June 8, 2016

The House Science, Space and Technology Committee, Subcommittee on Environment held a hearing to discuss how partnerships between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the private sector can be strengthened to improve weather forecasting. Congressman Jim Bridenstine (R-OK) chaired the hearing alongside Ranking Member Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR). Testimony was provided by Barry Myers of AccuWeather, Jim Block of Schneider Electric, Neil Jacobs of Panasonic Weather Solutions, Antonio Busalacchi of the University of Maryland, and Sandy MacDonald of Spire Global.

Panelists attributed the achievement of weather forecasting in the U.S. to the weather enterprise, or the integrated and complementary contributions of the public and private sectors and academia. Academia provides education and scientific understanding, the private sector supports innovation and customization, and NOAA provides access to free and open data.

Rep. Bridenstine, Dr. Busalacchi, and Mr. Myers repeatedly cited the role of NOAA and the National Weather Service in protecting life and property, safeguarding national security, and ensuring economic success as reasons to continue federal contributions to the weather enterprise. Mr. Meyers and others discussed the intersection of private-sector weather products with NOAA, emphasizing the high-resolution data provided by Panasonic’s TAMDAR weather monitoring system, the pervasiveness of AccuWeather forecasting on devices globally, Schneider Electric’s private weather consulting, and Spire’s growing constellation of satellites.

Though data redistribution was cited as a concern, all witnesses agreed that in order to improve forecasting, the data partnership between the private sector and NOAA must be strengthened, while maintaining the integrity of each partner’s contribution to the enterprise.

Sources: National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association

Updated 7/11/16