Bill Overview
Title: NWR Modernization Act of 2021
Description: This bill provides for the expansion of, and upgrades to, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio All Hazards network (NWR). NOAA shall expand coverage of NWR and ensure its reliability by maintaining support for existing systems serving areas not covered by cellular service or having poor quality cellular service; ensuring consistent maintenance of, and timely repairs to, broadcast transmitter site equipment and antennas; and enhancing the ability to amplify Non-Weather Emergency Messages via NWR as necessary. NOAA shall complete an assessment of access to NWR. NOAA shall enhance NWR to ensure its capabilities and coverage remain valuable to the public. In carrying out such activities, NOAA must prioritize practices, capabilities, and technologies recommended by the assessment to maximize accessibility, particularly in remote and underserved areas of the country.
Sponsors: Rep. Bice, Stephanie I. [R-OK-5]
Target Audience
Population: People relying on NOAA Weather Radio for emergency notifications and weather alerts
Estimated Size: 63000000
- The NWR Modernization Act targets improving the NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards network.
- This network is primarily utilized by people living in areas with little to no cellular service, often in rural or remote regions.
- The upgrade would benefit anyone relying on NOAA Weather Radio for emergency weather alerts and other hazard notifications.
Reasoning
- The NWR Modernization Act is specifically designed to improve access to emergency information in remote areas where cellular service is poor or nonexistent. Therefore, the primary beneficiaries of this policy will be those living in rural and underserved areas across the United States.
- Considering the budget limitation of $175 million USD in year 1, the initial impact will focus on critical upgrades and ensuring that existing infrastructure is maintained reliably.
- Over 10 years, a larger budget allows for broader expansion and the prioritization of areas with the greatest need for NWR services. With a target estimate of 63 million Americans likely benefiting, it's reasonable to simulate diverse perspectives ranging from high benefit to neutral impact.
Simulated Interviews
Ranch Owner (Wyoming)
Age: 62 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having reliable emergency alerts is crucial for our safety out here.
- I often worry about missing important warnings due to equipment issues.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Forestry Worker (Montana)
Age: 48 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The radio is a lifeline when I'm out in the woods.
- I'm glad to hear about improvements, it's reassuring.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Software Developer (New York)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've never really used weather radios, my phone does the trick.
- This policy seems useful for those in more rural places.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
School Teacher (Nebraska)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's a relief to know our alert system will be more consistent with this upgrade.
- Weather threats can be quite serious, so this is very welcome news.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Tour Guide (Alaska)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- In such isolated places, having dependable alerts saves lives.
- Improvements are much needed and highly appreciated.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 7 |
University Student (California)
Age: 27 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's interesting to know weather radios are valuable elsewhere.
- I wish more people knew about different communication needs across the country.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Retired Farmer (Mississippi)
Age: 73 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Reliable systems heighten our sense of safety, especially for older folks like me.
- I fully support expansion and improvements—dependability is vital.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Park Ranger (Oregon)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Keeping communication lines open and reliable is essential for my job.
- Knowing we can count on NOAA will ease our emergency planning.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
College Student (Texas)
Age: 20 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I feel bad for people who don't have easy internet access, seems old-fashioned but necessary.
- Weather alerts are important, and this sounds like vital work.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Emergency Services Coordinator (Kansas)
Age: 53 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Maintaining a robust NWR is critical for our operations.
- We're thrilled about any enhancements that add reliability to our system.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $175000000 (Low: $150000000, High: $200000000)
Year 2: $175000000 (Low: $150000000, High: $200000000)
Year 3: $175000000 (Low: $150000000, High: $200000000)
Year 5: $175000000 (Low: $150000000, High: $200000000)
Year 10: $175000000 (Low: $150000000, High: $200000000)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The bill focuses on infrastructure in remote and underserved areas, where cellular coverage is limited but often where access to emergency information is crucial.
- Long-term commitment to maintenance and technology upgrades is necessary to ensure this project achieves its objectives.
- There is a potential for significant return on investment through improved public safety and disaster preparedness.