H.R. 9498

[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 9498 Introduced in House (IH)]

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118th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 9498

To direct the use of artificial intelligence by National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration to adapt to extreme weather, and for other 
purposes.

_______________________________________________________________________

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

September 9, 2024

Mr. Scott Franklin of Florida (for himself and Mr. Mullin) introduced 
the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Science, 
Space, and Technology

_______________________________________________________________________

A BILL

To direct the use of artificial intelligence by National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration to adapt to extreme weather, and for other 
purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Transformational 
Artificial intelligence to Modernize the Economy against Extreme 
Weather Act'' or the ``TAME Extreme Weather Act''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as 
follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Definitions.
Sec. 3. Earth system forecasting and information delivery.
Sec. 4. Advanced artificial intelligence applications for weather and 
information delivery.
Sec. 5. Technical assistance on use of artificial intelligence weather 
models.
Sec. 6. Fire environment modeling program.
Sec. 7. Emissions monitoring and analysis program.
Sec. 8. Partnerships for transformational innovation.
Sec. 9. Federal Government workforce expertise.
Sec. 10. Data access.

SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

In this Act:
(1) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the 
Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration.
(2) Artificial intelligence.--
(A) In general.--The term ``artificial 
intelligence'' means a machine-based system that can, 
for a given set of human-defined objectives, make 
predictions, recommendations, or decisions influencing 
real or virtual environments, including by using 
machine-based and human-based inputs--
(i) to abstract such objectives into models 
through analysis in an automated manner; and
(ii) to use model inferences to generate 
information or formulate options for action.
(B) Inclusions.--The term ``artificial 
intelligence'' includes machine learning, neural 
networks, and natural language processing.
(3) Artificial intelligence weather model.--The term 
``artificial intelligence weather model'' means a weather model 
based primarily on artificial intelligence to project future 
Earth system conditions based on machine learning from an Earth 
system reanalysis dataset.
(4) Curate.--The term ``curate'' means to collect, 
maintain, and update periodically a dataset--
(A) to ensure and document its quality; and
(B) to provide metadata on its provenance.
(5) Numerical weather model.--The term ``numerical weather 
model'' means a weather model based primarily on coupled Earth 
system processes and that uses numerical computation to 
forecast future Earth system conditions.
(6) Observational data.--The term ``observational data'' 
means data from actual observations of environmental 
conditions, including remote sensing and in situ platforms.
(7) Open license.--The term ``open license'' has the 
meaning given that term in section 3502(21) of title 44, United 
States Code.
(8) Reforecast analysis.--The term ``reforecast analysis'' 
means the assessment of a numerical weather model or artificial 
intelligence weather model by comparing model output and 
observational data over a period of time in the past.
(9) Synthetic data.--The term ``synthetic data'' means data 
produced from a model or statistical method in order to fill 
gaps in observational data.
(10) Training dataset.--The term ``training dataset'' means 
a dataset used to train an artificial intelligence model.
(11) Weather enterprise.--The term ``weather enterprise'' 
has the meaning given such term in section 2 of the Weather 
Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 (15 U.S.C. 
8501).
(12) Weather forecasting training dataset.--The term 
``weather forecasting training dataset'' means a dataset that 
contains continuous global observational data and synthetic 
data for Earth system variables relevant to weather 
forecasting, aviation weather, marine weather, and hydrology or 
water management, including data from model reanalysis and 
forecasts initialized through a data assimilation system.

SEC. 3. EARTH SYSTEM FORECASTING AND INFORMATION DELIVERY.

