15 USC § 8516 - Observing system planning

---
identifier: "/us/usc/t15/s8516"
source: "usc"
legal_status: "official_prima_facie"
title: "15 USC § 8516 - Observing system planning"
title_number: 15
title_name: "COMMERCE AND TRADE"
section_number: "8516"
section_name: "Observing system planning"
chapter_number: 111
chapter_name: "WEATHER RESEARCH AND FORECASTING INNOVATION"
subchapter_number: "I"
subchapter_name: "UNITED STATES WEATHER RESEARCH AND FORECASTING IMPROVEMENT"
positive_law: false
currency: "119-84"
last_updated: "2026-04-17"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
source_credit: "(Pub. L. 115–25, title I, § 106, Apr. 18, 2017, 131 Stat. 95.)"
---


# § 8516. Observing system planning

The Under Secretary shall—

**(1)** develop and maintain a prioritized list of observation data requirements necessary to ensure weather forecasting capabilities to protect life and property to the maximum extent practicable;

**(2)** consistent with section 8517 of this title, utilize Observing System Simulation Experiments, Observing System Experiments, Analyses of Alternatives, and other appropriate assessment tools to ensure continuous systemic evaluations of the observing systems, data, and information needed to meet the requirements of paragraph (1), including options to maximize observational capabilities and their cost-effectiveness;

**(3)** identify current and potential future data gaps in observing capabilities related to the requirements listed under paragraph (1); and

**(4)** determine a range of options to address gaps identified under paragraph (3).

---

**Source Credit**: (Pub. L. 115–25, title I, § 106, Apr. 18, 2017, 131 Stat. 95.)