National Oceanic and Atmospheric Authorization Act of 1995

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Title I: NOAA Atmospheric and Satellite Programs

Title II: NOAA Ocean and Coastal Programs

Title III: NOAA Marine Fishery Programs

Title IV: Program Administration and Support

Title V: Cost Savings and Streamlining

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Authorization Act of 1995 - Title I: NOAA Atmospheric and Satellite Programs - Authorizes appropriations for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for: (1) National Weather Service (NWS) operations and research; (2) public warning and forecast systems; (3) climate and air quality research; (4) atmospheric research; (5) satellite observing systems; and (6) environmental data management systems.

States that NWS shall be responsible for: (1) weather and storm warnings; and (2) collection and distribution of meteorological, hydrological, climatic, and oceanographic information, including hydrometeorological guidance and forecast information.

Authorizes the Administrator of NOAA to procure specified additional satellites.

Amends the Land Remote Sensing Act of 1992 to direct the Administrator to develop an operating plan for the Landsat 7 spacecraft and the processing and distribution of its data, including a related ground system. Authorizes appropriations.

Title II: NOAA Ocean and Coastal Programs - Authorizes NOAA appropriations for: (1) mapping, charting, and geodesy activities; (2) observation and assessment; and (3) ocean and Great Lakes research.

Amends Federal law to authorize appropriations for the national sea grant college program.

National Undersea Research Program Act of 1995 - Directs the Administrator to establish a National Undersea Research Program, which shall be conducted by regional centers. Authorizes appropriations.

Amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to authorize appropriations for: (1) management program development grants; (2) coastal water protection; (3) State coastal water protection programs; and (4) the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) for specified activities under the Act.

Title III: NOAA Marine Fishery Programs - Authorizes NOAA appropriations for fisheries: (1) information collection and analysis; (2) conservation and management; and (3) State and industry cooperative programs.

Authorizes the construction of fisheries research facilities at: (1) Fort Johnson, South Carolina; and (2) Auke Cape, Alaska.

Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to: (1) limit Fishing Vessel Obligation loan guarantees; (2) revise loan guarantee fees; and (3) temporarily prohibit new fishing vessel loan guarantees if vessel construction will increase harvesting capacity within the U.S. exclusive economic zone.

Title IV: Program Administration and Support - Authorizes NOAA appropriations for: (1) executive direction and administrative activities; (2) facilities' acquisition and operations; (3) marine services; and (4) aircraft services.

Provides for specified reductions in NOAA personnel. Authorizes appropriations for commissioned officers.

Title V: Cost Savings and Streamlining - Transfers NOAA aeronautical charting functions to the Federal Aviation Administration.

Directs the Secretary to develop plans for NOAA fleet reduction and laboratory consolidation.

Directs the Secretary to: (1) convey the National Marine Fisheries Service laboratory in Gloucester, Massachusetts, to Massachusetts; and (2) undertake clean-up activities in the Pribilof Islands, Alaska.

Directs the Secretary of the Navy to convey to the Secretary a portion of the Naval Base in Charleston, South Carolina.

Requires specified judgment amounts received in a NOAA-related accident to be deposited in the NOAA Operations, Research, and Facilities account.

Amends the Weather Service Modernization Act to require additional information and service evaluations to be made before closing or relocating weather service field offices in areas of geographic concern.