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New Bill Would Ban Public NOAA Weather Data

Posted by CowboyNeal on from the privatization-overkill dept.

ckokotay writes "Here we go again. Apparently for-pay weather companies (specifically Accuweather) have lobbied Senator Rick Santorum to introduce a bill to ban the National Weather Service from 'competing.' The NOAA just made data available for free on the internet in XML format. Essentially, that means no more free data, and the possible elimination of the NOAA web presence all together. Nothing like being able to buy off a clueless Senator - lets hope the rest do not fall in line, as I for one, do not like to pay for my information twice." This debate picks up where the last one left off. According to the article, the bill's biggest critics are complaining of the bill's vague wording which makes it unclear what exactly is being banned.

4 of 567 comments (clear)

  1. The Obvious by ackthpt · · Score: 5, Interesting
    Um, gee, if everyone already doesn't get their weather information from the National Weather Service, then what the fuck are they so worried about?

    Clearly you're being rhetorical, but I'll fire off a response anyway:

    Accuweather: For $20 I'll tell you whether you're in danger or not.
    Me: I don't want to pay $20, that's crazy.
    Accuweather: Oh, your safety isn't worth $20? How about you watch a bunch of commercials before we show you if you're in danger or not?
    Me: I shouldn't have to sit through a bunch of ads to see that I'm in danger! Next it'll be the emergency sirens, won't it? "Emergency bulletin regarding public safety, but first, theses messages from our sponsors..."
    Accuweather: We have a right to make a buck.
    Me: Sure, but not at the expense of my safety!
    --

    A feeling of having made the same mistake before: Deja Foobar
  2. Re:That sucks by ottergoose · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I'm a developer for a small weather software company and we rely on the NWS for a lot of information (forecasts, etc.) for one our products[/shameless plug]. If this becomes law, our software won't work anymore. 2 people cannot write 7 day forecasts for every county in the USA.

  3. Re:Accuweather's crusade by JWW · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Wow! You make it sound like the National Weather Service promtes the general welfare or something.

    Where does it say that the government should do that??!

    Oh - wait. Maybe someone should send Santorum a copy of the #%!#@!!? Constitution!!

  4. NOAA != NWS by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Just so everyone understands, we here at NOAA provide many other products and services that have nothing to do with the National Weather Service. Check out noaa.gov to see the eight major areas of work, of which weather is just one. :)