H.R. 2770: Transformational Artificial intelligence to Modernize the Economy against Extreme Weather and Wildfires Act

This legislation, known as the Transformational Artificial Intelligence to Modernize the Economy against Extreme Weather and Wildfires Act (TAME Extreme Weather and Wildfires Act), aims to enhance the use of artificial intelligence (AI) by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to improve weather forecasting and prepare for extreme weather events and wildfires. Below are the key aspects of the bill:

1. Objective

The primary goal is to adapt and modernize NOAA's approach to forecasting and managing extreme weather through the application of AI technologies.

2. Development of AI-Based Weather Models

Within two years of the bill's enactment, NOAA is tasked with creating comprehensive training datasets for weather forecasting that utilize AI. This will include:

• Collecting historical weather data to support long-term weather forecasting.
• Advancing the science of weather modeling with the help of AI.
• Developing a global AI-based weather model for better predictions.

3. Partnerships and Funding

NOAA may establish partnerships with private industries and academic institutions to innovate in weather forecasting. These partnerships could involve:

• Shared resources for research and development in AI applications for weather.
• Co-investment strategies that leverage non-federal contributions to enhance research.

4. Technical Assistance and Training

The Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere will provide technical guidance and best practices on utilizing AI in weather prediction, including:

• Support for forecasters and emergency managers in adopting AI outputs for decision-making.
• Developing standards for assessing the effectiveness of AI weather models.

5. Fire Environment Modeling Program

NOAA will also implement a program using AI to analyze environmental data for wildfire detection and prediction. This will include:

• Warning at-risk communities and responders about potential fire threats.
• Forecasting fire behavior and assessing smoke-related hazards.

6. Data Access and Environmental Considerations

The bill emphasizes public access to data generated under its initiatives, ensuring that data can be freely used by the public while safeguarding national security and proprietary information. Additionally, it requires the development of best practices to minimize environmental impact from AI usage.

7. Reporting and Evaluation

The Under Secretary must submit reports to Congress on the progress of activities mandated by the bill, ensuring accountability and a framework for evaluation.

Relevant Companies

• NDAQ - Nasdaq, Inc.: As a trading platform for various weather and environmental data companies, it may see changes in market activity and investment related to advancements in AI for weather services.
• MSFT - Microsoft Corporation: With its cloud computing services and AI capabilities, the partnership and development of AI technologies for weather forecasting could be beneficial for Microsoft, leading to increased demand for its services.
• GOOGL - Alphabet Inc.: AI and data analytics are core aspects of Alphabet’s offerings; advancements in government contracts could lead to opportunities in public sector partnerships for weather data analysis.