Sen. Moran Joins Colleagues in Introducing Bill to Modernize Weather Radio Emergency Alerts

Legislation expands the coverage and reliability of NOAA Weather Radio during natural disasters

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) - member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation - joined Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) in introducing the NOAA Weather Modernization Act, which would modernize weather radio equipment to enhance the reliability of emergency communications during severe weather and bolster the nationwide accessibility of critical warnings. This legislation is also cosponsored by Sens. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.).

"Recent severe weather across the country is a grave reminder of the need for a modernized emergency weather alert system," said Sen. Moran. "This legislation would improve alert systems in rural parts of the country with limited access to mobile broadband service, emergency warning systems or satellite coverage. It incorporates part of my legislation, the FORECAST Act, to protect critical National Weather Service employees from federal hiring freezes. It is essential that weather forecasting offices in every corner of the nation remain staffed so Kansans and all Americans have access to accurate, life-saving, 24/7 forecasting coverage."

"The flooding in Central Texas has been absolutely heartbreaking, and we continue to lift up all those affected in prayer," said Sen. Cruz. "Texans are strong and resourceful, but when disaster is about to strike, there has to be multiple, reliable ways to notify those who are in harm's way. While the Hill Country flood investigation continues, we do know that some people did not receive the warnings because of a lack of cell phone coverage. I am grateful to join Ranking Member Cantwell in introducing this legislation to modernize early warning systems and ensure that every American, especially those in areas with poor or no cellular service, aren't kept in the dark when it matters the most. This legislation is about protecting our communities and saving lives, and I urge Congress to pass it quickly."

This legislation would:

• Expand coverage for areas with poor or no cellular service;
• Amplify non-weather emergency messages;
• Provide additional transmitters for areas with weak or nonexistent cell service and broadband coverage; and
• Direct the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop standards for flash flood emergency alert systems within the 100-year floodplain.
• • This will help to enhance emergency preparedness for communities without mobile broadband access, state and local emergency warning systems or satellite coverage.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) maintains a network of more than 750 NOAA Weather Radio (NWR) stations, which includes more than 1,000 transmitters covering all 50 states and the U.S. territories. NWR broadcasts weather information, including emergency weather alerts and local hazard information from the nearest National Weather Service office, playing a critical role in protecting lives and property. Local news stations often urge citizens to incorporate NWR as part of their emergency preparedness plans during severe weather.

Although the public often relies on cell phones, computers and cable service to receive hazard warnings and communication, radio is often the primary source of information in rural and remote regions where cell and internet service are lacking. NOAA Weather Radios can be purchased for as little as $10. Even in urban areas with cell coverage, power outages triggered by severe weather events, such as a thunderstorm or a tornado, can disrupt cell and internet communications, making radio one of the few reliable options.

Full text of the legislation can be found HERE.

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