To amend the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act to reauthorize the National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring System.

Bill Summary: H.R. 3176 - National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring System Reauthorization

Overview

H.R. 3176 is a legislative act designed to reauthorize the National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring System (NVEWS). Originally established in 2019 under the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act, the NVEWS is a critical infrastructure program aimed at monitoring active and hazardous volcanoes to protect American citizens and communities through early warnings and timely evacuations.

Purpose and Intent

The primary goal of the bill is to ensure the continued operation and modernization of volcano monitoring across the United States. With approximately 170 "young" volcanoes—many of which lack adequate monitoring—the bill seeks to:
* Standardize and Unify: Create a single, interoperable system across various regional volcano observatories (including Alaska, California, Cascades, Hawaii, and Yellowstone).
* Modernize Technology: Integrate emerging technologies such as digital broadband seismometers, real-time GPS receivers, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
* Enhance Communication: Strengthen the integration between the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to better model ash emissions and atmospheric effects.

Key Provisions

The bill makes specific amendments to the existing law to extend the program's life and refine its administration:

1. Timeline Extension

The authorization period for the monitoring system, which previously expired at the end of fiscal year (FY) 2023, is extended to cover fiscal years 2026 through 2030.

2. Funding Authorizations

The bill authorizes the following appropriations:
* USGS (Secretary of the Interior): $55,000,000 for the period of FY 2026 through 2030.
* NOAA (Secretary of Commerce): The bill provides for "such sums as may be necessary" for the same period (FY 2026–2030) to support observation and modeling of volcanic gases and ash.
* Funding Clause: The bill specifies that these funds must supplement, not replace, other federal funding for hazard activities.

3. Administrative Changes

The bill updates the terminology in the original Act to clarify that the "Secretary" (Interior) and "Secretary of Commerce" are the authorizing entities acting through their respective agencies (USGS and NOAA).

Affected Parties

• At-Risk Communities: Residents in volcanic regions, particularly in Alaska (which has over 130 volcanoes) and Hawaii, will benefit from improved evacuation warnings.
• Government Agencies: The USGS and NOAA will continue to lead the monitoring and data modeling efforts.
• Aviation Sector: Through the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centers, the aviation industry will receive more accurate data on volcanic ash, which is hazardous to aircraft.
• Scientific Community: The system includes an external grants program to support research in volcano monitoring technology.

Procedural Status

• House Action: The bill passed the House of Representatives on December 15, 2025, via a voice vote under a motion to suspend the rules.
• Senate Action: The bill was received in the Senate on December 16, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.