Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 99 Part 1.djvu/53

 PUBLIC LAW 99-12—APR. 4, 1985

99 STAT. 31

Public Law 99-12 99th Congress Joint Resolution Commemorating the twenty-fifth anniversary of United States weather satellites.

Whereas United States weather satellites have tracked the Earth's weather since April 1, 1960, and have brought unique benefits to the American people and to the world; Whereas weather satellites have proven exceptionally valuable in detecting, monitoring, and giving early warning of hurricanes, severe storms, flash floods, and other life-threatening natural hazards, on a local, national, and international basis; Whereas the international weather satellite search-and-rescue program has saved over three hundred lives since 1982; Whereas the achievements of the scientific and aerospace communities in developing weather satellites have contributed significantly to the United States leadership in satellite technology, international cooperation in space, and an integrated global weather forecasting system; Whereas television and radio weather forecasters have made major contributions to public health, safety, and welfare through the use and general dissemination of weather satellite information; Whereas weather satellites have evolved into environmental satellites that also monitor snow and ice cover, frost damage, vegetation, forest fires, volcanic eruptions, sea surface temperatures, and ocean currents; Whereas environmental satellite data are used for research and for commercial purposes in meteorology, hydrology, agriculture, oceanography, forestry, and fisheries; Whereas the United States international prestige is enhanced by the direct dissemination of environmental satellite data to more than one hundred and twenty countries; Whereas the National Aeronautics and Space Administration has been the world leader in the development of experimental and prototypical weather and environmental satellites; and Whereas the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the Department of Commerce has demonstrated outstanding leadership in the management of operational weather and environmental satellite systems and programs: Now, therefore, be it

Aor 4 1985 £ — — ' [S.J. Res. 62]

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