking into account factors such as varying building heights, impermeable surfaces, lack of tree canopy, traffic pollution, and inter-building wind effects.

(Sec. 413) NOAA may establish mechanisms for outreach to:(1)assess the weather forecasts and forecast products provided by NOAA, and (2)determine the highest priority weather forecast needs of specific communities.

TITLE V--TSUNAMI WARNING, EDUCATION, AND RESEARCH ACT OF 2016

Tsunami Warning, Education, and Research Act of 2016

The bill also revises and reauthorizes through FY2021 the Tsunami Warning and Education Act.

(Sec.504)The tsunami warning systems for the Pacific and Arctic Oceans and for the Atlantic Ocean are consolidated into a single warning system.The system must support international tsunami forecasting and warning efforts.

NOAA must support or maintain tsunami warning centers to support the national warning system and develop uniform operational procedures for the centers.Warning centers are given additional responsibilities, including maintaining a fail-safe warning capability and an ability to perform back-up duties for each other.

(Sec.505)The tsunami hazard mitigation program must provide for:(1)technical and financial assistance; (2)activities to support the development of regional hazard and risk assessments; (3)activities to promote preparedness in at-risk ports and harbors; and (4)dissemination of guidelines and standards for community planning, education, and training products, programs, and tools.

(Sec. 506) The tsunami research program must develop the technical basis for validation of tsunami maps, models, and forecasts.

NOAA no longer has to operate an International Tsunami Information Center to improve tsunami preparedness for Pacific Ocean nations.

(Sec.508)NOAA must:(1)designate an existing working group to serve as the Tsunami Science and Technology Advisory Panel to provide advice on matters regarding tsunami science, technology, and regional preparedness; (2)maintain a coordinating committee to assist in the national tsunami hazard mitigation program; and (3)develop formal outreach activities to improve tsunami education and awareness and foster the development of resilient communities.

innovation act title united states weather research forecasting improvement bill requires national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa prioritize weather research improve weather data modeling computing forecasts warnings protection life property enhancement national economy sec noaa conduct program develop improved understanding forecast capabilities atmospheric events impacts priority given development accurate timely effective warnings forecasts high impact weather events endanger life property carrying program collaborate support nonfederal weather research community making funds available competitive grants contracts cooperative agreements congress urges funds authorized research development available purpose sec noaa establish tornado warning improvement extension program reduce loss life economic losses development extension accurate effective timely tornado forecasts warnings including prediction hour advance collaboration weather industry appropriate academic entities national_weather_service nws noaa plan maintain project improve hurricane forecasting including prediction rapid intensification track hurricanes forecast communication storm hurricanes risk communication research create effective watch warning products sec issue research development research operations plan restore maintain leadership numerical weather prediction processing weather data computer models forecasting sec noaa prioritize observation data requirements necessary ensure weather forecasting capabilities protect life property maximum extent practicable evaluate observing systems data information needed meet requirements identify data gaps observing capabilities determine range options address gaps undertake assess value benefits observing capabilities systems conducted acquisition major government owned government leased operational observing systems lifecycle cost million purchase major new commercially provided data lifecycle cost million complete assess value data global constellation sec bill requires annual report noaa computing priorities upgrades relate weather prediction report annually congress going research projects noaa projects related observations weather forecasts closest establish teams staff nws oversee research projects mechanisms research priorities system track research goals testing facilities facilitate visiting scholars sec bill authorizes fy2018 weather laboratories cooperative institutes weather air chemistry research programs joint technology transfer initiative title seasonal forecasting innovation collect utilize information reliable timely foundational forecasts seasonal temperature precipitation forecasting forecasting weather weeks months seasonal forecasting months years title iii data innovation complete climate weather satellite program develops observational techniques global navigation systems sec bill permits purchase weather data federal government contracts commercial providers placement weather satellite instruments government private sec noaa avoid unnecessary duplication public private sources data corresponding expenditure funds employment personnel title federal weather coordination noaa science advisory board continue maintain membership requirements reporting requirements group established sec office_of_science_and_technology_policy establish improve coordination relevant weather research forecast innovation activities sec nws establish program detail personnel goal enhancing forecasting innovation regular direct interaction scientists nws operational staff nws establish program host postdoctoral fellows academic researchers sec nws designate warning coordination weather forecast offices sec noaa conduct evaluation system issuing watches warning hazardous weather water events sec nws establish noaa weather ready hazards award program program provide annual awards individuals organizations use noaa weather radio hazards receivers transmitters save lives protect property analyze impacts proposed air force divestiture including impact weather forecasting capabilities accuracy civilian regional forecasts civilian readiness traditional extreme weather events united_states research necessary develop sec noaa contract continue partner external organization conduct baseline analysis nws operations workforce maintain shall initiate research development activities develop operational water resource prediction products collaborate provide decision support total water prediction relevant federal state agencies including army_corps_of_engineers environmental_protection_agency state water resource emergency management agencies develop capabilities necessary total water predictive capacity sec noaa submit report congress use contract employees nws sec nws review existing research products services meet specific needs urban environment including potential improving modeling forecasting capabilities taking account factors varying building heights surfaces lack tree canopy traffic pollution inter building wind effects sec noaa establish mechanisms outreach weather forecasts forecast products provided noaa highest priority weather forecast needs specific communities title tsunami warning education research_act education research_act bill revises reauthorizes fy2021 tsunami warning education act tsunami warning systems pacific arctic oceans atlantic_ocean consolidated single warning system system support international tsunami forecasting warning efforts noaa support maintain tsunami warning centers support national warning system develop uniform operational procedures centers warning centers given additional responsibilities including maintaining fail safe warning capability ability perform duties tsunami hazard mitigation program provide financial assistance support development regional hazard risk assessments promote preparedness risk ports harbors guidelines standards community planning education training products programs tools sec tsunami research program develop technical basis validation tsunami maps models forecasts noaa longer operate improve tsunami preparedness pacific_ocean nations existing working group serve provide advice matters tsunami science technology regional preparedness coordinating committee assist national tsunami hazard mitigation program formal outreach activities improve tsunami education awareness foster development resilient communities


Summary:
Strengthening The Resiliency of Our Nation on the Ground Act or the STRONG Act.