(a) In General.--Not later than two years after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in consultation with the 
Secretary of Energy, the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and 
Space Administration, the Director of the National Science Foundation, 
any appropriate Federal Advisory Committee, and such other technical 
experts as the Administrator considers appropriate, shall develop and 
curate comprehensive weather forecasting training datasets with 
relevant Earth system data, quality information, and metadata necessary 
for weather forecasting dataset that develops a long-term record of 
past weather in support of the following:
(1) Furthering the understanding of weather, water, 
climate, and space weather modeling and data.
(2) Advancing the science of weather forecasting, including 
seasonal and subseasonal forecasting.
(3) Developing artificial intelligence weather forecasting 
applications.
(b) Use of Existing Datasets.--In order to speed the development of 
the weather forecasting training dataset required under subsection (a), 
the Administrator shall assess, and to the greatest extent practicable 
build on, existing weather forecasting training datasets of the Federal 
Government.
(c) Artificial Intelligence Weather Model.--
(1) In general.--In carrying out this section, the 
Administrator, in consultation with any appropriate Federal 
Advisory Committees, may develop and test a global weather 
model based on artificial intelligence, to be referred to as an 
``artificial intelligence weather model''.
(2) Weather ready nation.--In coordination with the 
activities carried out under paragraph (1), the Administrator 
may explore using artificial intelligence to enhance the 
dissemination of information and evaluation of effectiveness 
for improved public understanding, preparedness, and 
resilience.
(3) Reports.--Not later than two years after the date of 
the enactment of this Act and not less frequently than annually 
thereafter, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the 
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of 
Representatives a report on the activities conducted under 
paragraph (1).
(d) Cooperative Institutes and Contracting Authority.--In carrying 
out this section, subject to the availability of appropriations, the 
Administrator may competitively award contracts and funding 
opportunities, increase the scope of existing cooperative institutes of 
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or competitively 
award a new cooperative institute.
(e) Environmental Impact.--The Administrator shall develop and 
disseminate best practices to minimize environmental impacts from the 
use of artificial intelligence to carry out this section.
(f) Continued Support for Observations, Basic Research, and 
Numerical Weather Models.--Notwithstanding the requirements of this 
section, the Administrator shall continue to support and advance the 
activities of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration carry 
out the following:
(1) Collect and acquire traditional and novel observational 
data relevant for artificial intelligence and numerical weather 
models.
(2) Advance research on the Earth system and numerical 
weather models.
(3) Develop and advance numerical Earth system modeling for 
predictions.
(4) Develop weather model data post-processing techniques.
(5) Improve data assimilation techniques.

SEC. 4. ADVANCED ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE APPLICATIONS FOR WEATHER AND 
INFORMATION DELIVERY.

The Administrator shall explore advanced applications of artificial 
intelligence to improve weather forecasts and information delivery, 
such as by carrying out the following:
(1) Improving data assimilation techniques.
(2) Using artificial intelligence weather models to quickly 
emulate running numerical weather models to assess and improve 
the confidence in and reliability of weather forecasts and 
information delivery.
(3) Improving impact-based decision support to diverse 
users and communities for greater societal benefits based on 
weather forecasts.

SEC. 5. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE ON USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE WEATHER 
MODELS.

(a) In General.--The Administrator shall regularly inventory and 
assess major non-Federal Government artificial intelligence weather 
models in order to provide the following:
(1) Technical evaluation and assistance on using such 
models.
(2) Best practices on providing forecasts based on outputs 
from both artificial intelligence weather models and numerical 
weather models, or a combination thereof.
(3) Support for forecasters and social scientists to test 
and evaluate the use and effectiveness of artificial 
intelligence models, including within National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration testbeds.
(4) Support for emergency managers to make operational 
decisions based on outputs from both artificial intelligence 
weather models and numerical weather models, or a combination 
thereof.
(b) Reforecast Analysis.--
(1) In general.--The Administrator shall support the 
development of a common framework for the assessment of 
numerical weather models and artificial intelligence weather 
models through reforecast analysis and related methodologies as 
the Administrator considers appropriate.
(2) Best practices.--In carrying out this subsection, the 
Administrator may develop and disseminate best practices in 
collaboration with the following:
(A) The National Institute for Standards and 
Technology.
(B) The National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration.
(C) The National Science Foundation.
(D) The Department of Energy.
(E) Academic and research institutions.
(F) The private sector.
(3) Report on use of analysis to improve models.--Not later 
than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the 
Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on 
Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives 
a report on the feasibility of using reforecast analysis 
techniques to improve seasonal and subseasonal models.
(c) Weather Forecast Offices.--In carrying out this section, the 
Administrator shall provide technical assistance, best practices, and 
support required under subsection (a) through weather forecast offices 
of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
(d) Independent Study on the Impacts of Artificial Intelligence 
Weather, Water, Climate, and Space Weather Models.--The Administrator 
may enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences or 
any other entity determined appropriate by the Administrator to assess 
the impacts of artificial intelligence weather models on the weather 
enterprise and make recommendations to improve the integration of such 
models in operational forecasting.

SEC. 6. FIRE ENVIRONMENT MODELING PROGRAM.

(a) In General.--Not later than one year after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in coordination with the 
Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the 
Secretary of Homeland Security, and in consultation with the 
Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the 
Secretary of Energy, the Director of the National Science Foundation, 
any appropriate Federal Advisory Committees, and such other technical 
experts as the Administrator considers appropriate, shall develop a 
program to use artificial intelligence to analyze available 
observational data and synthetic data on the built and natural 
environments in order to carry out the following:
(1) Warn at-risk communities, firefighters, and other 
responders, including by integrating social science informed 
research and development.
(2) Predict and detect wildfires to the maximum extent 
practicable.
(3) Forecast wildland and built environment fire 
propagation and potential impacts based on an analysis of the 
elements influencing fire behavior, weather conditions, 
terrain, and observations of the fire environment.
(4) Detect, monitor, and forecast smoke and other hazards 
associated with wildfires.
(b) Training Dataset.--In carrying out this section, the 
Administrator may acquire observational data and synthetic data on the 
built and natural environments collected across the United States to 
develop and curate a related artificial intelligence-ready training 
dataset for purposes of training the artificial intelligence used in 
furtherance of this section.
(c) Data Acquisition.--In carrying out this section, the 
Administrator may enter into contracts to acquire relevant data 
referred to in this section.
(d) Weather Integration.--In carrying out this section, the 
Administrator shall integrate outputs from weather and other 
environmental models and observational data and synthetic data referred 
to in subsection (a).
(e) Environmental Impact.--The Administrator shall develop and 
disseminate best practices to minimize environmental impacts from the 
use of artificial intelligence to carry out this section.

