Overview
Title
To reauthorize the National Landslide Preparedness Act, and for other purposes.
ELI5 AI
The bill wants to keep a project going that helps warn people about landslides, asking for more money to make the warning systems even better, especially where they're needed most; it also aims to team up with different communities and adds new gadgets to watch water more closely.
Summary AI
The bill S. 3788 seeks to reauthorize the National Landslide Preparedness Act, extending its provisions and funding until 2034. It increases funding to $40 million, including at least $15 million specifically for landslide early warning systems in high-risk areas. The bill also introduces and defines terms related to extreme weather events and expands the Act's scope to include enhanced collaboration with Native Hawaiian communities and Tribal organizations. Additionally, it establishes provisions for regional partnerships and Next Generation Water Observing System to improve real-time water data monitoring and management.
Published
Keywords AI
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Bill Statistics
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AnalysisAI
Summary of the Bill
The legislation under consideration is titled the "National Landslide Preparedness Act Reauthorization Act of 2024." Its primary aim is to extend the National Landslide Preparedness Act, with significant changes and enhancements. These adjustments involve increasing funding for landslide hazard programs to $40 million through 2034, with $15 million allocated specifically for early warning systems in high-risk areas. The bill also amends provisions related to the 3D elevation program and introduces updated definitions under the Flood Level Observation, Operations, and Decision Support Act. Additionally, it establishes the Next Generation Water Observing System to improve real-time water data, prioritizing regions with notable drought or water management needs. The bill anticipates increased allocations and efforts towards regional partnerships and expanded collaboration with stakeholders like Native Hawaiian Communities.
Significant Issues
There are several notable issues within the bill:
Unsubstantiated Funding Increase: The bill proposes a considerable increase in funding from $25 million to $40 million without detailed justification. Particularly for early warning systems, $15 million is earmarked, potentially inviting wasteful expenditure or favoritism.
Extended Timeframe Without Justification: The extension of the program's authorization from 2024 to 2034 lacks an in-depth rationale for why such an extended duration is necessary, raising concerns over its potential excessiveness.
Ambiguity in Criteria and Language: The language specifying "high-risk areas" for the installation of early warning systems remains vague, which could lead to unclear implementation guidelines. Furthermore, the bill's technical and complex language could be inaccessible to the general public.
Potential for Preferential Treatment: Through enabling collaboration with institutions of higher education and regional partnerships, the bill may inherently favor some entities over others, based on their existing relationships with decision-makers or regional familiarity.
Impact on the Public
Broadly, the bill seeks to enhance landslide preparedness and improve water observation systems, which could lead to better understanding and management of related natural hazards. This could enhance public safety, reduce property damage, and improve early warning systems to mitigate the impact of natural disasters. However, the bill’s fiscal implications and limited clarity on allocations could lead to inefficiencies or misallocation of resources, affecting the effectiveness of intended measures.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Local and State Governments: They may benefit from improved resources and data for managing landslide risks and water resources, though lack of clarity in fund allocation and definitions could complicate cooperation and implementation.
Native American Tribes and Native Hawaiian Communities: By explicitly including these groups, the bill provides opportunities for their involvement in programmatic activities. However, the lack of specific criteria for inclusion might lead to unequal participation or representation.
Educational Institutions and Regional Partners: The bill could positively impact institutions engaged in relevant research by enhancing opportunities for collaboration on landslide and water resource projects. Conversely, the lack of specific selection criteria might favor certain institutions disproportionately.
In conclusion, while the bill’s intentions to enhance preparedness and resource management in face of landslides and water-related challenges are commendable, the legislative ambiguities, funding justification issues, and potential biases could hinder its effective and equitable implementation.
Financial Assessment
The bill S. 3788 involves several financial provisions aimed at enhancing the National Landslide Preparedness Act and related programs.
Financial Overview
The bill proposes an increase in funding for the National Landslide Preparedness Act, changing the allocation from $25 million to $40 million. Within this allocation, at least $15 million is specifically earmarked for the purchase and deployment of landslide early warning systems in high-risk areas. Additionally, the bill includes an authorization for appropriations of $42.5 million for the Next Generation Water Observing System for the fiscal year 2025. The enhancement of water data enhancement and groundwater resources monitoring is supported with $4 million annually from fiscal years 2023 through 2028.