 Requires the Office of Science and Technology Policy, with input from the Department of Homeland Security, to establish and chair an interagency working group with cabinet-level representation from all relevant federal agencies in order to: (1) provide a strategic vision of extreme weather resilience; (2) conduct a gap and overlap analysis of current and planned federal activities related to achieving short- and long-term resilience to extreme weather and its impacts on the United States, such as flooding and drought; and (3) develop a National Extreme Weather Resilience Action Plan.

Requires the Plan to include the establishment of an online, publicly available information portal to be used by federal agencies and other stakeholders that directs users to key data and tools to inform resilience-enhancing efforts and to build off and complement existing federal efforts. Provides for a coordinating entity to establish and maintain such portal.

Requires such coordinating entity to coordinate the implementation of the Plan and to track its progress.

Requires the submission of specified reports.

strengthening resiliency nation ground act strong act requires office_of_science_and_technology_policy input department_of_homeland_security establish chair interagency working group cabinet level representation relevant federal agencies order provide strategic vision extreme weather resilience conduct gap overlap analysis current planned federal activities related achieving short- long term resilience extreme weather impacts united_states flooding drought develop national extreme weather resilience action plan requires plan include establishment online publicly available information portal federal agencies stakeholders directs users key data tools inform resilience enhancing efforts build complement existing federal efforts provides coordinating entity establish maintain portal requires coordinating entity coordinate implementation plan track progress requires submission specified reports


Summary:
Metropolitan Weather Hazards Protection Act of 2015

This bill directs the Department of Commerce to: (1) maintain and operate at least one Doppler weather radar site within 55 miles of each city in the United States with a population of more than 700,000, and (2) ensure that each such radar is available to the office of the National Weather Service that provides services to that city.

Commerce shall ensure that each such radar conforms with the same standards that apply to radars operated by Commerce, through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, including standards relating to the use of dual-polarization technology or other technologies included in Weather Surveillance Radar, 1988, Doppler (WSR-88D) radars.

When determining the location for construction of a radar meeting the requirements of this Act, Commerce shall consider nearby counties that have populations over 130,000 and do not otherwise have radar beam coverage below 10,00 feet from such Doppler radars.

Commerce shall report to Congress on the Doppler weather radar sites that need to be constructed or acquired to meet this Act's requirements.

metropolitan weather hazards protection act bill directs department_of_commerce maintain operate weather radar site miles city united_states population ensure radar available office national_weather_service provides services city commerce shall ensure radar conforms standards apply operated commerce national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration including standards relating use dual technology technologies included weather determining location construction radar meeting requirements act commerce shall consider nearby counties populations radar beam coverage feet commerce shall report congress weather radar sites need constructed acquired meet act requirements


Summary:
Reducing America's Destructive Atmospheric Risks Act or the RADAR Act

This bill directs the Department of Commerce to: (1) maintain and operate at least one Doppler weather radar site within 55 miles of each state's capital city in the United States, and (2) ensure that each radar is available to the office of the National Weather Service that serves that city. Commerce shall ensure that each radar conforms with the same standards that apply to radars operated through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, including standards relating to the use of dual-polarization technology or other technologies included in Weather Surveillance Radar, 1988, Doppler (WSR-88D) radars.

When determining the location for construction of a radar meeting the requirements of this Act, Commerce shall consider nearby counties that have populations over 130,000 and do not otherwise have radar beam coverage below 10,00 feet from such Doppler radars.

Commerce shall report to Congress on the Doppler weather radar sites that need to be constructed or acquired to meet this Act's requirements.

radar act bill directs department_of_commerce maintain operate weather radar site miles state capital city united_states ensure radar available office national_weather_service serves city commerce shall ensure radar conforms standards apply operated national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration including standards relating use dual technology technologies included weather determining location construction radar meeting requirements act commerce shall consider nearby counties populations radar beam coverage feet commerce shall report congress weather radar sites need constructed acquired meet act requirements


Summary:
National Institute of Standards and Technology Improvement Act of 2016

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act (NISTA) to authorize the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) of the Department of Commerce to serve as the President's principal advisor on standards policy pertaining to technological competitiveness and innovation ability.

The NIST shall:

 facilitate standards-related information sharing and cooperation between federal agencies, participate in and support scientific and technical conferences, and perform pre-competitive measurement science and technology research with institutions of higher education and industry. (Sec. 3) The bill revises the membership of the Visiting Committee on Advanced Technology from a maximum of 15 to a minimum of 11, requiring that at least two-thirds of them (currently 10) be from U.S. industry. The Committee may consult with the National Research Council (NRC) in making recommendations regarding general policy for NIST.

(Sec. 4) Commerce may undertake activities to give police protection to NIST buildings and other plant facilities, equipment, and property and persons located in them or associated with them.

(Sec. 5) The bill revises requirements for research fellowships.

The NIST may support, promote, and coordinate activities and efforts to enhance awareness and understanding of measurement sciences, standards, and technology.

The Post-Doctoral Fellowship Program shall include no fewer than 20 fellows per fiscal year (currently, no fewer than 20 nor more than 120 new fellows per fiscal year). The bill eliminates the separate manufacturing fellowship and teacher science and technology enhancement programs.

