Evapotranspiration Data Act
Latest action (14 Dec 2023): Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
What this bill does
S. 1118, the Evapotranspiration Data Act, would direct the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the U.S. Geological Survey, to evaluate, maintain, and improve data on evapotranspiration—the process by which water moves from land to the atmosphere through evaporation and plant transpiration. The Secretary could use satellite and ground-based measurement methods to estimate water use and evaporation across public lands, rangeland, agricultural land, and urban areas, and would be required to consult with other federal agencies, coordinate with outside scientists, and establish an advisory committee of at least 11 members representing states, tribes, water districts, farmers, researchers, and private industry.
The bill would primarily affect federal water and land management agencies, state and tribal governments, agricultural producers, water districts, and research or private-sector organizations involved in water data. It includes privacy protections for data on individuals or entities, clarifies that it does not create or alter water rights, and requires public education efforts to help stakeholders interpret the data appropriately.
The bill would also require a report to relevant congressional committees within two years of enactment on the accuracy and use of the data, and authorizes funding rising from $5 million in fiscal year 2024 to $17 million in fiscal year 2028.
The bill was introduced in the Senate in March 2023 and reported by the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources in April 2024 with an amendment replacing the original text and changing the bill's title. It has not yet received a floor vote in either chamber.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Open Access Evapotranspiration Data Act
This bill directs the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to establish an Open Access Evapotranspiration (OpenET) Data Program that supports the operational distribution of satellite-based evapotranspiration data generated under the program to sustain and enhance water resources. The bill defines evapotranspiration as the process by which water is transferred from the land to the atmosphere by (1) evaporation from soil and other surfaces, and (2) transpiration from plants.
Under the program, the USGS must provide for the delivery of evapotranspiration data to advance the quantification of evaporation and consumptive water use and to provide data users with estimates of evapotranspiration data across large landscapes over certain periods of time.
Timeline
14 Dec 2023
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Common questions
- What does S. 1118 do?
- S. 1118, the Evapotranspiration Data Act, would direct the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the U.S. Geological Survey, to evaluate, maintain, and improve data on evapotranspiration—the process by which water moves from land to the atmosphere through evaporation and plant transpiration. The Secretary could use satellite and ground-based measurement methods to estimate water use and evaporation across public lands, rangeland, agricultural land, and urban areas, and would be required to consult with other federal agencies, coordinate with outside scientists, and establish an advisory committee of at least 11 members representing states, tribes, water districts, farmers, researchers, and private industry. The bill would primarily affect federal water and land management agencies, state and tribal governments, agricultural producers, water districts, and research or private-sector organizations involved in water data. It includes privacy protections for data on individuals or entities, clarifies that it does not create or alter water rights, and requires public education efforts to help stakeholders interpret the data appropriately. The bill would also require a report to relevant congressional committees within two years of enactment on the accuracy and use of the data, and authorizes funding rising from $5 million in fiscal year 2024 to $17 million in fiscal year 2028. The bill was introduced in the Senate in March 2023 and reported by the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources in April 2024 with an amendment replacing the original text and changing the bill's title. It has not yet received a floor vote in either chamber.
- Has S. 1118 become law?
- Not yet. As of 14 Dec 2023, S. 1118 is ordered reported.
- Who sponsored S. 1118?
- S. 1118 was sponsored by Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto [D-NV] (Democrat-NV), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on S. 1118?
- Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably. (14 Dec 2023).
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