H.R. 3176: To amend the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act to reauthorize the National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring System.

This bill aims to extend the authorization of the National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring System, which is part of the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act. Here are the main points of what the bill would do:

Reauthorization of the Monitoring System

The bill proposes to amend specific sections of the existing law to extend the operational period of the National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring System through fiscal years 2026 to 2030. This system is crucial for assessing volcanic activity in the United States and for providing timely warnings to the public about potential volcanic hazards.

Changes to Administrative Oversight

The bill makes adjustments to the agencies responsible for overseeing the system:

• It changes the reference from the "United States Geological Survey" to the "Secretary" in terms of leadership responsibilities.
• It updates the oversight responsibility from the "National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration" to the "Secretary of Commerce." This indicates a shift in administrative control and coordination for volcanic monitoring activities.

Implementation Timeline

The timelines for the reassessment of the system's needs and potential updates have also been revised. The new timeline would now cover the years 2026 through 2030, allowing for a more current and relevant focus on volcanic activity and the associated risks.

Importance of the System

The National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring System is crucial for detecting and monitoring volcanic activity. The system helps alert authorities and the public about impending volcanic events, potentially saving lives and reducing property damage in areas at risk.

Funding and Operational Aspects

Extending the authorization also implies that necessary funding will need to be allocated to support the operations of the system during the new timeframe. This includes resources for monitoring technology, data collection, and research to improve understanding of volcanic activity.

Relevant Companies

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