(Sec. 6) The three-year programmatic planning document for NIST shall describe how the NIST Director is addressing recommendations from the Visiting Committee on Advanced Technology.

(Sec. 7) The NIST shall contract with the National Academy of Sciences to review NIST laboratory programs.

The NIST shall contract with the NRC to assess the technical quality and impact of the work conducted at NIST laboratories. (Currently, NIST may contract with the NRC for advice and studies to serve industry and science.)

The NIST may contract with the NRC also to conduct additional assessments of NIST programs and projects that involve collaboration across NIST laboratories and centers and assessments of selected scientific and technical topics.

(Sec. 8) The bill revises requirements for the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership and Hollings Manufacturing Extension Centers.

One objective of the Centers shall be the promotion and expansion of certification systems offered through industry, associations, and local colleges.

The bill eliminates from Center activities the making of selective, short-term loans of advanced manufacturing equipment to small manufacturing firms with less than 100 employees.

Those activities shall instead include facilitation of collaborations and partnerships between small and medium-sized manufacturing companies and community colleges and area career and technical education schools to help: (1) the colleges and schools better understand the specific needs of manufacturers, and (2) manufacturers better understand the skill sets that students learn in the programs offered by those institutions.

The bill repeals the six-year limitation on financial support Commerce may give to any Center created under the Partnership.

Commerce shall implement, review, and update regulations related to the Partnership at least once every three years.

The bill revises cost-sharing requirements for the receipt by an applicant of financial assistance under the Partnership.

A Center must: (1) undergo an independent review in its eighth year of operation, and (2) be placed on probation for one year if the evaluation is not positive. If a Center, upon reevaluation, has not shown a significant improvement in its performance, the NIST shall conduct a new competition to select an operator for the Center; or, as an alternative, the Center may be closed.

The NIST shall: (1) transmit to Congress a plan for how it will conduct reviews, assessments, and reapplication competitions; and (2) contract with an independent organization to assess the implementation of the reapplication competition process required for any Center after 10 consecutive years of financial assistance.

The Freedom of Information Act shall apply to:

 confidential information obtained by the government on the business operation of any participant in a Partnership program or of a client of a Center, and trade secrets possessed by any client of a Center. Each Center's advisory boards shall institute a conflict of interest policy that ensures representation of local small and medium-sized manufacturers in the Center's region. No board members shall serve or deliver services to the Center or serve on more than one Center's oversight board simultaneously.

The bill changes the membership of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership Advisory Board from a maximum to a minimum of 10, at least one of whom represents a community college.

Under the competitive grant program, the NIST shall select proposals that will promote the transfer and commercialization of research and technology from institutions of higher education, national laboratories, and nonprofit research institutes.

The bill eliminates the separate innovative services initiative to assist small- and medium-sized manufacturers.

(Sec. 9) The bill also eliminates the requirement for NIST, through the Technology Innovation Program (TIP), to continue providing support originally awarded under the Advanced Technology Program.

(Sec. 10) The Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 is amended to repeal the limitation to 75% of the total program cost on the total amount of any grant or cooperative agreement to assist technology innovation activities under the Act.

(Sec. 11) In developing standards and guidelines for information systems, the NIST shall not consult with the Department of Defense and the National Security Agency in contravention of the NISTA requirement that it do so.

(Sec. 12) The bill expresses the sense of Congress concerning U.S.-Israeli cooperation with regard to basic scientific research.

The NIST should continue to facilitate scientific collaborations between Israel and the U.S. technical agencies working in measurement science and standardization.

sec bill amends national_institute_of_standards_and_technology_act authorize national_institute_of_standards_and_technology nist department_of_commerce serve president principal advisor standards policy pertaining technological competitiveness innovation ability nist shall facilitate standards related information sharing cooperation federal agencies participate support scientific technical conferences perform pre competitive measurement science technology research institutions higher education industry sec bill revises membership maximum minimum requiring thirds currently industry committee consult national_research_council nrc making recommendations general policy nist sec commerce undertake activities police protection nist buildings plant facilities equipment property persons located associated sec bill revises requirements research fellowships nist support promote coordinate activities efforts enhance awareness understanding measurement sciences standards technology shall include fewer fellows fiscal year currently fewer new fellows fiscal year bill eliminates separate manufacturing fellowship teacher science technology enhancement programs sec year programmatic planning document nist shall describe nist director addressing recommendations sec nist shall contract national_academy_of_sciences review nist laboratory programs nist shall contract nrc assess technical quality impact work conducted nist laboratories currently nist contract nrc advice studies serve industry science nist contract nrc conduct additional assessments nist programs projects involve collaboration nist laboratories centers assessments selected scientific technical topics sec bill revises requirements objective centers shall promotion expansion certification systems offered industry associations local colleges bill eliminates center activities making selective short term loans advanced manufacturing equipment small manufacturing firms employees activities shall instead include facilitation collaborations partnerships small medium sized manufacturing companies community colleges area career technical education schools help colleges schools better understand specific needs manufacturers manufacturers better understand skill sets students learn programs offered institutions bill repeals year limitation financial support commerce center created partnership commerce shall implement review update regulations related partnership years bill revises cost sharing requirements receipt applicant financial assistance partnership center undergo independent review eighth year operation placed probation year evaluation positive center reevaluation shown significant improvement performance nist shall conduct new competition select operator center alternative center closed nist shall transmit congress plan conduct reviews assessments competitions contract independent organization assess implementation competition process required center consecutive years financial assistance freedom information act shall apply confidential information obtained government business operation participant partnership program client center trade secrets possessed client center center advisory boards shall institute conflict interest policy ensures representation local small medium sized manufacturers center region board members shall serve deliver services center serve center oversight board simultaneously bill changes membership maximum minimum represents community college competitive grant program nist shall select proposals promote transfer commercialization research technology institutions higher education national laboratories nonprofit research institutes bill eliminates separate innovative services initiative assist small- medium sized manufacturers sec bill eliminates requirement nist tip continue providing support originally awarded sec stevenson-wydler_technology innovation act amended repeal limitation total program cost total grant cooperative agreement assist technology innovation activities act sec developing standards guidelines information systems nist shall consult department_of_defense national_security_agency contravention requirement sec bill expresses sense congress concerning cooperation regard basic scientific research nist continue facilitate scientific collaborations israel technical agencies working measurement science standardization


