The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) Authorization Act of 2021, also known as the NOW Act, was introduced in the House of Representatives as Bill 118 hr 4936. This bill aims to authorize funding for NOAA's OAR programs for fiscal years 2022 through 2026.
The NOW Act focuses on supporting research and development efforts related to weather forecasting, climate science, oceanic and atmospheric research, and technology innovation. It also emphasizes the importance of collaboration with other federal agencies, academic institutions, and private sector partners to advance scientific understanding and improve forecasting capabilities.
Specific provisions of the NOW Act include funding for research on severe weather events, such as hurricanes and tornadoes, as well as efforts to enhance climate modeling and prediction. The bill also prioritizes investments in technology and infrastructure to improve data collection and analysis, including the development of new satellite systems and sensors.
Overall, the NOW Act seeks to strengthen NOAA's ability to provide accurate and timely information to support decision-making in areas such as disaster preparedness, resource management, and environmental protection. By authorizing funding for critical research and development initiatives, this legislation aims to advance scientific knowledge and improve the nation's resilience to natural hazards and climate change.