Wednesday, April 2, 2014
OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John D. Doak is applauding the passage of HR 2413, the Weather Forecasting Improvement Act of 2014, sponsored by Rep. Jim Bridenstine.
The bill, directing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to prioritize weather-related activities, will enable greater technology development to protect people and property from severe weather.
“I commend Rep. Bridenstine for his vision and leadership on this issue,” said Doak. “His dedication to protecting not just Oklahomans, but all Americans, is unwavering. This legislation will save lives. Here in Oklahoma we know all too well that every minute counts. If this bill is signed into law, our lead time on tornadoes could expand to more than an hour. By speeding up groundbreaking research and the advancement of pivotal technology, HR 2413 will allow countless more Americans to survive storms.”
HR 2413 would enhance NOAA’s collaboration with the private sector and universities, including the National Severe Storms Lab at the University of Oklahoma, which is repurposing military radar technology for tornado forecasting.
The legislation was cosponsored by the entire bipartisan membership of the Environment Subcommittee of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology. The next step is consideration in the Senate.
About the Oklahoma Insurance Department
The Oklahoma Insurance Department, an agency of the State of Oklahoma, is responsible for the education and protection of the insurance-buying public and for oversight of the insurance industry in the state.
For more information contact:
Kelly Collins Dexter
Kelly.Collins@oid.ok.gov
405-522-0683
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