Summary:
Seasonal Forecasting Improvement Act

(Sec. 2) The Department of Commerce, through the National Weather Service (NWS) and other appropriate programs in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), shall:

 collect and utilize information in order to make usable, reliable, and timely forecasts of seasonal temperature and precipitation in agriculture; leverage existing research and models from the academic sector to improve such forecasts; determine and provide information on how such forecasted conditions may impact the number and severity of droughts, fires, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, heat waves, coastal inundation, winter storms, high impact weather, or other relevant disasters, snowpack, and sea ice conditions; provide these forecasts and information on national and regional levels; and develop an Internet clearinghouse. Commerce shall provide forecasts and information on their impacts to the public.

Commerce shall build upon existing forecasting and assessment programs and partnerships, including by:

 designating research and monitoring activities related to seasonal forecasts as a priority in one or more Cooperative Institute solicitations, contributing to the interagency Earth System Prediction Capability, and consulting with the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security to determine the highest priority seasonal forecast needs to enhance national security. Commerce shall make grants of up to $100,000 each to states and territories to appoint a forecast communication coordinator to receive and disseminate forecasts and information.

Commerce shall provide funds to each state requesting assistance to support an individual to:

 serve as a liaison among NOAA, other federal departments and agencies, the academic sector, the state, and relevant interests within that state; and receive and disseminate the forecasts and information throughout the state, including county and tribal governments. Commerce shall also require matching funds from the state, a university, a non-governmental organization, trade association, or the private sector.

The bill reauthorizes the weather and climate information in agriculture program through FY2020.

(Sec. 3) The U.S. Weather Research Program shall: (1) report annually to Congress about on-going research projects and the five NOAA projects related to observations, weather, or seasonal-scale forecasts closest to operationalization; (2) establish teams with staff from the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and the NWS to oversee the operationalization of research projects; and (3) facilitate visiting scholars.

The bill reauthorizes the U.S. Weather Research Program through FY2020.

(Sec. 4) NOAA must take immediate action to manage the expense of environmental observations by:

 improving NOAA procurement practices with respect to polar and geostationary satellites; and assessing the operational viability of alternate observation platforms, such as microsatellite constellations and ocean observing systems. NOAA and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) may acquire all the polar and geostationary weather satellites for use in a NOAA program phase via a single procurement action.

NOAA shall ensure that it procures or acquires such satellites only by securing the best value for each NOAA polar and geostationary program, considering:

 integration with current ground systems for receiving, processing, and disseminating data; integration of spacecraft and sensing instruments; and capacity to respond to changes in requirements and credibility of risk management. NOAA shall complete and operationalize the radio occultation program of record in effect on the day before enactment of this Act by:

 deploying constellations of microsatellites in both the equatorial and polar orbits, integrating resulting data and research into all national operational weather forecast models, and ensuring that the resulting data is free and open to all communities. In NWS Regions where NOAA determines that ocean and coastal data would improve forecasts, NOAA shall:

 integrate additional coastal and ocean observations, and other data and research from NOAA Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) into regional weather forecasts; and support the development of real time data-sharing products and forecast products in collaboration with the IOOS regional associations, including the private sector, academia, and research institutions. NOAA must identify degradation of existing monitoring and observation infrastructure that could lead to a reduction in forecast quality.

NOAA shall enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to study matters concerning the future of NOAA satellite systems. If it is unable to enter into an agreement with the NAS on acceptable terms, NOAA shall seek to enter into such an agreement with another appropriate organization that:

 is not a part of the government; operates as not-for-profit entity; and has expertise and objectivity comparable to that of the NAS. The bill authorizes appropriations to NOAA for FY2017-FY2019 to carry out this section.

(Sec. 5) The Office of Science and Technology Policy shall designate a Federal Coordinator for Meteorology.

(Sec. 6) NOAA shall establish and support a Weather Commission to: (1) assess NOAA weather forecasts and forecast products; and (2) advise the federal government, including Congress, on matters relating to the highest priority weather forecast needs of the community of users.

The bill authorizes appropriations to NOAA through FY2019 for the Weather Commission.

(Sec. 7) The NWS shall review existing research, products, and services that meet the specific needs of the urban environment, including those with the potential for improving modeling and forecasting capabilities by taking into account factors such as varying building heights, impermeable surfaces, lack of tree canopy, traffic pollution, and interbuilding wind effects.

(Sec. 8) NOAA shall analyze the impacts of the proposed Air Force divestiture in the U.S. Weather Research and Forecasting Model, including the impact on:

 U.S. weather forecasting capabilities, the accuracy of civilian regional forecasts, the civilian readiness for traditional and extreme weather events in the United States, and the research necessary to develop the Weather Research and Forecasting Model. (Sec. 9) NOAA shall contract or continue to partner with an external organization to conduct a baseline analysis of the NWS operations and workforce.

(Sec. 10) NOAA shall maintain a National Water Center, through which it shall:

 initiate research and development activities to develop operational water resource prediction products; collaborate with, and provide decision-support regarding total water prediction to, other relevant federal and state agencies, including the Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Geological Survey, the Environmental Protection Agency, and state water resource and emergency management agencies; and develop capabilities necessary for total water predictive capacity. The National Weather Center shall report on total water predictive capabilities and products, and may make recommendations for improving engineering, design, operations, and management of civil works projects, including the Central and Southern Florida Project and any project in the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River System, to optimize water management.

