Press Releases
SilverLining Statement on Bipartisan Weather Act Reauthorization Introduction from Senators Cruz, Cantwell and Colleagues to Modernize Weather Forecasting and Research
Washington, D.C. (March 4, 2026)
"Today, in a bipartisan vote, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation passed the bipartisan Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Reauthorization Act of 2026, a critical piece of legislation that directly addresses one of the most dangerous gaps in our national security infrastructure: the inability to comprehensively monitor and detect changes in the atmosphere.
The bipartisan Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Reauthorization Act of 2026 is a critical step toward protecting America's weather sovereignty at a moment of genuine urgency. SilverLining strongly supports this legislation, and in particular its provisions on the Composition of the Atmosphere and Atmospheric Observations.
Its provisions directly address one of the most dangerous gaps in our national security and public safety infrastructure: the inability to comprehensively monitor, detect and attribute changes in our own atmosphere. By directing NOAA to assess observation gaps, authorize atmospheric composition pilot projects using commercial aircraft and uncrewed platforms and enable data-sharing agreements across government and nongovernmental partners, this legislation begins to build the foundation for the observing infrastructure our nation, and the world, urgently needs.
As governments and private entities race to develop regional and global atmospheric modification capabilities, the path forward is knowledge, monitoring and international leadership. Strong U.S. investment in atmospheric science and observation creates the foundation for transparent, science-based governance of these powerful technologies, protecting communities, agriculture and economic stability here and around the world.
SilverLining applauds Senator Cruz, Senator Cantwell, Senator Sullivan, Senator Blunt Rochester and their colleagues for their leadership and bipartisan commitment to giving NOAA the tools needed to advance atmospheric science, safety and security for the benefit of all."
— Kelly Wanser, Executive Director, SilverLining (silverlining.ngo)
About SilverLining
SilverLining is a non-profit research and policy organization dedicated to ensuring that society has the information and options needed for a safe and secure atmosphere. SilverLining's partners include the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), University of Central Florida, University of Washington, New York University, SRI and other organizations. For more information, visit www.silverlining.ngo.