(WASHINGTON, DC) – Congressman Dennis Moore (D-KS) and Congressman Randy Neugebauer (R-TX) introduced legislation to coordinate federal efforts aimed at reducing the loss of life and property from windstorms. The bill creates a multi-agency National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program (NWIRP) to improve the understanding of windstorms and their impacts, and to develop and encourage implementation of measures to reduce those impacts.

“With this legislation, we will take proactive steps to save lives and property,” said Moore. “It is imperative in an age this technologically advanced that we transfer the benefits of that technology to states, communities, and individuals.”

The bill, H.R. 3980, directs the President’s Office of Science and Technology Policy to establish an interagency working group to plan, manage, and coordinate program activities. The working group will include representatives of the National Science Foundation (NSF), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

“The destruction left in the aftermath of tornadoes, hurricanes, and other deadly wind hazards are reminders of how vulnerable we are in the United States, and how serious we've got to be about severe weather safety and preparedness,” said Neugebauer.

The legislation has been endorsed by the Wind Hazard Reduction Coalition, which includes the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), American Association for Wind Engineering (AAWE), International Code Council (ICC), and Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI).

“Significant reductions in lives and property lost from windstorms such as hurricanes and tornadoes are achievable if we educate the public and research new wind-hazard reduction technologies. I commend Representatives Neugebauer and Moore for working with the community to craft this technically and scientifically sound legislation,” said ASCE President Patricia D. Galloway, P.E., F.ASCE.

The Science Committee, of which Moore is a member, has scheduled a joint hearing on the legislation by the Subcommittee on Research and the Subcommittee on Environment, Technology, and Standards for 2 p.m. on March 24th. The Committee will receive testimony on the legislation from representatives of NSF, FEMA, ASCE, and the Institute for Business and Home Safety.