(Sec. 11) In collaboration with the American weather industry and appropriate academic entities, and through the NWS, NOAA shall plan and maintain a project to improve hurricane forecasting, including:

 the prediction of rapid intensification and track of hurricanes; the forecast and communication of storm surges from hurricanes; and risk communication research to create more effective watch and warning products.

seasonal forecasting improvement act sec department_of_commerce national_weather_service nws appropriate programs national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa shall collect utilize information order usable reliable timely forecasts seasonal temperature precipitation agriculture leverage existing research models academic sector improve forecasts determine provide information forecasted conditions impact number severity droughts fires hurricanes floods heat waves coastal winter storms high impact weather relevant disasters snowpack sea ice conditions provide forecasts information national regional levels develop internet clearinghouse commerce shall provide forecasts information impacts public commerce shall build existing forecasting assessment programs partnerships including designating research monitoring activities related seasonal forecasts priority solicitations contributing interagency earth system prediction capability consulting department_of_defense department_of_homeland_security determine highest priority seasonal forecast needs enhance national security commerce shall grants states territories appoint forecast communication coordinator receive disseminate forecasts information commerce shall provide funds state requesting assistance support individual serve liaison noaa federal departments agencies academic sector state relevant interests state receive disseminate forecasts information state including county tribal governments commerce shall require matching funds state university non governmental organization trade association private sector bill reauthorizes weather climate information agriculture program fy2020 sec shall report annually congress going research projects noaa projects related observations weather seasonal scale forecasts closest establish teams staff nws oversee research projects facilitate visiting scholars bill reauthorizes fy2020 sec noaa immediate action manage expense environmental observations improving noaa procurement practices respect polar satellites assessing operational viability alternate observation platforms ocean observing systems noaa national_aeronautics_and_space_administration nasa acquire polar weather satellites use noaa program phase single procurement action noaa shall ensure acquires satellites securing best value noaa polar program considering integration current ground systems receiving processing disseminating data integration sensing instruments capacity respond changes requirements credibility risk management noaa shall complete radio program record effect day enactment act deploying polar integrating resulting data research national operational weather forecast models ensuring resulting data free open communities nws regions noaa determines ocean coastal data improve forecasts noaa shall integrate additional coastal ocean observations data research regional weather forecasts support development real time data sharing products forecast products collaboration regional associations including private sector academia research institutions noaa identify degradation existing monitoring observation infrastructure lead reduction forecast quality noaa shall enter agreement national_academy_of_sciences nas study matters concerning future noaa satellite systems unable enter agreement nas acceptable terms noaa shall seek enter agreement appropriate organization government operates profit entity expertise objectivity comparable nas bill authorizes appropriations noaa carry section sec office_of_science_and_technology_policy shall designate sec noaa shall establish support assess noaa weather forecasts forecast products advise federal government including congress matters relating highest priority weather forecast needs community users bill authorizes appropriations noaa fy2019 sec nws shall review existing research products services meet specific needs urban environment including potential improving modeling forecasting capabilities taking account factors varying building heights surfaces lack tree canopy traffic pollution wind effects sec noaa shall analyze impacts proposed air force divestiture including impact weather forecasting capabilities accuracy civilian regional forecasts civilian readiness traditional extreme weather events united_states research necessary develop sec noaa shall contract continue partner external organization conduct baseline analysis nws operations workforce sec noaa shall maintain shall initiate research development activities develop operational water resource prediction products collaborate provide decision support total water prediction relevant federal state agencies including army_corps_of_engineers environmental_protection_agency state water resource emergency management agencies develop capabilities necessary total water predictive capacity shall report total water predictive capabilities products recommendations improving engineering design operations management civil works projects including project apalachicola chattahoochee flint river system optimize water management sec collaboration american weather industry appropriate academic entities nws noaa shall plan maintain project improve hurricane forecasting including prediction rapid intensification track hurricanes forecast communication storm hurricanes risk communication research create effective watch warning products


Summary:
This bill requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to maintain a project to improve hurricane forecasting. The project's goal is to develop and extend accurate hurricane forecasts and warnings in order to reduce loss of life, injury, and damage to the economy, with a focus on: (1) improving the prediction of rapid intensification and track of hurricanes, (2) improving the forecast and communication of storm surges from hurricanes, and (3) incorporating risk communication research to create more effective watch and warning products.

The National Weather Service must develop a plan for that project that details the specific research, development, and technology transfer activities, as well as corresponding resources and timelines, necessary to achieve that goal.

bill requires national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration maintain project improve hurricane forecasting project goal develop extend accurate hurricane forecasts warnings order reduce loss life injury damage economy focus improving prediction rapid intensification track hurricanes improving forecast communication storm hurricanes incorporating risk communication research create effective watch warning products national_weather_service develop plan project details specific research development technology transfer activities corresponding resources timelines necessary achieve goal


Summary:
Weather Alerts for a Ready Nation Act of 2015

(Sec. 2) This bill directs the National Weather Service (NWS) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the Department of Commerce to employ at each of its weather forecast offices at least one warning coordination meteorologist who shall:

 serve the geographic area of responsibility covered by the office to help ensure that users of NWS products can respond effectively to improve weather event outcomes; liaise with specified users of NWS products and services to evaluate the adequacy and usefulness of such products and services; collaborate with other appropriate weather forecast offices and state, local, and tribal government agencies in developing, proposing, and implementing plans to improve the usefulness of such products and services; ensure the maintenance and accuracy of severe weather call lists, appropriate office severe weather policy or procedures, and other severe weather or dissemination methodologies or strategies; and work closely with state, local, and tribal emergency management agencies, and other agencies related to disaster management, to ensure a planned, coordinated, and effective preparedness effort. A warning coordination meteorologist may also take on specified additional responsibilities.

