The "TAME Extreme Weather and Wildfires Act" aims to improve weather and wildfire forecasting through the use of artificial intelligence, enhanced data collection, and public-private partnerships, while also addressing data security concerns and workforce development.
Brian Schatz
Senator
HI
The TAME Extreme Weather and Wildfires Act aims to improve weather forecasting and wildfire risk analysis by utilizing artificial intelligence (AI). It directs the Under Secretary to develop weather forecasting training datasets, create AI-driven weather models, and enhance information dissemination, while also supporting traditional weather observation methods. The Act promotes public-private partnerships, requires making AI weather models publicly available, and addresses potential risks to U.S. security from foreign access to weather data. It allocates specific appropriations for these activities through 2030.
New Bill Directs $311M+ to Use AI for Better Weather Forecasts and Wildfire Warnings
This part of the TAME Act is all about bringing artificial intelligence into the weather forecasting game. The goal? To get sharper predictions for everything from daily rain showers to major storms and wildfires. The bill directs the Under Secretary (think NOAA leadership) to get moving on developing and organizing massive datasets specifically designed to train AI weather models, aiming to have these ready within four years. It's not just about building new tech; it's about improving how we analyze weather patterns to better position resources before disaster strikes and strengthening teamwork between government and private weather experts.
AI Gets a Weather Forecast Upgrade
So, what does this actually mean on the ground? The plan involves building and testing new AI-driven weather models for global, regional, and local forecasts. Imagine getting more precise, earlier warnings about severe weather heading your way, whether you're a farmer needing to protect crops or a city planner preparing for potential flooding. The bill specifically mentions using AI to improve how weather and wildfire risk information gets out to the public. Importantly, this isn't scrapping the old ways entirely; the legislation requires continued support for traditional weather observation methods and the numerical models we currently rely on. It's about adding a powerful new tool to the toolbox, potentially even using AI to pinpoint and address gaps where our current weather observation systems might be weaker.
Sharing the Smarts: Data, Partnerships, and Security
This isn't happening in a vacuum. The bill encourages partnerships with private companies, universities, and even international groups to push research and development forward. There's also a big push for transparency: the Under Secretary needs to create a plan to make these AI models and their data publicly available at no cost. Think open-source weather tech. However, there are guardrails. The bill acknowledges potential security risks, requiring a report within a year on the dangers of foreign countries accessing U.S. weather data. It also allows withholding models or data if national security is at stake. To make all this happen, the bill authorizes significant funding: $311 million for the first year (FY 2026) and $76 million annually for the following four years.