SEC. 7. EMISSIONS MONITORING AND ANALYSIS PROGRAM.

(a) In General.--Not later than one year after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Administrator, in consultation with the 
Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Administrator 
of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Secretary of 
Energy, the Director of the National Science Foundation, any 
appropriate Federal Advisory Committees, and such other technical 
experts as the Administrator considers appropriate, shall develop a 
program to use artificial intelligence to analyze global atmospheric 
observations in order to carry out the following:
(1) Improve atmospheric transport, dispersion, and 
atmospheric chemistry models.
(2) Improve prediction and modeling of greenhouse gas 
emissions from data collected through the National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration's Global Greenhouse Gas Reference 
Network, the Environmental Protection Agency's Greenhouse Gas 
Inventory, and other voluntary reporting datasets.
(3) Detect, monitor, and forecast emissions from wildfires 
and other natural disasters.
(4) Identify significant changes in global emissions of 
greenhouse gases and other pollutants.
(5) Improve data assimilation techniques.
(b) Training Dataset.--In carrying out this section, the 
Administrator may acquire observational data and synthetic data on the 
atmosphere and its chemical components to develop, curate, and 
regularly update a global atmospheric chemistry training dataset for 
purposes of training artificial intelligence used in furtherance of 
this section.
(d) Data Acquisition.--In carrying out this section, the 
Administrator may enter into contracts to acquire relevant data 
referred to in this section.
(c) Environmental Impact.--The Administrator shall develop and 
disseminate best practices to minimize environmental impacts from the 
use of artificial intelligence to carry out this section.

SEC. 8. PARTNERSHIPS FOR TRANSFORMATIONAL INNOVATION.

(a) In General.--The Administrator shall explore novel structures 
for partnerships with private entities and academic entities for 
transformative innovation in weather forecasting and other 
environmental forecasts in order to carry out the following:
(1) Further the understanding of weather, water, climate, 
and space weather, and associated societal impact.
(2) Advance the science of weather and water forecasting, 
including seasonal and subseasonal forecasting.
(3) Develop, evaluate, and transition artificial 
intelligence weather, water, and hazard forecasting 
applications for operations.
(b) Co-Investment.--In carrying out this section, subject to 
applicable law, the Administrator shall consider and adopt novel co-
investment strategies with the private sector and academic sector, 
including the following:
(1) Non-Federal Government contributions to resource and 
support high-risk, high-return research and development in 
environmental forecasting, data science, artificial 
intelligence, and related fields.
(2) Shared rights to intellectual property from research 
and development activities under this section.
(3) Other approaches to sharing resources and results under 
this section.

SEC. 9. FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WORKFORCE EXPERTISE.

(a) In General.--The Administrator, to the maximum extent 
practicable, shall develop, recruit, and sustain a professional and 
diverse workforce for weather forecasting applications of artificial 
intelligence.
(b) Collaboration.--The Administrator shall leverage robust public-
private partnership models to collaborate with private sector experts 
and provide employees with access to training, experience, and long-
term development of workforce and infrastructure in order to utilize 
artificial intelligence to improve weather forecasts.

SEC. 10. DATA ACCESS.

(a) In General.--The Administrator may make available to the 
public, as the Administrator determines appropriate, at no cost and 
with no restrictions on copying, publishing, distributing, citing, 
adapting, or otherwise using under an open license, any data or code 
developed under this Act.
(b) Accommodations.--The Administrator may make such accommodations 
as the Administrator considers appropriate to ensure that the public 
release of any model, information, documentation, or data pursuant to 
this Act does not jeopardize any of the following:
(1) National security.
(2) Intellectual property or redistribution rights, 
including under titles 17 and 35, United States Code.
(3) Any trade secret or commercial or financial information 
subject to section 552(b)(4) of title 5, United States Code.
(4) Any models or data that are otherwise restricted by 
contract or other written agreement.
(5) The mission of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration to protect lives and property.
(c) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this Act may be construed to 
supersede any other provision of law governing the protection of the 
national security interests of the United States.
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