In carrying out this Act the NWS may place a warning coordination meteorologist with a state or local emergency manager if necessary or convenient.

 (Sec. 3) NOAA shall assess its system for issuing watches and warnings for hazardous weather and water events, including:

 an evaluation of whether the system meets the purpose of risk communication to the general public that informs action to prevent loss of life and property, and development of recommendations for legislative and administrative action to improve the system and for research necessary to address the following focus areas. The assessment shall focus on ways to:

 communicate the risks posed by hazardous weather or water events to the public that are most likely to result in action to mitigate the risk, communicate the risks posed by such events to the public as broadly and rapidly as practicable, preserve the benefits of the existing watches and warning system, and maintain the utility of the system for government and commercial users of such system. In conducting the assessment NOAA shall use methodologies generally accepted by the weather enterprise, including social and behavioral sciences.

Based on the assessment, NOAA shall take actions necessary to improve the system, support efforts to satisfy research needs to enable its future improvement, and ensure that any major change to it:

 is validated by social and behavioral science; accounts for the needs of various demographics, vulnerable populations, and geographic regions; accounts for the differences between types of weather and water hazards; responds to the needs of federal, state, and local government partners and media partners; and accounts for necessary changes to federally-operated watch and warning propagation and dissemination infrastructure and protocols. (Sec. 4) NOAA shall report annually to Congress on the use of contractors at the NWS for the most recently completed fiscal year.

weather alerts ready nation act sec bill directs national_weather_service nws national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa department_of_commerce employ weather forecast offices warning coordination shall serve geographic area responsibility covered office help ensure users nws products respond effectively improve weather event outcomes specified users nws products services evaluate adequacy usefulness products services collaborate appropriate weather forecast offices state local tribal government agencies developing proposing implementing plans improve usefulness products services ensure maintenance accuracy severe weather lists appropriate office severe weather policy procedures severe weather dissemination methodologies strategies work closely state local tribal emergency management agencies agencies related disaster management ensure planned coordinated effective preparedness effort warning coordination specified additional responsibilities carrying act nws place warning coordination state local emergency manager necessary convenient sec noaa shall assess system issuing watches warnings hazardous weather water events including evaluation system meets purpose risk communication general public informs action prevent loss life property development recommendations legislative administrative action improve system research necessary address following focus areas assessment shall focus ways communicate risks posed hazardous weather water events public likely result action mitigate risk communicate risks posed events public broadly rapidly practicable preserve benefits existing watches warning system maintain utility system government commercial users system conducting assessment noaa shall use methodologies generally accepted weather enterprise including social behavioral sciences based assessment noaa shall actions necessary improve system support efforts satisfy research needs enable future improvement ensure major change validated social behavioral science accounts needs demographics vulnerable populations geographic regions accounts differences types weather water hazards responds needs federal state local government partners media partners accounts necessary changes federally operated watch warning propagation dissemination infrastructure protocols sec noaa shall report annually congress use contractors nws recently completed fiscal year


Summary:
National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring System Act

This bill directs the United States Geological Survey (USGS) to establish the National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring System to monitor, issue warnings of, and protect U.S. citizens from undue and avoidable harm from, volcanic activity.

The purposes of the System are to: (1) organize, modernize, standardize, and stabilize the monitoring systems of U.S. volcano observatories; and (2) unify such systems into a single interoperative system. The objective of the System is to monitor all U.S. volcanoes at a level commensurate with the threat posed by the volcanoes by: (1) upgrading existing networks on monitored volcanoes, and (2) installing new networks on unmonitored volcanoes.

The System shall include: (1) a national volcano watch office that is operational 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, (2) a national volcano data center, (3) an external grants program to support research in volcano monitoring science and technology, and (4) modernization activities including the comprehensive application of emerging technologies.

The USGS must: (1) submit to Congress a five-year management plan for establishing and operating the System, and (2) establish an advisory committee to assist in implementing the System.

 The USGS may enter into cooperative agreements designating institutions of higher education and state agencies as volcano observatory partners for the System.

monitoring system act bill directs united_states_geological_survey usgs establish monitoring system monitor issue warnings protect citizens undue harm volcanic activity purposes system organize modernize standardize stabilize monitoring systems systems single system objective system monitor level commensurate threat posed upgrading existing networks monitored installing new networks system shall include national watch office operational hours day days week national data center external grants program support research monitoring science technology modernization activities including comprehensive application emerging technologies usgs submit congress year management plan establishing operating system establish advisory committee assist implementing system usgs enter cooperative agreements designating institutions higher education state agencies partners system


Summary:
(Sec. 1) This bill directs the Department of Commerce to complete, within 90 days after enactment of this bill, a study on gaps in the coverage of the Next Generation Weather Radar of the National Weather Service (NEXRAD).

 In conducting this study, Commerce shall identify areas in the United States with limited or no NEXRAD coverage below 6,000 feet above ground level of the surrounding terrain.

For those areas identified, Commerce shall also:

 identify the key weather effects for which prediction would improve with improved radar detection; identify additional sources of observations for high impact weather available and operational for such areas, including Terminal Doppler Weather Radar, air surveillance radars of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and cooperative network observers; and assess the feasibility and advisability of efforts to integrate and upgrade federal radar capabilities in such areas that are not owned or controlled by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, including radar capabilities of the FAA and the Department of Defense. In addition, under such study Commerce shall:

 assess the feasibility and advisability of incorporating state-operated and other nonfederal radars into the operations of the National Weather Service; identify options to improve radar coverage in all of the areas identified as having limited or no NEXRAD coverage; and estimate the cost of, and develop a timeline for, carrying out each of the options identified. After completing the study, Commerce shall submit a plan for improving radar coverage in the identified areas by integrating and upgrading, where practicable, additional observation solutions to improve hazardous weather detection and forecasting.

