Volcanic Ash and Fumes Act of 2022

Bill: 117-s-3533
Sponsor: Sen. Schatz, Brian [D-HI]
Introduced: 2022-01-20 in the Senate
Policy area: Emergency Management
Subjects: Air quality
Atmospheric science and weather
Aviation and airports
Earth sciences
Emergency communications systems
Emergency planning and evacuation
Environmental assessment, monitoring, research

Summary:
action_date: 2022-01-20
text: 

Volcanic Ash and Fumes Act of 2022

 
This bill incorporates the capacities and expertise of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) into the National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring System.
 
Specifically, the bill integrates into the purposes of the system relevant capacities of NOAA to strengthen the warning and monitoring systems of volcano observatories in the United States. This includes observations and modeling of the results from volcanic eruptions (e.g., emissions of gases, aerosols, and ash; atmospheric dynamics and chemistry; and ocean chemistry) that are carried out by NOAA's Volcanic Ash Advisory Centers located in Anchorage, Alaska, and the District of Columbia.
 
The bill provides for a memorandum of understanding to establish cooperative support for the activities of the system from NOAA, including environmental observations, modeling, and temporary duty assignments of personnel to support emergency activities.
 
The Department of Commerce must (1) submit to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) annual cost estimates for modernization activities and support of the system for NOAA; and (2) collaborate with the USGS to implement activities related to the expertise of NOAA, including observations and modeling of results from volcanic eruptions.

action_date: 2022-12-14
text: 

Volcanic Ash and Fumes Act of 2022

 
This bill incorporates the capacities and expertise of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) into the National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring System.
 
Specifically, the bill integrates into the purposes of the system relevant capacities of NOAA to strengthen the warning and monitoring systems of volcano observatories in the United States. This includes observations and modeling of the results from volcanic eruptions (e.g., emissions of gases, aerosols, and ash; atmospheric dynamics and chemistry; and ocean chemistry) that are carried out by NOAA's Volcanic Ash Advisory Centers located in Anchorage, Alaska, and the District of Columbia.
 
The bill provides for a memorandum of understanding to establish cooperative support for the activities of the system from NOAA, including environmental observations, modeling, and temporary duty assignments of personnel to support emergency activities.
 
The Department of Commerce must (1) submit to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) annual cost estimates for modernization activities and support of the system for NOAA; and (2) collaborate with the USGS to implement activities related to the expertise of NOAA, including observations and modeling of results from volcanic eruptions.
 
Commerce must develop a plan to implement this bill during the five-year period beginning on the date on which the plan is developed. The plan shall include an estimate of the cost and schedule required for implementation. Upon the plan's completion, Commerce shall make it publicly available.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2022-12-14
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 645.
action_date: 2022-12-14
text: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cantwell with an amendment. Without written report.
action_date: 2022-12-14
text: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cantwell with an amendment. Without written report.
action_date: 2022-05-11
text: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment favorably.
action_date: 2022-01-20
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
action_date: 2022-01-20
text: Introduced in Senate