Issues with Financial Allocations
Increased Budget without Justification: The bill's shift from $25 million to $40 million for landslide early warning systems does not come with a detailed explanation. This raises concerns about potential waste or favoritism in the allocation. Additionally, the undefined criteria for what constitutes "high-risk areas" could complicate effective implementation and oversight.
Extended Program Duration: Extending the program's authorization by ten more years, from 2024 to 2034, without a complete rationale, could lead to misunderstandings regarding the necessity of such a lengthy extension. This further necessitates a clear justification to reassure stakeholders about its importance and relevance over the next decade.
Specificity of the $15 Million Allocation: The stipulation that no less than $15 million should be for the deployment of early warning systems lacks clarity on how these funds will be precisely utilized, contributing to possible ambiguity in program execution.
Appropriations for the Next Generation Water Observing System: The authorized $42.5 million for this initiative lacks details regarding the distribution and specific objectives within the system. Such vagueness could potentially result in inefficient use of funds unless more detailed plans are outlined for their application.
Funding Change for Water Resources Monitoring: The alteration from open-ended appropriations to a fixed $4 million annually raises concerns about flexibility. This could limit the ability to adjust to financial needs that may arise due to inflation or unexpected challenges over the coming years.
Conclusion
In summary, the financial provisions in the bill aim at strengthening landslide preparedness and water monitoring capabilities. However, some funding areas lack critical detail, which could hinder transparency and accountability. Addressing these issues could enable better management of resources and ensure that the benefits of the act are fully realized in both effectiveness and fiscal responsibility.
Issues
The bill's increase in funding from $25,000,000 to $40,000,000 for landslide early warning systems, as stated in Section 2 of the National Landslide Preparedness Act (43 U.S.C. 3102(h)), lacks detailed justification. The allocation of $15,000,000 specifically for early warning systems could suggest potential waste or favoritism without further clarification (Sections 2 and 3).
The amendment extending the program's authorization period from 2024 to 2034, as indicated in Sections 2 and 3, implies a ten-year extension without thorough explanation of the necessity, which could be viewed as excessive without proper justification (Sections 2 and 3).
The language 'of which not less than $15,000,000 shall be made available for the purchase, deployment, and repair of landslide early warning systems in high-risk areas' is vague and does not specify the criteria for 'high-risk areas', potentially leading to ambiguous implementation (Section 3, subsection i).
The authorization of appropriations of $42,500,000 for the Next Generation Water Observing System for fiscal year 2025 lacks specificity on fund distribution within the System, potentially leading to wastefulness (Section 4).
The change from 'are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary' to '$4,000,000 annually' in Section 5 might limit flexibility and fail to accommodate inflation or increased needs over time (Section 5, subsection b, paragraph 7).
The bill uses complex and technical language for defining terms and amendments, potentially limiting public understanding and accessibility (Sections 3 and 5).
The bill allows for collaboration with 'institutions of higher education' and 'regional partnerships' as stated in Sections 3, subsection d and new subsection e, which might result in preferential treatment towards certain institutions familiar to the Secretary.
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 first section of the bill states that the law can be officially referred to as the “National Landslide Preparedness Act Reauthorization Act of 2024.”
2. Reauthorization of the National Landslide Preparedness Act Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section extends the National Landslide Preparedness Act to 2034 and increases funding for the landslide hazards reduction program to $40 million, with at least $15 million allocated for early warning systems in high-risk areas. It also extends the 3D elevation program to 2034.
Money References
- (a) National landslide hazards reduction program.—Section 3(h) of the National Landslide Preparedness Act (43 U.S.C. 3102(h)) is amended— (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking “2024” and inserting “2034”; and (2) in paragraph (1), by striking “$25,000,000 to carry out this section” and inserting “$40,000,000 to carry out this section, of which not less than $15,000,000 shall be made available for the purchase and deployment of landslide early warning systems in high-risk areas”. (b) 3d elevation program.—Section 5(e) of the National Landslide Preparedness Act (43 U.S.C. 3104(e)) is amended by striking “2024” and inserting “2034”. ---
1. Short title Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section states that the short title of the legislation is the “National Landslide Preparedness Act Reauthorization Act of 2024.”
