Overview
Title
To amend the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Act of 2004 to reauthorize the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program, and for other purposes.
ELI5 AI
The bill wants to give more money each year from 2025 to 2029 to help scientists understand and find ways to stop damage from big wind storms, like when it rains really hard or when waves get big. It talks about using new technology and working together with different scientists but doesn't say exactly how they will do all this or why more money is needed each time.
Summary AI
The bill, H.R. 9252, aims to amend and reauthorize the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Act of 2004. Its goal is to improve understanding and reduce the impacts of windstorms, including wind-driven rain and storm surges, by supporting interdisciplinary research and development of mitigation measures. The bill also includes plans for increased funding from 2025 to 2029 to support these efforts, with specific amounts designated for each fiscal year.
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AnalysisAI
Summary of the Bill
House Bill 9252 proposes amendments to the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Act of 2004. The primary aim of these amendments is to enhance the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program, which is designed to mitigate the destructive impacts of windstorms, including wind-driven rain and storm surges. The bill underscores the importance of coordinated federal efforts combined with input from various levels of government, academia, scientific organizations, and the private sector. It lays out objectives that include improving our understanding of windstorms, reassessing building codes considering climate change, and advancing cost-effective mitigation techniques. Additionally, the bill proposes increased funding from fiscal years 2025 through 2029 and introduces new research areas and technologies to strengthen infrastructure against windstorms.
Significant Issues
One major issue in the bill is the proposed increase in funding across fiscal years 2025 to 2029. While increasing financial resources could potentially bolster efforts to mitigate windstorm impacts, the bill does not provide a detailed justification or a strategic plan for the effective utilization of these funds. Similar is the mention of a tornado research facility without a clear outline of costs or operational logistics, potentially leading to budgetary challenges.
Another issue pertains to the integration of emerging technologies such as machine learning and advanced manufacturing. Although these technologies hold promise for improving the program, the bill lacks details on how they will be implemented, raising concerns about possible inefficiencies. In addition, the interdisciplinary research initiatives mentioned do not specify how collaboration across different fields will be managed, which could lead to conflicts in priorities or methods.
Some of the bill's sections are filled with complex legal jargon and cross-references, which might make it less accessible and understandable for the general public. Furthermore, the newly set timelines for report submission do not come with explanations on their necessity or expected impacts.
Broad Public Impact
The public could potentially benefit from the enhanced efforts to mitigate windstorm impacts. Reducing losses of life and property from windstorms is a crucial public safety goal, and the bill’s emphasis on updated research and technologies could lead to better preparedness and infrastructure resilience. However, without transparent justifications for the funding increases and clear plans for technology integration, taxpayers might be concerned about how effectively their resources are being used.
Impact on Stakeholders
Positive Impact
The bill could positively impact various stakeholders, including:
- Communities in Windstorm-Prone Areas: Improved understanding and mitigation of windstorm impacts could enhance their safety and quality of life.
- Scientific and Academic Communities: With increased funding and a push for interdisciplinary research, these groups might benefit from new opportunities for collaboration and innovation.
- Private Sector Entities: Companies involved in construction and technological innovation could find new markets and business opportunities through the adoption of updated building codes and emerging technologies.
Negative Impact
Conversely, the bill might pose challenges for:
- Federal and State Budget Planners: The lack of detailed explanations and cost estimates for increased funding and a potential tornado research facility could lead to budgetary uncertainties and concerns about financial feasibility.
- Interdisciplinary Researchers: Without clear coordination strategies, interdisciplinary research initiatives could face hurdles in managing and aligning diverse priorities and methodologies amongst collaborating fields.
In summary, while the bill aims to empower the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program with more resources and modern strategies, certain aspects need clarification and better articulation to ensure efficacy and transparency for all stakeholders involved.
Financial Assessment
The bill H.R. 9252, known as the "National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program Reauthorization Act of 2024," proposes several amendments with specific financial implications aimed at addressing the impacts of windstorms.
Financial Allocations
The proposed bill outlines increased funding over a period from 2025 to 2029 for the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program. Specifically, the allocations are as follows:
- Fiscal Year 2025: $6,246,000
- Fiscal Year 2026: $6,652,000
- Fiscal Year 2027: $7,085,000
- Fiscal Year 2028: $7,545,000
- Fiscal Year 2029: $8,035,000
In addition to the above, the bill also appropriates larger amounts across several sections, ranging from $46,745,000 for fiscal year 2025 to $56,819,000 for fiscal year 2029 in one section and similar structured amounts in others, indicating a commitment to substantial financial backing over the next several years.
