One area involves the creation of a NOAA Organic Act. NOAA was originally formed through Executive Order and now there is legislation pending before Congress that would formally structure it as an agency through an Organic Act, which organizes and defines an agency's mission, function and structure.
At the same time, the Commercial Weather Services Association and others have urged that the National Weather Service's Organic Act, passed in 1890, be revised to reflect the changes that have occurred over the past 115 years. This presentation will discuss these initiatives and the impact on broadcast meteorologists and the rest of the Commercial Weather Industry.
In addition, the Paperwork Reduction Act, which was passed in 1996 at the urging of the Commercial Weather Services Association and others, is being considered for reenactment. This law provided for the free and open availability of all government data and information, including that from the National Weather Service. Without such legislation in place, the government could impose user fees to those who make a living using the data, such as television meteorologists.
This discussion will provide information and contact information on these important topics, so you can explain your professional concerns to Congresspersons.
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