2. Certain definitions under Flood Level Observation, Operations, and Decision Support Act Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section changes definitions in a law related to floods, adding new terms that describe weather events: atmospheric river (a stream of strong water vapor causing rain or snow), atmospheric river flooding event (a harmful atmospheric river causing floods), and extreme precipitation event (very heavy rain or snow happening more often than once every five years).
3. Reauthorization of National Landslide Preparedness Act Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section reauthorizes the National Landslide Preparedness Act with amendments that include updating definitions, establishing regional partnerships, increasing funding for early warning systems, and expanding grant programs to better address landslide hazards, particularly through consideration of atmospheric and extreme precipitation events.
Money References
- (12) FUNDING.—Section 3 of the National Landslide Preparedness Act (43 U.S.C. 3102) is amended, in subsection (i) (as redesignated by paragraph (9)(A))— (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking “2024” and inserting “2034”; and (B) in paragraph (1), by striking “$25,000,000 to carry out this section” and inserting “$40,000,000 to carry out this section, of which not less than $15,000,000 shall be made available for the purchase, deployment, and repair of landslide early warning systems in high risk areas”. (c) 3D elevation program.
4. Next Generation Water Observing System Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The bill amends a 1942 Act to establish the Next Generation Water Observing System within the United States Geological Survey, aiming to provide affordable and rapid real-time water data across more locations to improve flood and drought forecasting, water management, and risk assessment. It prioritizes regions with high drought, reservoir reliance, or significant hydrological changes, with a funding authorization of $42.5 million for 2025.
Money References
- “(b) Purpose.—The purpose of the System is to provide real-time data on water quantity and quality— “(1) that, as compared to previous systems, is more affordable, more rapid, and available in more locations; and “(2) to support advanced modeling tools— “(A) to provide state-of-the-art flood and drought forecasts; “(B) to inform emergency- and water-management decision support systems; and “(C) to help evaluate— “(i) the near-term and long-term risks of floods and droughts, including any scenarios that modify those risks; “(ii) the quantity of water stored in seasonal snow packs, and how changes in seasonal snow packs affect water supplies; “(iii) the early stages of drought; “(iv) the predicted timelines for drought recovery; “(v) the quantity of water lost to evapotranspiration; “(vi) water quality differences during wet and dry periods; “(vii) the effects of streamflow on groundwater; “(viii) the effects of groundwater on streamflow; and “(ix) ice and water volume stored in glaciers and changing water volumes due to glacial retreat. “(c) System requirements.—The System shall provide for— “(1) state-of-the-art measurements; “(2) a dense array of sensors at selected sites; “(3) increased spatial and temporal coverage; “(4) new technology testing and implementation; “(5) improved operational efficiency; and “(6) modernized and timely data storage and delivery. “(d) Priority regions.—In determining in which regions of the United States Geological Survey to carry out the System, the Secretary shall give priority to regions of the United States Geological Survey in which there is— “(1) a high level of drought; “(2) a reliance on reservoirs for water storage; “(3) a reliance on hydrologic storage, including groundwater, aquifers, and snowpack; and “(4) flooding and extreme rainfall. “(e) Authorization of appropriations.—There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section in 10 initial basins, as determined by the Secretary, $42,500,000 for fiscal year 2025, to remain available until expended.”.
1. Gaging streams and underground water resources Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section talks about how the Secretary of the Interior, who is mentioned in this law as "the Secretary," is involved in measuring streams and underground water resources.
2. Next Generation Water Observing System Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The United States Geological Survey is tasked with creating the Next Generation Water Observing System, aimed at providing real-time data on water quantity and quality. This system will improve affordability, coverage, and speed over existing systems and will help in predicting and managing water-related issues like floods and droughts, supported by modern technology and increased sensor capacity.