Relation to Identified Issues
Incremental Increases
The proposed incremental increases in funding each year suggest a plan for gradually scaling up resources dedicated to the program. However, one of the notable issues is the lack of explicit justification or detailed plans on how these funds will be effectively utilized, as mentioned in the issues section. Without a comprehensive framework detailing the specific applications and anticipated outcomes of these financial resources, there may be concerns regarding the justification for these increases and the prioritization of government spending.
Tornado Research Facility
The bill also mentions the potential development of a tornado research facility, which involves a significant financial commitment. However, it does not provide a cost estimation or analysis of how feasible such a facility would be from a financial perspective. This omission could lead to uncertainties concerning budget allocations for this initiative.
Integration of Emerging Technologies
The amendments advocate for the integration of emerging technologies, including machine learning and advanced manufacturing. While these areas offer promising advancements, the bill fails to articulate the specific financial investments required to integrate these technologies or the systems by which they will be incorporated. This lack of detail raises concerns about the possibility of misallocation or ineffective deployment of funds meant for technological enhancements.
Conclusion
The bill proposes a clear intent to strengthen the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program through increased funding over multiple years. However, the absence of detailed justifications for the financial increments and lack of clarity on certain aspects, such as the potential construction of a tornado research facility and the integration of emerging technologies, could lead to questions about the optimal use of these financial resources. The focus on interdisciplinary research and technological progress is commendable, yet the financial allocations and expected outcomes require further elaboration to ensure transparency and efficiency in spending.
Issues
The amendments propose an increase in funding across fiscal years 2025 to 2029 without a clear justification for why these increments are necessary or how they will be effectively used. This could have financial implications and may raise concerns about government spending priorities. (Section 2, subsection (a), (b), (c), and (d)).
Section 204, subsection (b), paragraph (3), subparagraph (C) mentions the need for a tornado research facility, but lacks detailed explanation or cost estimation, potentially resulting in budgetary uncertainties. The requirement and financial feasibility of such a facility need further clarification.
The amendment introduces language about the inclusion of emerging tools and technologies like machine learning and advanced manufacturing but fails to specify how these technologies will be integrated into existing systems. This lack of clarity may lead to ineffective or misallocated technological development. (Section 2, subsection (b)(1)(D)).
Subsection (b)(1)(B) introduces interdisciplinary research initiatives but does not clarify how these will be coordinated across different fields or resolve potential disputes in priorities or methodologies. This could lead to conflicts and inefficiencies within the research program.
Some sections contain complex legal language and cross-references, making it difficult for a lay reader to follow without additional context or a legal background, possibly reducing transparency and public understanding of the bill. (Section 2 overall)
In subsection (e), paragraph (6), there is a new timeline set for report submission, but no explanation regarding why the revised timelines are necessary or what impact they will have, leading to potential operational inefficiencies.
Sections
Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.
1. Short title Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section introduces the official name of the legislative document, which is the “National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program Reauthorization Act of 2024”.
2. National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The amendments to the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Act of 2004 aim to enhance the program's ability to reduce damage and loss from windstorms by expanding research areas to include climate change impacts, interdisciplinary collaboration, and public response to wind risks while also updating funding allocations for fiscal years 2025 to 2029. The bill also encourages the use of new technology and construction methods to strengthen buildings and infrastructure against windstorm impacts like wind-driven rain and storm surges.
Money References
- The National Windstorm Impact Reduction Act of 2004 (Public Law 108–360) is amended— (1) in section 204 (42 U.S.C. 15703)— (A) in subsection (a), by striking “the purpose of which is to achieve” through “cost-effective mitigation measures to reduce those impacts.” and inserting the following: “the purpose of which is to— “(1) achieve major measurable reductions in the losses of life and property from windstorms through a coordinated Federal effort, in cooperation with other levels of government, academia, scientific organizations, and the private sector, aimed at improving the understanding of windstorms and their impacts, including wind-driven rain and storm surge impacts; “(2) understand climate variability and climate change impacts on windstorms and the changing nature of windstorm risks and to provide the scientific basis for model building codes to be informed by future projections of storm frequency, intensity, and other factors; and “(3) develop and encourage the implementation of cost-effective mitigation measures to reduce the impacts described in paragraphs (1) and (2), which can be applied to communities with different types of housing and infrastructure in urban and rural areas across the United States.”; (B) in subsection (b)— (i) in