WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Max Miller (OH-07) and U.S. Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03), Chairman of the House Committee on Science, Space & Technology, introduced H.R. 9219, the Weather Data Taxpayer Protection Act. This legislation is a critical step in improving the accuracy and reliability of weather prediction by ensuring weather tools purchased with taxpayer funds are more accurate, standardized, and prepared for ever-changing weather risks. 

To address growing risks from extreme weather, this legislation would establish the Federal Commission on Weather Risk Data and Modeling under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The commission would be comprised of individuals from the public and private sectors who have expertise regarding weather risk and modeling. The commission would be tasked with standardizing, collecting, and sharing weather-related data to improve the predictability of severe weather events and how to best prepare for such events.  

“Ensuring the proper use of taxpayer dollars will always be a priority of mine,” said Congressman Miller. “I am proud to support this legislation to protect our communities by improving the accuracy of data used to predict the weather. We have all been impacted by severe weather at some point. By seeking the input of experts from a variety of industries, this legislation is a positive step forward in ensuring the proper use of American tax dollars in one of the most unpredictable aspects of life—the weather.” 

“For millions of Americans, accurate weather predictions can make or break one’s livelihood,” said Chairman Lucas. “Whether you work in the agricultural industry, the oil and gas industry, or on Main Street, rapidly changing weather patterns have increasingly affected our day-to-day lives. We’ve accomplished so much in enhancing weather predictions, but there is still work to be done. That is why I’m proud to join Rep. Miller in introducing the Weather Data Taxpayer Protection Act.”   

“The American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) supports the Weather Data Taxpayer Protection Act that will improve weather risk data and modeling. These advancements will in turn help make homes, businesses, and communities more resilient to losses caused by natural disasters such as hurricanes, storms, floods, and wildfires. Improvements to early warning systems can save lives by getting people out of harm’s way, and also provide time for property owners, businesses, and insurers to take preventive measures like reinforcing structures to reduce property damage ahead of such events,” said APCIA’ Senior Vice President of Federal Government Relations Nat Wienecke.  

“With severe weather events increasing in frequency and intensity, it is more important than ever to ensure the weather data and risk models communities, businesses, and government officials at all levels rely on is reliable and accurate. BuildStrong America applauds Representatives Max Miller (R-OH) and Frank Lucas (R-OK) for leading the charge on this timely and important issue,” said BuildStrong America Executive Director Natalie Enclade. 

“Weather modeling plays an important role in seeing where people are at risk and helping them prevent loss of life and property. With more accurate and sophisticated models, we can increase resilience to better protect our communities from extreme weather,” said NAMIC Senior Vice President of Federal and Political Affairs NAMIC Jimi Grande. 

“Rural communities across the U.S. face significant challenges in building resilience and preparing for disasters caused by extreme weather events. Providing accurate and reliable data on weather risks is crucial in helping communities address these issues,” said Rural Community Assistance Partnership Chief Executive Officer Olga Morales-Pate. “The Weather Data Taxpayer Protection Act will tackle this problem by establishing a commission that includes rural stakeholders, ensuring decision-makers have access to the most comprehensive weather models as they work to enhance community resilience.” 

The text of the bill is available here.

Editor’s note regarding Congressman Miller:    

Congressman Max Miller represents Ohio’s Seventh District which includes Medina and Wayne counties as well as parts of Cuyahoga and Holmes counties. Miller serves on the House Agriculture Committee and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, for which he is also Chairman of the Environment Subcommittee. The Republican freshmen members selected Miller as their representative to the Republican Steering Committee.  He is a member of the Republican Study Committee, Main Street Caucus, and the Congressional Jewish Caucus. Before joining Congress, Miller spent six years in the Marine Corps Reserves and served in several senior positions for President Donald Trump. Please visit http://maxmiller.house.gov for more information.     

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