(Washington, DC) - Today, the U.S. House of Representatives considered and passed two bipartisan Science, Space, and Technology Committee bills: H.R. 676, the Coastal Communities Ocean Acidification Act of 2023 and H.R. 1715, the Advanced Weather Model Computing Development Act.
“I applaud the passage of these two bipartisan pieces of Committee legislation,” said Chairman Frank Lucas. “Improved community engagement with Indian Tribes, as well as state and local government, will improve NOAA’s work to support the health and long-term growth of our marine ecosystems. Collaboration between the Department of Energy and NOAA will not only improve NOAA’s forecasting, but the opportunity to analyze large weather data sets will help to advance machine learning at DOE. I want to thank today’s sponsors and cosponsors for their collaboration and hard work in advancing these issues. I hope we can continue to work together on our shared priorities moving forward.”
“I’m pleased to see another two bipartisan bills advance through the Science Committee and pass the House,” said Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren. “Each bill considered today represents a coordinated government effort that will improve the lives of Americans across the nation. I thank my colleagues for their work in leading these efforts. From ocean research to life-saving forecasting improvements, and fighting a narcotic epidemic, we can address the challenges we face with science at the forefront.”
H.R. 676, the Coastal Communities Ocean Acidification Act of 2023, requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to collaborate with State and local governments and Indian Tribes on vulnerability assessments related to ocean acidification, research planning, and similar activities.
“Ocean acidification threatens not only our fisheries but the entire blue economy, our marine resources, industries, jobs, and coastal communities like those in Maine,” said Congresswoman Chellie Pingree. “My bipartisan Coastal Communities Ocean Acidification Act will address the growing and far-reaching threat of ocean acidification to help ensure that our ocean industries, including fisheries, and the communities that depend on them, are more resilient to our changing oceans. I thank my House colleagues for their strong support today and urge Senators to do the same so we can get this important bill to President Biden.”
“Florida’s waterways are essential to our economic growth and prosperity,” said Congressman Michael Waltz. “As Floridians, we have experienced firsthand the devastating effects of harmful algal blooms and red tides on our coastal communities. We must work to better understand the connection between ocean acidification and increased toxicity to prevent them moving forward. Today’s passage of this bill brings us one step closer to bolstering collaboration among all stakeholders working to protect Florida’s waterways.”
H.R. 1715, the Advanced Weather Model Computing Development Act, advances numerical weather and climate prediction by directing the Department of Energy (DOE) and NOAA to conduct collaborative research. Leveraging DOE's high-performance computing capabilities to analyze NOAA’s complex and large weather data sets will improve forecasting, climate modeling, and more.
“Collaborating and sharing information between these agencies ensures that researchers are on the same page,” said Environment Subcommittee Chairman Max Miller. “This will prevent duplication of efforts while saving taxpayer resources. I appreciate my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for passing this legislation today.”
“I’m very proud to see this bill pass today,” said Environment Subcommittee Ranking Member Deborah Ross. “Climate and extreme weather events are taking lives, destroying property, and causing financial pain in North Carolina and communities across the country. This bipartisan legislation will enhance the tools available to the outstanding forecasters at the National Weather Service who dedicate their time and expertise to protecting lives, property, and so much more. Without question, advancing our ability to ensure accurate and timely responses to weather and climate events is critical to protecting all Americans.”