Commerce shall seek third-party reviews on scientific methodology related to, and the feasibility and advisability of, implementing the plan to improve radar coverage, including the extent to which warning and forecast services of the National Weather Service would be improved by additional NEXRAD coverage.

sec bill directs department_of_commerce complete days enactment bill study gaps coverage national_weather_service conducting study commerce shall identify areas united_states limited coverage feet ground level surrounding terrain areas identified commerce shall identify key weather effects prediction improve improved radar detection identify additional sources observations high impact weather available operational areas including terminal weather radar air surveillance federal_aviation_administration faa cooperative network observers assess feasibility advisability efforts integrate upgrade federal radar capabilities areas owned controlled national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration including radar capabilities faa department_of_defense addition study commerce shall assess feasibility advisability incorporating state operated nonfederal operations national_weather_service identify options improve radar coverage areas identified having limited coverage estimate cost develop timeline carrying options identified completing study commerce shall submit plan improving radar coverage identified areas integrating upgrading practicable additional observation solutions improve hazardous weather detection forecasting commerce shall seek party reviews scientific methodology related feasibility advisability implementing plan improve radar coverage including extent warning forecast services national_weather_service improved additional coverage


Summary:
Gulf States Protection and Restoration Coordination Act

This bill amends the Coastal Zone Management Act to designate the Gulf of Mexico Alliance (GOMA) as a regional coordination entity of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The regional coordination would strengthen collaboration efforts among federal, state, local, and private participants in the five Gulf states (Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas) to restore and protect the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem.

The designation authorizes the GOMA to:

 unify the efforts of participants to efficiently restore and protect the ecosystem, provide grants to implement specific action plans that meet coordination goals, improve water quality in the ecosystem, publish information about living coastal and marine resources in the ecosystem, develop public outreach programs that foster stewardship of the ecosystem, and serve as the liaison to the Mexican members of the Gulf of Mexico States Accord and Mexican counterparts. Any grants issued by the GOMA for ecosystem research can be used to:

 monitor and develop strategies that address water quality needs, investigate the effects of natural and human-induced changes, restore and sustain living coastal and marine resources, restore and conserve key habitats, or eliminate contamination problems. In addition, the GOMA is required to submit to NOAA an annual report that describes the goals, objectives, and benefits of any efforts undertaken to strengthen cooperation among participants in restoring and protecting the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem. Furthermore, NOAA is required to submit to Congress an assessment, every three years, on the effectiveness of the GOMA's ability to coordinate regional restoration and protection efforts in the ecosystem.

coordination act bill amends coastal_zone_management_act designate regional coordination entity national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa regional coordination strengthen collaboration efforts federal state local private participants gulf states alabama florida louisiana mississippi texas restore protect gulf_of_mexico ecosystem designation authorizes efforts participants efficiently restore protect ecosystem provide grants implement specific action plans meet coordination goals improve water quality ecosystem publish information living coastal marine resources ecosystem develop public outreach programs foster stewardship ecosystem serve liaison mexican members accord mexican counterparts grants issued ecosystem research monitor develop strategies address water quality needs investigate effects natural human induced changes restore sustain living coastal marine resources restore conserve key habitats eliminate contamination problems addition required submit noaa annual report describes goals objectives benefits efforts undertaken strengthen cooperation participants restoring protecting gulf_of_mexico ecosystem furthermore noaa required submit congress assessment years effectiveness ability coordinate regional restoration protection efforts ecosystem


Summary: Appropriates to the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY2007 for military construction, family housing, and base realignment and closure functions, an amount equal to that authorized to be appropriated for such purposes for such fiscal year under the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 (Division B of the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007).

appropriates department_of_defense dod fy2007 military construction family housing base realignment closure functions equal authorized appropriated purposes fiscal year fiscal year division john_warner_national_defense_authorization_act fiscal year


Summary: Amends the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 to include within such Act authorized Army military construction projects at Fort Lee, Virginia, and Fort Lewis, Washington, that were omitted due to an enrollment error.

amends fiscal year include act authorized army military construction projects fort lee virginia washington omitted enrollment error