Money References
- (e) Authorization of appropriations.—There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section in 10 initial basins, as determined by the Secretary, $42,500,000 for fiscal year 2025, to remain available until expended. ---
5. Water data enhancement and national groundwater resources monitoring by United States Geological Survey Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section outlines amendments to the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 to enhance water data and groundwater resources monitoring. It includes updates to the Federal priority streamgage program, prioritizes certain regions based on their water needs, and authorizes increased funding for these activities through fiscal years 2024 to 2031. It also specifies collaboration with Indian tribes, Tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian Communities.
Money References
- Section 9507 of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 (42 U.S.C. 10367) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) by striking the subsection heading and inserting “Federal priority streamgage program”; (B) in paragraph (1), by striking “national streamflow information program, as reviewed by the National Research Council in 2004” and inserting “Federal priority streamgage program”; (C) in paragraph (2)— (i) by striking “national streamflow information program” each place it appears and inserting “Federal priority streamgage program”; and (ii) in subparagraph (C)— (I) in clause (i), by striking “and” at the end; (II) in clause (ii), by inserting “and” after the semicolon at the end; and (III) by adding at the end the following: “(iii) the conduct of groundwater quality assessments relating to permafrost thaw and changes in precipitation rates;”; (D) in paragraph (4)— (i) in subparagraph (A)— (I) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking “10 years” and inserting “25 years”; (II) in clause (i), by striking “national streamflow information program” and inserting “Federal priority streamgage program”; and (III) in clause (ii), by inserting “precipitation” before “water-quality sensors”; (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking “National Streamflow Information Program plan as reviewed by the National Research Council” and inserting “Federal needs established through regular solicitation of feedback, such as the feedback documented in the report entitled ‘Re-prioritization of the U.S. Geological Survey Federal Priority streamgage program, 2022’ (Open-file Report 2023–1032)”; and (iii) by adding at the end the following: “(C) PRIORITY SITES.—In selecting sites for the installation of streamgages under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall give priority to regions of the United States Geological Survey in which there is— “(i) a high level of drought; “(ii) a reliance on reservoirs for water storage; “(iii) a reliance on hydrologic storage, including groundwater, aquifers, and snowpack; and “(iv) flooding and extreme rainfall. “(D) NO IMPACT ON EXISTING SITES.—The priority provided under subparagraph (C) shall have no impact on any site or region in which a streamgage has been installed, and is operating, as of the date of enactment of the National Landslide Preparedness Act Reauthorization Act of 2024, subject to the condition that the data from such a site or region are continuing to meet the priority needs of stakeholders, as determined by the Secretary.”; (E) in paragraph (5), by striking “national streamgaging network” each place it appears and inserting “Federal priority streamgage network”; and (F) in paragraph (6)— (i) in subparagraph (A)— (I) by striking “national streamflow information program” and inserting “Federal priority streamgage program”; and (II) by striking “2023” and inserting “2028”; and (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking “$10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2019” and inserting “$100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2031”; (2) in subsection (b)— (A) in paragraph (2)— (i) in subparagraph (B), in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking “and State and local water resource agencies” and inserting “, State and local water resource agencies, Indian tribes, Tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian Communities”; and (ii) in subparagraph (C)— (I) by inserting “or on Tribal land” after “within a State”; and (II) by inserting “, Indian tribe, Tribal organization, or Native Hawaiian Community” after “water resource agency”; (B) in paragraph (6)— (i) by striking “give priority to those activities” and inserting the following: “give priority to— “(A) activities”; (ii) in subparagraph (A) (as so designated)— (I) by inserting “, Indian tribe, Tribal organization, Native Hawaiian Community,” after “a State”; and (II) by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and (iii) by adding at the end the following: “(B) activities conducted in regions of the United States Geological Survey in which there is— “(i) a high level of drought; “(ii) a reliance on reservoirs for water storage; “(iii) a reliance on hydrologic storage, including groundwater, aquifers, and snowpack; and “(iv) flooding and extreme rainfall.”; and (C) in paragraph (7), by striking “are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this subsection for the period of fiscal years 2009 through 2023” and inserting “is authorized to be appropriated $4,000,000 to carry out this subsection for each of fiscal years 2023 through 2028”; (3) by striking subsection (c); (4) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (c); and (5) in paragraph (4) of subsection (c) (as so redesignated), by striking “2019” and inserting “2028”. ---