In a season of discouraging forecasts for the near-term vitality of climate-oriented research, the local science community is counting a major win Tuesday with Congress approving major legislation to boost weather prediction and research.
is the first major weather legislation since the early 1990s. It was passed by the Senate on Thursday, and by the House on Tuesday.
According to Boulder’s University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, the bill calls for more research into subseasonal-to-seasonal prediction — from two weeks to more than a year in advance — which is important for those whose work requires dependable forecasts weeks or even months in advance.
It will also strengthen short-term weather forecasts and pave the way for research findings to be adopted by forecasters as well as by commercial weather companies, according to UCAR.
“This landmark legislation will save lives and property while providing business leaders with critical intelligence,” . “Today’s bipartisan vote underscores the enduring value of scientific research to our nation.”