paragraph (1)— (I) in subparagraph (A), by inserting “, including with respect to existing buildings and manufactured housing” before the semicolon; (II) by redesignating subparagraphs (B), (C), (D), and (E) as subparagraphs (C), (F), (G), and (H), respectively; (III) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following new subparagraph: “(B) ensure the Program supports interdisciplinary research, including collaborations that include social scientists and emergency managers, and collaborations between atmospheric scientists and engineers, that seek to increase the relevance of atmospheric measurements and models for buildings engineering applications;”; and (IV) by inserting after subparagraph (C), as so redesignated, the following new subparagraphs: “(D) support integration of emerging tools and technologies in research and engineering activities carried out by the Program, including relating to machine learning, advanced manufacturing technologies, and new materials; “(E) support property owner utilization of products and construction methods which strengthen residential and commercial properties from the impact of windstorms, wind-driven rain, and storm surge impacts, including building methodologies and certification standards;”; (ii) in paragraph (2), by inserting “to increase resilience to windstorms and resulting wind-driven rain and storm surge impacts” before the period; (iii) in paragraph (3)— (I) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking “support research in”; (II) in subparagraph (A)— (aa) by inserting “support research in” before “engineering and the atmospheric sciences”; and (bb) by striking “and” after the semicolon; (III) by amending subparagraph (B) to read as follows: “(B) support research in economic, behavioral, and social factors influencing development, implementation, and adoption of windstorm and resulting wind-driven rain and storm surge impacts risk assessment, risk communication, and risk reduction measures by individuals, property owners, communities, and policymakers; and”; and (IV) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: “(C) support an analysis of the scientific need, opportunity, and challenges to supporting the design, development, and construction of a tornado research facility for the study of tornado impacts on buildings at scale.”; (iv) in paragraph (4), by striking “behavior of windstorms and their impact on” and inserting “behavior of windstorms, and resulting wind-driven rain and storm surge, and their impacts on”; and (v) in paragraph (5)— (I) in subparagraph (A)(i), by inserting “, maintenance, and updating” after “development”; and (II) in subparagraph (B), by inserting “and scientific organizations” after “National Institutes of Standards and Technology”; (C) in subsection (c)— (i) in paragraph (2), by striking “and infrastructure” and inserting “infrastructure, and community response”; (ii) in paragraph (3)— (I) in subparagraph (B), by striking “and” after the semicolon; (II) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period and inserting “; and”; and (III) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: “(D) research and development to enhance understanding of factors that influence public responses to windstorm risks.”; and (iii) in paragraph (4)(C), by inserting “academia, scientific organizations,” after “construction industry,”; and (D) in subsection (e)— (i) in paragraph (2)(A)— (I) in clause (iv), by striking “and” after the semicolon; and (II) by adding at the end the following new clause: “(vi) the Department of Housing and Urban Development; and”; (ii) in paragraph (5)— (I) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking “not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Act Reauthorization of 2015,” and inserting “not later than September 30, 2026,”; (II) in subparagraph (A), by inserting “and resulting wind-driven rain and storm surge impacts” before the semicolon; (III) in subparagraph (C), by inserting “, including efforts to cooperate with other levels of government, academia, scientific organizations, and the private sector” before the semicolon; (IV) in subparagraph (D), by striking “and” after the semicolon; (V) by redesignating subparagraph (E) as subparagraph (F); and (VI) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following new subparagraph: “(E) an analysis of future research infrastructure needs in support of the Program, and a plan for meeting such needs; and”; and (iii) in paragraph (6)— (I) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking “Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Act Reauthorization of 2015,” and inserting “Not later than March 30, 2027,”; (II) in subparagraph (B), by inserting “and” after the semicolon; (III) in subparagraph (C), by striking “; and” and inserting a period; and (IV) by striking subparagraph (D); and (2) in section 207 (42 U.S.C. 15706)— (A) in subsection (a), by striking paragraphs (1) through (3) and inserting the following new paragraphs: “(1) $6,246,000 for fiscal year 2025; “(2) $6,652,000 for fiscal year 2026; “(3) $7,085,000 for fiscal year 2027; “(4) $7,545,000 for fiscal year 2028; and “(5) $8,035,000 for fiscal year 2029.”; (B) in subsection (b), by striking paragraphs (1) through (3) and inserting the following new paragraphs: “(1) $46,745,000 for fiscal year 2025; “(2) $49,082,000 for fiscal year 2026; “(3) $51,536,000 for fiscal year 2027; “(4) $54,113,000 for fiscal year 2028; and “(5) $56,819,000 for fiscal year 2029.”; (C) in subsection (c), by striking paragraphs (1) through (3) and inserting the following new paragraphs: “(1) $6,390,000 for fiscal year 2025; “(2) $6,805,000 for fiscal year 2026; “(3) $7,248,000 for fiscal year 2027; “(4) $7,719,000 for fiscal year 2028; and “(5) $8,221,000 for fiscal year 2029.”; and (D) in subsection (d), by striking paragraphs (1) through (3) and inserting the following new paragraphs: “(1) $16,964,000 for fiscal year 2025; “(2) $17,812,000 for fiscal year 2026; “(3) $18,703,000 for fiscal year 2027; “(4) $19,638,000 for fiscal year 2028; and “(5) $20,620,000 for fiscal year 2029.”. ---