National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Authorization Act of 1995

Summary

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Atmospheric, Weather, and Satellite Programs Title II: Marine Research Title III: Program Support Title IV: Streamlining of Operations Title V: Miscellaneous National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Authorization Act of 1995 - Title I: Atmospheric, Weather, and Satellite Programs - Authorizes appropriations for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for: (1) National Weather Service (NWS) operations and research and public warning and forecast; (2) construction, repair, and modification regarding new and existing weather forecast offices; (3) climate and air quality research; (4) atmospheric research; (5) the Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) program; (6) satellite observing systems; (7) environmental data and information services. Repeals provisions of the Weather Service Modernization Act relating to: (1) restructuring of NWS field offices; (2) a Weather Service Modernization Transition Committee; and (3) a requirement, in developing a National Implementation Plan, to consult with that Committee and with public entities responsible for providing or using weather services. Title II: Marine Research - Authorizes appropriations for NOAA for: (1) mapping and charting; (2) geodesy; (3) observation and prediction; (4) the Circulatory Survey Program; (5) ocean and earth science; (6) estuarine and coastal assessment; (7) the National Status and Trends Program, the Strategic Environmental Assessment Program, and the Hazardous Materials Response Program; (8) the Damage Assessment Program; and (9) the Coastal Ocean Program. (Sec. 202) Authorizes appropriations for NOAA for marine prediction research. Amends the National Sea Grant College Program Act to authorize appropriations to carry out provisions relating to: (1) program or project grants and contracts; (2) fellowships; and (3) administration of the National Sea Grant College Program. Revises the definition of "field related to ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources." Title III: Program Support - Authorizes appropriations for NOAA for: (1) executive direction and administrative activities; (2) central administrative support; and (3) retired pay. Authorizes contracts for data or days-at-sea to fulfill NOAA missions of marine research, climate research, fisheries research, and mapping and charting services. Authorizes appropriations for NOAA for: (1) marine services; (2) aircraft services; and (3) facilities repairs and renovations. Title IV: Streamlining of Operations - Prohibits appropriating funds for 19 specified programs, centers, and activities, including: (1) the National Undersea Research Program; (2) the Fleet Modernization, Shipbuilding, and Construction Account; (3) the Agriculture and Fruit Frost Program; and (4) Regional Climate Centers. Mandates a report to specified congressional committees certifying that all 19 will be terminated by a specified date. Repeals provisions of: (1) the National Sea Grant College Program Act relating to marine policy fellowships; and (2) the Sea Grant Program Improvement Act of 1976 relating to the sea grant international program. Repeals the NOAA Fleet Modernization Act. (Sec. 402) Declares that, notwithstanding any other provision of law, no funds are authorized to be appropriated for any fiscal year after FY 1996 for carrying out programs for which funds are authorized by this Act. Limits the total dollar amounts: (1) authorized to be appropriated for FY 1996 by this or any other Act for NOAA for all activities associated with operations, research, and facilities; and (2) authorized to be used for NOAA travel and related expenses. (Sec. 403) Limits the number of commissioned officers on the active list of NOAA and decreases that limit in succeeding fiscal years, reaching zero after FY 1998. Authorizes related separations without separation pay. Title V: Miscellaneous - Makes it unlawful for any unauthorized person to remove, move, damage, or interfere with any National Data Buoy Center weather data buoy. Provides for civil monetary penalties and rewards. (Sec. 502) Makes the Secretary of Commerce, through the NWS, responsible for: (1) forecasts, serving as the sole official source of weather warnings; (2) issuance of storm warnings; (3) collection, exchange, and distribution of meteorological, hydrological, climatic, and oceanographic data and information; and (4) preparation of hydrometeorological guidance and core forecast information. Prohibits the NWS from competing (or assisting other entities in competing) with the private sector when a service is or can be provided by commercial enterprise unless the private sector is unwilling or unable to provide the service and the service provides vital weather warnings and forecasts for the protection of lives and property of the general public. Removes existing provisions relating to the duties of the Secretary regarding weather forecasting. Modifies provisions relating to NWS appropriations and estimates. Mandates a report to specified congressional committees detailing all NWS activities not conforming to this paragraph and outlining a timetable for their termination. (Sec. 503) Provides for the disposition of all amounts received relating to the allision of the vessel Zachery into the NOAA vessel Discoverer.

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7 official files

• Reported in House (text)

  Reported in House · EN · 29 September 1995

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• Reported in House (PDF)

  Reported in House · EN · 29 September 1995

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• Reported to House amended, Part II

  summary · EN · 29 September 1995

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• Reported to House amended, Part I

  summary · EN · 4 August 1995

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• Introduced in House (text)

  Introduced in House · EN · 13 June 1995

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• Introduced in House (PDF)

  Introduced in House · EN · 13 June 1995

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• Introduced in House

  summary · EN · 13 June 1995

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