Summary: Secure Handling of Ammonium Nitrate Act of 2007 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to regulate the sale and transfer of ammonium nitrate by an entity that produces, sells, or otherwise transfers ownership of or provides application services for it to prevent its misappropriation or use in a terrorist act.Requires the Secretary to establish: (1) a threshold percentage for ammonium nitrate for a substance to be treated as ammonium nitrate under this Act; and (2) a process by which each applicant for registration as the owner of an ammonium nitrate facility is required to register with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and any person who seeks to be an ammonium nitrate purchaser is issued a registration number. Directs the Secretary to require the owner of a facility engaged in selling or transferring ammonium nitrate to maintain a record of each sale or transfer for two years.Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) exempting persons producing, selling, or purchasing ammonium nitrate exclusively for use as an explosive material under a federal explosives license; (2) ensuring that access of agricultural producers to ammonium nitrate is not unduly burdened; and (3) restricting the disclosure of information obtained under this Act. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish procedures to efficiently receive applications for registration numbers, conduct checks of appropriate identifying information of any person seeking to register against information that appears on the terrorist watch list, and promptly issue or deny a registration number; and (2) take steps to maximize the number of registration applications that are submitted and processed during the initial six-month period. Authorizes the Secretary to deny issuance of a registration number if the person's identifying information appears on the terrorist watch list and the Secretary determines that such person may pose a threat to national security. Requires the Secretary: (1) following the six-month period, to issue or deny registration numbers not later than 72 hours after receiving a complete registration application unless the Secretary determines, in the interest of national security, that additional time is necessary to review an application; and (2) in all cases, to notify persons of the status of their application not later than 72 hours after receiving it. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish an expedited appeals process for persons denied a registration number; (2) resolve appeals within 72 hours unless additional time is necessary in the interest of national security; (3) provide guidance regarding the procedures and information required for an appeal; and (4) recheck, as appropriate, and revoke a registration number upon determining that the person may pose a threat to national security, but requires prior notice to permit an appeal. Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) inspecting and auditing facility owner records to prevent the misappropriation of ammonium nitrate; and (2) timely reporting by individuals of the theft or unexplained loss of ammonium nitrate. Requires the relevant federal authorities to inform appropriate state, local, and tribal law enforcement entities of such theft or loss.Prohibits individuals and owners of ammonium nitrate facilities from taking and transferring possession of ammonium nitrate to persons who are not registered or to agents of a non-registered person. Sets forth related prohibitions. Prohibits: (1) buying and taking possession of ammonium nitrate, or owning or operating an ammonium nitrate facility, without a registration number; or (2) failing to comply with any requirement of this Act. Prescribes a civil penalty. Lists considerations in determining the penalty amount, including the nature and circumstances of the violation and any history of prior violations, ability to pay, and effect on the person's ability to conduct business.Shields an owner of an ammonium nitrate facility from liability (subject to specified limitations) where the owner, in good faith, refuses to sell or transfer ammonium nitrate to any person, or discloses to DHS or to appropriate law enforcement authorities an actual or attempted purchase or transfer, based on a reasonable belief that the person seeking the purchase or transfer may use the ammonium nitrate to create an explosive device to be employed in a terrorist act or for any other unlawful purpose.Authorizes appropriations.

ammonium nitrate act amends homeland security act direct secretary homeland_security regulate sale transfer ammonium nitrate entity produces sells transfers ownership provides application services prevent misappropriation use terrorist act requires secretary establish threshold percentage ammonium nitrate substance treated ammonium nitrate act process applicant registration owner ammonium nitrate facility required register department_of_homeland_security dhs person seeks ammonium nitrate purchaser issued registration number directs secretary require owner facility engaged selling transferring ammonium nitrate maintain record sale transfer years sets forth provisions exempting persons producing selling purchasing ammonium nitrate exclusively use explosive material federal explosives license ensuring access agricultural producers ammonium nitrate unduly restricting disclosure information obtained act directs secretary establish procedures efficiently receive applications registration numbers conduct checks appropriate identifying information person seeking register information appears terrorist watch list promptly issue deny registration number steps maximize number registration applications submitted processed initial month period authorizes secretary deny issuance registration number person identifying information appears terrorist watch list secretary determines person pose threat national security requires secretary following month period issue deny registration numbers later hours receiving complete registration application secretary determines interest national security additional time necessary review application cases notify persons status application later hours receiving directs secretary establish expedited appeals process persons denied registration number resolve appeals hours additional time necessary interest national security provide guidance procedures information required appeal appropriate revoke registration number determining person pose threat national security requires prior notice permit appeal sets forth provisions inspecting auditing facility owner records prevent misappropriation ammonium nitrate timely reporting individuals theft loss ammonium nitrate requires relevant federal authorities inform appropriate state local tribal law enforcement entities theft loss prohibits individuals owners ammonium nitrate facilities taking transferring possession ammonium nitrate persons registered agents non registered person sets forth related prohibitions prohibits buying taking possession ammonium nitrate owning operating ammonium nitrate facility registration number failing comply requirement act prescribes civil penalty lists considerations determining penalty including nature circumstances violation history prior violations ability pay effect person ability conduct business shields owner ammonium nitrate facility liability subject specified limitations owner good faith refuses sell transfer ammonium nitrate person discloses dhs appropriate law enforcement authorities actual attempted purchase transfer based reasonable belief person seeking purchase transfer use ammonium nitrate create explosive device employed terrorist act unlawful purpose authorizes appropriations


Summary: National Emergency Centers Establishment Act - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish at least six national emergency centers on military installations to use existing infrastructure to provide: (1) temporary housing, medical, and humanitarian assistance to individuals and families dislocated due to an emergency or major disaster; and (2) centralized locations for the training of first responders and the coordination of preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. Lists minimum requirements for sites for such centers, including that they be capable of: (1) meeting for an extended period the housing, health, transportation, education, public works, humanitarian, and other transition needs of a large number of individuals affected; (2) being scaled up or down to accommodate major disaster preparedness and response drills, operations, and procedures; (3) housing existing permanent structures necessary to meet training and first responders coordination requirements during non-disaster periods; and (4) hosting the infrastructure necessary to rapidly adjust to temporary housing, medical, and humanitarian assistance needs.Sets forth center location requirements, including requiring the Secretary to designate closed military installations as sites whenever possible and to designate portions of existing military installations as centers otherwise.

secretary homeland_security establish national emergency centers military installations use existing infrastructure provide temporary housing medical humanitarian assistance individuals families dislocated emergency major disaster centralized locations training responders coordination preparedness response recovery efforts lists minimum requirements sites centers including capable meeting extended period housing health transportation education public works humanitarian transition needs large number individuals affected scaled accommodate major disaster preparedness response drills operations procedures housing existing permanent structures necessary meet training responders coordination requirements non disaster periods hosting infrastructure necessary rapidly adjust temporary housing medical humanitarian assistance needs sets forth center location requirements including requiring secretary designate closed military installations sites possible designate portions existing military installations centers