OKLAHOMA CITY, Feb. 22, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John D. Doak is encouraging support for House Resolution 2413, which would establish the Tornado Warning Extension Program. The resolution is aimed at funding a research program within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to extend the lead time for tornado warnings beyond one hour.
"Protection of life and property is of utmost importance during severe weather events such as the ones we see in our state," said Doak. "This bill is significant to improving severe weather detection and promoting safety not only in Oklahoma, but across the country."
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Jim Bridenstine, R-Okla., directs expansion of NOAA weather research activities to improve weather-related technologies and develop highly accurate warnings of high impact weather events. Amended in July 2013, the bill encourages NOAA to utilize private sector resources during implementation of the research. It also contains provisions aimed at closing the performance gaps between NOAA's weather forecasting computer models and those of other nations.
"Signing this bill into law will be a significant victory for tornado-prone states and will be a leap in the right direction for diminishing severe weather losses," continued Doak. "I fully support this bill and commend Congressman Bridenstine for his leadership."
"H.R. 2413 makes the protection of lives and property the top priority of NOAA and follows through on that commitment by prioritizing funding and other resources for severe weather detection and forecasting - while not increasing overall spending," said Bridenstine. "The goal is to save lives and the bill has strong bipartisan support."
H.R. 2413 has been reported out of the House Science Space and Technology Committee with no objections and bipartisan support.
About the Oklahoma Insurance Department
The Oklahoma Insurance Department, an agency of the State of Oklahoma, is responsible for the education and protection of the insurance-buying public and for oversight of the insurance industry in the state.
For more information contact:
Kelly Collins
(405) 522-0683
kelly.collins@oid.ok.gov
SOURCE Oklahoma Insurance Department
