S.324 - Smarter Weather Forecasting for Water Management, Farming, and Ranching Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
The Smarter Weather Forecasting for Water Management, Farming, and Ranching Act of 2025 (S.324) aims to improve subseasonal to seasonal weather forecasting, particularly for agriculture and water management. The bill directs the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere to establish pilot projects under the U.S. Weather Research Program. These projects will focus on enhancing precipitation forecasts in the western United States and across the nation.
The Act authorizes $45 million in appropriations annually from 2025 through 2029 to support these activities. The pilot projects are intended to address key science challenges and implement recommendations from the National Weather Service's 2020 report on subseasonal and seasonal forecasting innovation.
Ultimately, the goal is to provide better weather information to farmers, ranchers, and water managers, aiding in more informed decision-making.
Expected Effects
If enacted, S.324 will lead to improved weather forecasting models and data, specifically tailored for agricultural and water management needs. This could result in more efficient water resource allocation, better crop management practices, and reduced losses due to extreme weather events.
Farmers and ranchers may be able to make more informed decisions about planting, irrigation, and harvesting. Water managers could improve reservoir operations and drought preparedness.
The Act will also foster collaboration between government agencies, academic institutions, and other relevant entities.
Potential Benefits
- Improved water management in the western United States through better precipitation forecasts.
- Enhanced agricultural practices nationwide due to more accurate weather predictions.
- Reduced economic losses for farmers and ranchers from weather-related events.
- Increased collaboration between government, academic, and research institutions.
- Better preparedness for extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods.
Potential Disadvantages
- The $45 million annual appropriation could increase the national debt if not offset by spending cuts elsewhere.
- The pilot projects may not yield significant improvements in forecasting accuracy.
- There could be delays or inefficiencies in implementing the pilot projects.
- The focus on subseasonal to seasonal forecasting may neglect other important weather forecasting needs.
- The benefits may be unevenly distributed, favoring certain regions or agricultural sectors.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the General Welfare Clause of the Constitution (Preamble), as it aims to promote the well-being of the agricultural sector and ensure efficient water management. Congress has the power to appropriate funds for the general welfare of the United States.
Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to regulate commerce, and this bill could be seen as supporting interstate commerce by improving agricultural productivity and water resource management.
Amendment X could be invoked if the federal government unduly interferes with state water rights or agricultural practices, but the bill seems to focus on research and information dissemination rather than direct regulation.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).