# The WING Act: Protecting Weather Radar from Wind Turbines and Buildings

This bill creates a new research program to solve a growing problem: wind turbines and tall buildings are interfering with the weather radar systems that meteorologists use to predict storms and severe weather. When these obstructions block or distort radar signals, forecasters lose critical information about developing storms, which can make weather predictions less accurate and potentially put people at risk.

The National Weather Service will lead a five-year research effort to find ways to keep weather radar working effectively even when obstructions are in the way. The program will test existing technologies that might help, like special computer algorithms that can filter out bad data or replace it with information from other sources. It will also explore newer solutions, such as using data from private weather stations, rain gauges, and commercial radar systems to fill in the gaps. One priority is developing "multifunction phased array radar"—a more advanced type of radar that might be less affected by obstructions in the first place.

The bill requires the National Weather Service to work with universities, private companies, and other government agencies to identify and test these solutions. Every year, they'll report to Congress on what's working and what isn't. By 2027, or once they've completed their final recommendations, the program will end. This research matters because as wind energy expands across the country and cities continue to grow, protecting our ability to predict dangerous weather becomes increasingly important.

WING Act of 2022

Rep. Feenstra, Randy [R-IA-4]

Weather Innovation for the Next Generation Act of 2022 or the WING Act of 2022 This bill directs the National Weather Service to establish a research, development, test, and evaluation program to ensure that weather radar detection and prediction capabilities continue to perform with physical obstructions in their line of sight.