Description:

This session will focus on the US Congress, recent, current and proposed legislation, and its impact on the Weather, Water, and Climate Enterprise. Panelists will look back at the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act (aka The Weather Act) of 2017 and how this seminal piece of legislation has begun to reshape the landscape of the Enterprise. Panelists will also highlight significant legislative activity from recent congressional sessions, including the passage of laws governing weather model development (EPIC) and space weather (PROSWIFT). The panel will then focus on the new 117th Congress, having been just seated in January 2021, and will provide insight on prospects for weather-related law-making in 2021 and beyond.

Like a mini-AMS Washington Forum, this session will provide an opportunity for Annual Meeting attendees to hear from and engage with current and/or recent Congressional staff. Attendees participating in discussion should include Federal agency representatives, industry advocates, and other members of the Weather Enterprise who are involved with and interested in the legislative and policy-making processes.